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Celebrant-BOP

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Celebrant-BOP

A Celebrant for all occasions. Weddings,Civil Unions, Funerals,Divorces, Rites of Passage and Special Occasions
Specialising in non religious Ceremonies

Celebrant-BOP

Martin Elliott

• WEDDING CELEBRANT
CIVIL UNION CELEBRANT
FUNERAL CELEBRANT
DIVORCE CELEBRANT
NAMING CELEBRANT
RITE OF PASSAGE CELEBRANT
SPECIAL OCCASIONS CELEBRANT

Introduction
In every civilization, culture and society since the beginning of Time there have been ceremonies to acknowledge and celebrate important events and Rites of Passage; ceremonies define who we are a

s a people. Many ceremonies revolve around Deities (Gods) and religion, while many others have evolved from the pagan celebrations of our ancestors. Today many people seek to celebrate events and Rites of Passage without a religious focus, but they cannot access people to assist and lead them on such occasions. People who do not have a Faith or who do not have a Church affiliation are often unable to celebrate key family events as there appears to be no alternatives. Martin Elliott believes that Ceremonies are important. They mark who we are as a Society and what we consider to be important milestones or Rites of Passage. Martin believes that these traditions are vital in our rapidly changing world as they represent the values which are our foundation stones, the things we hold on to, when all else is in a state of change. To overcome the lack of alternative ceremonies Martin Elliott of “CELEBRANT-BOP" has developed a range of non religious ceremonies to allow ordinary kiwis to formalize and celebrate, key events in the lives of their family members. There is an alternative to Religious or Church orientated ceremonies!. Martin Elliott - FUNERAL CELEBRANT
Death is a fact of life: just as we were all born, so we are all destined to die. Funeral services can be hugely traumatic for those of us who live on, and finding the right person to guide and lead a funeral is absolutely essential to the grieving process. Martin can create a non religious funeral service with the family, so that the service reflects the values of the family, and honours and respects the memory of the loved one who has passed away. Martin will then lead the funeral ceremony, including a ceremony for internment or cremation as requested. Martin can create an Eulogy or assist family and friends to speak at the funeral. Martin Elliott - NAMING CELEBRANT
For people with religious or church affiliations having a baby baptisted and christened is part of having a Faith. However; Martin will develop Naming Ceremonies for families who do not belong to a church but want to have a semi formal or formal ceremony to name their baby. Such ceremonies can involve whole families, especially parents, siblings and grandparents and recognises that each new born; is born into a family. The naming of “God Parents” called “Life Mentors” by Martin, is also possible. A Naming Ceremony is unique to each occasion. Martin Elliott - RITE OF PASSAGE CELEBRANT
In many societies there are key ages when families celebrate a Rite of Passage. In the Hebrew faith a bar mitzvah is held to celebrate the transition of a young person from childhood to adulthood.( 12 years of age for girls and 13 years of age for boys) Martin will create a non religious ceremony for a family so that they can mark the transition into adulthood of their sons and daughters . A Ceremony with formality, dignity and a sense of compassion and fun! There are families, who would like a formal ceremony with family and friends in attendance, to celebrate the coming of age of their young adults as they turn 21. Martin can create a non religious ceremony to mark this special :coming of age” that can be held before or during a family dinner or party. At key birthdates as we age, families acknowledge important milestones; especially in the latter years. Celebrating Granddads 75th birthday with a formal celebration of his life can be a very warm and emotional occasion. Why do we eulogise someone when they have died? Why not celebrate their lifetime achievements when they are alive! Martin can create such a ceremony with family involvement, and then lead the ceremony. In all these ceremonies the key to its success is the involvement of as many family members as possible to help create the ceremony. Some of the special features of Martin Elliott’s ceremonies which people can choose to avail themselves of include:
• the use of a power point presentation to give an audio visual presentation of the life of those involved,
• filming of the ceremony as a permanent record of the event, and to send to people unable to attend the Ceremony. This means that all the family/friends are in the pictures not lost behind the camera.
• the creation of very special and unique Certificates to acknowledge each individual who attends the ceremony. Martin Elliott - SPECIAL EVENTS CELEBRANT
Martin Elliott will also MC: special events, seminars, conferences, prize giving's, award evenings, opening of buildings, et al. Such events can often be hugely stressful to people who do not like speaking in public or who do not have the ability or inclination to manage large numbers of people. 35 years of public speaking means Martin Elliott can take this load off the organizing committee and ensure a professional presentation on the day and an enjoyable occasion for the organizers. Contacts
Martin Elliott can be contacted at:
2 Carrington Drive
Papamoa Beach,
Papamoa

