Though born and raised in the Hutt City suburb of Petone, I proudly identify as a Hamiltonian, the city I have called home since 2003.
Some would say I am one of New Zealand's most successful female comedians. I began my performance career as a poet. Moving from spoken word to stand-up in 1994, I broke into the big time as a new face on television’s Pulp Comedy in 1997. Making a wise decision to ditch Wellington – along with my hyphen and surname. As the newly rebranded Jan Maree, I hitched a ride on the Intercity bus to Auckland, set up home in the artsy (and then very cheap) suburb of Grey Lynn and started making a name for myself on the burgeoning Kiwi comedy scene.
I moved swiftly on to win the Billy T award in 2001, and accolades since include taking both the New Zealand Comedy Guild President’s Medal and New Zealand Comedy Festival Trust’s Best Show gong in 2009, and in 2011 she won the Fred Award, becoming the first female comedian to receive the NZ International Comedy Festival's supreme award.
In 2002, while on a nationwide tour with Aussie legends Puppetry of The P***s I scored a full time job as a breakfast radio host with Mediaworks in Hamilton. Everyone said my comedy career was over.
While radio was not a fit, Hamilton was. Working hard to diversify my comedy business in order to stay in the river city, I began a touring company and became something of an icon at Hamilton East watering hole The Cook, hosting the monthly comedy showcase for a whopping ten and a half years. The landmark comedy night continued for twelve years, making it New Zealand’s longest running pub gig. Rebranded under new ownership, comedy continues at the venue to this day.
After 21 years spent harvesting LOLs the comedy brand of Jan Maree hung up the microphone in 2015; I took back my hyphen and last name – trading the spotlight to pursue new bliss. I now happily work a day job for Parliamentary Service, while working the land with my amazing partner Bruce, at home on Rāhui Farm on the west side of the Waikato.
This life-change allowed me to seriously pursue my long-held dream to become a celebrant.
Many years ago, my very good friend the late Ewen Gilmour became a celebrant. It was a job he enjoyed so much - Ewie was a real believer in love. In many ways I think that was a core value which was the glue of our friendship. He had always told me that I would make a great celebrant and heck, I often had friends and fans contact me and ask me if I would marry them. Sadly, time after time I had to decline. In running my own business I didn’t have the time to commit to being the best, most attentive celebrant that I believe any couple deserves in order to feel ready, relaxed and positive on their big day.
In 2017 my friends Lani and Leigh asked me to marry them. Well, if I am honest it was more a case of the girls saying to me, “Get your bum into gear and get appointed as a celebrant because we can’t imagine anyone else marrying us.” They even brought round the application guide!!! The request seemed to attract more requests from other friends, and from whanau. Everything happens for a reason and I knew I had no excuse.
I was so pleased to receive the Registrar’s letter confirming my appointment, I cried! I am proud to be an independent marriage and civil union celebrant, and I am excited to bring All the Love to ceremonies for many years to come.
