AROHA BY AVA
AUCKLAND CELEBRANT
He kōrero, he taonga
Stories are treasures
ABOUT ME
Kia ora,
Ko Ava tōku ingoa - I'm Ava, a celebrant who specialises in modern wedding and funeral ceremonies, offering personalised options to create heartful experiences that honour love, life and legacy.
My journey as a celebrant began when close friends asked me to officiate their wedding. As a scriptwriter, I realised ceremonies are a form of storytelling - except this time, the story was theirs. They may have also recognised my eye for detail and a (slight) tendency toward perfectionism .- while still having a laugh and keeping things light hearted.
Around the same time, I lost my best mate to cancer. That experience brought me back to the teachings I learned on my marae (traditional meeting place) around tangihanga (funeral protocols), reconnecting me with the deep cultural roots that shape how I honour life and loss.
I’m proud to be Māori, and this is an inclusive space where all cultures and stories are welcome. We can weave elements of my culture into your ceremony, and you’re invited to bring your own traditions. Whether we’re celebrating love or honouring a life, it’s your moment — and we’ll do it your way.
Storytelling is my passion, and it would be an honour to help you tell yours.
Nau mai, haere mai. Welcome.