Phone: 0212 458 489
EMAIL: [email protected]

23/06/2024

YOUTH CRIME ON THE INCREASE!!!
When we hear about Youth crime on the increase it annoys me because in actual fact many of todays youth are multi- talented, well behaved, and considerate people. They are young people that families, schools and our community should be proud of. Rather than this blanket criticism of our Youth why not drill down and isolate where the real issue of offending is occurring.

Are the offending young people:
Male or female,
do they have gang affiliations,
when offending are they on methamphetamines',
what are the racial characteristics of our youth offenders,
are there issues of truancy or unemployment involved,
do they come from families of deprivation and poor housing.

I ask the question: "How many Asian-NZ young people have appeared before the courts in 2024 for aggravated robbery or violence". If I was an Indian Kiwi parent with a 15 year old daughter I would be thinking "what are you people talking about?". I cant remember the last time a Japanese kiwi kid was in the news for anti social behaviour.

We should also add in a locality factor. Take Auckland out of the equation and what is the state of violent crime by youth across the rest of New Zealand. Take for example Tauranga; are our Youth offending statistics out of control - and who are our youth offenders?

If New Zealand wants to get serious about reducing Youth Offending then we need to understand the problem better and be less emotive. Target the problem areas and at the same time acknowledge the thousands of young people in our communities who we should be very proud of. Its easier for a teenager to get media attention for doing something wrong than it is through positive achievement.

YOUR THOUGHTS

13/06/2024

REFLECTIONS OF A GERIATRIC
So today I turn 72, my age and IQ are the same and my weight 50% more!!!.
In a serious moment I share these reflections on the past 72 years.
1. I am so lucky to be a New Zealander. I can think of no other country that I would rather be in. Yes we have our issues and problems but compared to the other 201 countries in the world I live in paradise
2. The last 72 years have been a unique slice of time. Go back 80 years and it was WW11, go back 90 years and its a world depression. Go back further and disease and hunger were common place
3. You cant choose your parents but If I could have I couldnt have chosen better. We werent the richest family around but my parents were intelligent, kind and incredibly supportive. .
4. The one life skill I really value is a sense of humour. The ability to see the funny side of life, because there is so much sh*te out there that if you dont laugh you would cry. Of course having the ability to laugh at my own stupidity counts for a lot
5. and lastly having a life surrounded by many true friends. People who have shared my journey, who stood with me through good times and bad. Together we made the world a better place
6. And lastly lastly - a special woman who was a rock in times of adversity and hurt, and who shared the huge number of good times. It helps when you have someone to share the journey

To finish this epistle I have the same birthdate as Donald Trump - 14th June altho he is MUCH older than me. Next year my birthday will be June 13th!!

The Geriatric

09/06/2024

GETTING MARRIED IN 2024
Getting married has never been easier, nor as inexpensive. Couples no longer need to pay thousands of dollars to get married - a simple Registry style Ceremony can get you married for $240. You pay $150 to go on line at Births Deaths and Marriages and arrange the documents. Its pretty standard that BDM can get the marriage documents emailed to the Celebrant within 7 working days!!!

Then for another $90; Martin@Celebrant-bop can perform the ceremony.

These days you can get married wherever we agree. The funniest location was in a Milking shed with 10 people and 100 cows present. The cows couldnt sign as witnesses as they couldnt hold the pen lol lol lol

You need $90 on the day, two witnesses and photo ID of each of the happy couple, like a Drivers License or Passport.

