Death is a part of life - meet Fern our local Funeral Celebrant

Ko Aoraki te mauka. Ko Waitaki te awa. Ko Kāi Tahu whānui te iwi.

Ko Moeraki te ūkaipō. Ko Fern Whitau ahau.

My mountain is Aoraki, my river is the Waitaki, my tribe is Kāi Tahu. Moeraki is where my heart is, my name is Fern Whitau.

Kia ora.

Because death is a part of life, planning a funeral/life-celebration/final farewell comes to many of us. I am a funeral celebrant dedicated to helping smooth the way for whānau and loved ones, at what can be a difficult and stressful time. I absolutely appreciate how very privileged I am to share the most intimate moments, the love, the joy, the sadness and the grief with the people who come to me.

Fern Whitau, New Brighton Funeral Celebrant

I also embrace the opportunity to share my passion for te reo Māori. The Māori language is a valuable part of who we are as New Zealanders; it is appropriate and respectful to have  Māori names and concepts pronounced correctly on such an important occasion. As an intermediate reo speaker I can do that for you.

Together, we can create a ceremony that truly honours your loved one, capturing their unique personality and life. You have choices. Your loved one’s farewell can be intimate, big, fun, solemn, quirky, formal, hardcase, serious, inclusive, exclusive or all the above!

I work with you, and your funeral director or chosen crematorium representative, to ensure every little detail is as you want. I am here to listen, guide, support, coordinate and help you say goodbye.

I’m here when you need me.

P.S. I can also help ‘forward plan’ your own farewell so that you have the sendoff you want and your loved ones can relax (a bit) knowing we’re following your wishes.

Please get in touch: fernw1@outlook.com