When couples get married like this they often have a BBQ or go out for lunch or an evening meal.

Just think. The $20,000 you save buys a new car, pays the deposit on a house or a trip overseas.

Call Marty@celebrant-bop and I will talk you through the process

28/05/2024

KEG AND CHAIRS FOR SALE
Sadly we have to sell our Wine Keg and Two chairs as they don't fit into our new house/Gazebo.
The keg is a wine or sherry Keg and before you ask the keg is empty.
Excellent condition.
Two chairs with the appropriate height for the height of the Keg.
A great addition for drinkies in the afternoon. A bit of sophistication and class. Well it is until you fall off your chair poo faced.
$500 is the price set by the chancellor of the Exchequer

Contact me

16/05/2024

WINTER AND OUR PETS
With the weather deteriorating and the onset of cold wet days and nights, it is timely that I remind Pet Owners of their responsibilities to their pets. Like we humans, dogs and cats need warmth and shelter. As Pets age and develop ailments or physical infirmity they need extra care and support - again just like us.

In my role as a Celebrant with a special interest in Pets refer to Pets In Pets in Peace I see and hear far too many examples of Pets being neglected. Its bad enough that they are not provided with adequate food and water but the deprivation of shelter and warmth makes me really wonder why some people have Pets.

Love and human companionship are just as important as Food, Water, Shelter and Warmth.

I specialise in assisting families when their Pet passes away. I am a Pet Funeral Director. I will come to your place, pick up your pet, arrange for cremation, and return your Pets ashes in an Urn of your choosing.

Lets hope in these winter months you dont need my assistance to give your Pet the RESPECT it deserves

Martin@ celebrant-bop.com

04/04/2024

ANZAC DAY 2024

13/03/2024

NAMING CEREMONY – THE BIRTH OF A CHILD
Congratulations on the birth of your child. Whether its your first child or the latest sibling in your family, it is a very special and exciting event.

Every new baby is named - your baby has to be registered with Births Deaths and Marriages in Wellington within 14 days of being born. In the 21st century there are still a number of families that have their baby christened in their church; and families of different cultures will have their baby named according to the custom and practice of their culture.
However with a decline in the number of families attending a church the question arises.

“What Right of Passage or Ceremony is there for your family to name your new born? Is there a way to bring family and friends together to celebrate the life of our new born and honour your baby with a name.?”
THE ANSWER IS YES - You can hold a NAMING CEREMONY
A Naming Ceremony is a simple informal non religious Ceremony whereby the Parents of a new born can bring together family and friends to celebrate the birth, and name their new born.

Martin Elliott of Celebrant-BoP is a Ceremony Specialist with 30 years experience as a Celebrant. He can work with you so that you can create a unique Naming Ceremony event for your Baby
A naming ceremony can be held wherever you choose. At your home, at a relatives house, at the beach or park, in a hall – there is no restriction on where you can hold a Naming Ceremony
There is no restriction on the day of the week or time either. You choose where, when and time that fits you and your gathering.
There is no limit to the number of guests. It can be a small close group of friends and family with less than 10 present or you can invite the extended family and network of friends.

The Ceremony itself can take 5-10 minutes or extend out to an hour; or even longer if you follow the ceremony with a meal and drinks. What you do, and what is said are your decisions with my guidance – but the final decisions are yours to make.
We encourage the Ceremony to be interactive and inclusive, with people involved in the Ceremony; so Parents, other siblings, Grand Parents, friends or community members can all speak.
What are the things you can do at a Naming Ceremony
• Name people to be Life Mentors (like God Parents)
• People can place an item in a time capsule
• Plant a Tree
• Reading of Poems
• Play music
• Release Balloons
• Create a Certificate with everyone present as witnesses
• In fact any thing you want to do that is special.

12/03/2024

Greetings to the wider community of New Shoots.
As a Grandfather of two grandsons who both attended New Shoots I have seen first hand the care and love given by this organisation.
As a Celebrant I specialise in a number of different ceremonies and this particular Ceremony might just interest you.

Martin

NAMING CEREMONY FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
In the 21st Century nearly half of the family units are blended or re constituted families. It is not uncommon for the family unit to have a Dad with his surname, and Mum with hers; and then a mixture of surnames with the children from different relationships.
CAN YOU CHANGE THE NAMES OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS?
Yes you can, but it involves a cost and following the regulations set out by Births Deaths and Marriages in Wellington. Briefly:
• Children aged over 18 can make the decision on whether to change their Surname and can apply for their name change themselves

• Children 16 -17 need the consent of both their natural parents/guardians (that includes when they are separated or divorced) and can apply for themselves

• Children under 16 need their Parents to apply for their name change

SO – WHAT WOULD A NAMING CEREMONY FOR A FAMILY LOOK LIKE?
Once you have followed the legal requirements of changing your name a Naming Ceremony can be whatever you want it to be.
If just one family member is changing their Surname then it can be a simple Ceremony.
If a number of family members including a Dad or Mum are changing their Surname then the Ceremony could be more complex. However central to the Ceremony would be the focus on bonding the family unit.
• Acknowledging the whakapapa or Lineage of the family including acknowledging Grand Parents
• Establishing the family in history – who are they, where did they come from, where is home?
• Identifying the wider family or Whanau – Uncles, Aunties, cousins and nephews
• Creating videos, photo montages family trees could all be part of your Naming Ceremony.
• Videoing the Naming Ceremony day itself and creating a photograph record of all who were present would be important.
If you would like to discuss a Naming Ceremony for your family contact me:
[email protected] or 0212 458 489

12/03/2024

APRIL 25TH 2024

11/03/2024

NAMING CEREMONY FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
In the 21st Century nearly half of the family units are blended or re constituted families. It is not uncommon for the family unit to have a Dad with his surname, and Mum with hers; and then a mixture of surnames with the children from different relationships.
CAN YOU CHANGE THE NAMES OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS?
Yes you can, but it involves a cost and following the regulations set out by Births Deaths and Marriages in Wellington. Briefly:
• Children aged over 18 can make the decision on whether to change their Surname and can apply for their name change themselves

• Children 16 -17 need the consent of both their natural parents/guardians (that includes when they are separated or divorced) and can apply for themselves

• Children under 16 need their Parents to apply for their name change

SO – WHAT WOULD A NAMING CEREMONY FOR A FAMILY LOOK LIKE?
Once you have followed the legal requirements of changing your name a Naming Ceremony can be whatever you want it to be.
If just one family member is changing their Surname then it can be a simple Ceremony.
If a number of family members including a Dad or Mum are changing their Surname then the Ceremony could be more complex. However central to the Ceremony would be the focus on bonding the family unit.
• Acknowledging the whakapapa or Lineage of the family including acknowledging Grand Parents
• Establishing the family in history – who are they, where did they come from, where is home?
• Identifying the wider family or Whanau – Uncles, Aunties, cousins and nephews
• Creating videos, photo montages family trees could all be part of your Naming Ceremony.
• Videoing the Naming Ceremony day itself and creating a photograph record of all who were present would be important.
If you would like to discuss a Naming Ceremony for your family contact me:
[email protected] or 0212 458 489

11/03/2024

NAMING CEREMONY FOR AN ADULT

Have you thought about a Naming Ceremony for yourself as an older adult?
When I was born I was never christened or baptized, as my parents were not religious. Back in those days the concept of a Naming Ceremony was unheard of, so effectively apart from being registered with Births Deaths and Marriages, my birth and my name was never celebrated.
Now in my 70s with children, grand children and a network of friends and relatives I am thinking seriously about having a Naming Ceremony so that my life and being is acknowledged and that my family who also have not been christened or baptized can celebrate their family links or whakapapa.

SO - WHAT WOULD A NAMING CEREMONY FOR AN OLDER ADULT LOOK LIKE?
Like a Naming Ceremony for a new born, it can be anything you like and can be as formal or as informal as you want it to be.
• Acknowledging your birth and your birth parents would be important. Telling the story of that special event. If your Parents are alive presenting them to the gathering.
• Detailing as best you can your heritage or whakapapa; so that you establish your place in history
• Identifying your wider family – your brothers, sisters, cousins et al
• Identifying your children and grandchildren
• Identifying special groups of friends

Effectively your Naming Ceremony becomes an ORAL HISTORY where the stories of your life are told. Some people might call it THIS IS YOUR LIFE.
Creating videos, photo montages family trees could all be part of your Naming Ceremony.
Videoing the Naming Ceremony day itself and creating a photograph record of all who were
present would be important.
If you would like to discuss a Naming Ceremony for you (or a member of your family) contact me:
[email protected] or 0212 458 489

08/02/2024

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT GETTING MARRIED OUT ON TAURANGA MOANA ON A BOAT????
We live in paradise but few people have given serious thought to getting married out on Tauranga Moana. As a Celebrant and Master of Ceremonies I can not only perform a Legal Marriage Service but also organise the whole event including cooking a BBQ. I can even hire the boat and appoint a Registered Master skipper to take us out in the harbour for 6 hours.
I will develop a proposal based on your needs and your budget

Contact [email protected] for more details

06/02/2024

Martin the Ceremony Specialist has developed a new initiative to help families when their pet passes away- called Pets on Peace!!
If your Pet dies contact Martin and I will come and pick up your Pet from your home, arrange for a cremation, perform a service for your Pet and bring the ashes back to you
Check out pets in peace!!!

03/11/2021

REGISTRY MARRIAGES
Over the last 2 months I have had the privilege of officiating at 7 Registry Marriages. For many couples they do not have the financial resources for a big expensive wedding. For some - they have been together for years, with families; others are young couples caught by Covid in New Zealand and unable to return to their homeland.

Regardless of the reason or circumstance I am pleased to be able to assist couples formalise their relationship. Its nice these days that couples don't have to line up at the Court House with people paying their parking fines or registering their dog. We can meet at the beach, in their back garden or at my place and have a simple but special Service to join these people together.

The financial saving is huge. $240 for the legal documents and my fee means their hard earned savings can be prioritised for a house, new car or their children's needs.

If you were thinking of getting married - give me a call and I can explain the process.

Nga Mihi

Martin

16/09/2021

REGISTRY WEDDINGS UNDER COVID LEVEL 3
If you live in the Bay of Plenty then you can now get married under Covid Level 3. The rules are very simple.
Apart from the Celebrant, the happy couple, and two witnesses you can have up to 5 more guests at the ceremony.(Total of 10 people).
Everyone must wear a face mask and observe social distancing rules.
The Registry Ceremony is very simple and the total cost is $250, which includes the documentation from BDM in Wellington. The couple have to do that part themselves and the documents are emailed to the Celebrant
The Ceremony can take place at your home, on the beach, in a park or a place of mutual convenience.
This morning I have received 3 requests from BDM to officiate at a Registry Ceremony, which means I am not far behind KFC and Maccers in the priority list as we move into level 3.
If you need to know more about the process ring me on 0212 458 489 or email me at [email protected]
Marty the Celebrant

16/09/2021

REGISTRY MARRIAGE NUMBER TWO - A SOUTH AMERICAN CONNECTION
On Friday afternoon at 5.00pm I married a second couple - a couple from South America; at the Papamoa Beach Lookout.
Since Covid hit last year I have officiated at 7-8 Ceremonies involving young South American couples who have been trapped in Aotearoa by Covid. The interesting thing is the in all the cases the young people are from different countries in South America and who have met on their travels.
This young couple were from Uruguay and Chile. I felt sorry for them that they were trapped half way across the world without family. We did however ZOOM the Service so that both sets of Parents could watch their kids get married from South America.
The other observation I have is that without exception; the young South Americans I have married since Covid have been very pleasant and polite young people. A credit to their families and their country. I am sure we in New Zealand are enriched by their presence as they are from living with us.
Before I started the Service I spoke to the Parents and told them we are caring for their kids and it was our privilege to marry them in Aotearoa. I hope in some small way the families we reassured by those few simple words.
[email protected]

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Papamoa
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