About Me

Born in Tonga and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, I am proud of both my Tongan and Māori-English heritage. My whakapapa traces back to a unique and significant lineage in New Zealand history — through George Cook, the son of William Cook from Plymouth, England, and Tiraha Eliza Cook, the adopted daughter of Chief Tāmati Wāka Nene of Russell, Bay of Islands, who later settled in Waikare.

Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te waka
Ko Nukutawhiti te tangata
Ko Rāhiri te tūpuna
Ko Kapowai te maunga
Ko Waikare te awa
Ko Te Aranga o te Pā Te Huihuinga te whare
Ko Te Kapotai te hapū
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi

My journey to becoming a Wedding and Funeral Celebrant came later in life. Approaching my 40s, I became self-employed in marketing and design, but despite the creativity and success, something was missing. A friend suggested I consider celebrancy, and once I explored what the role truly involved, I felt an immediate connection.

I was also fortunate to grow up surrounded by music and entertainment through my father, renowned Hawaiian steel guitarist and recording artist Bill Sevesi. Public speaking and MC work came naturally to me and became an added strength in my celebrancy career.

After completing my training and being interviewed by Births, Deaths and Marriages, I was officially appointed as a celebrant in late 2015 — and I have never looked back.

Why Choose Me?

Choosing a celebrant is deeply personal. Whether for a wedding or a funeral, I believe the connection people feel with me matters just as much as my experience and professionalism. My clients often say they feel reassured from our very first conversation because of my calm, organised, and compassionate approach.

Over the years, I’ve come to understand that celebrancy is truly an art — creating ceremonies that are meaningful, memorable, and authentic requires intuition, empathy, experience, and heart. Every service is unique, and I work closely with couples and families to ensure each ceremony reflects their story, values, and wishes.

I have always been people-focused, nurturing, and compassionate. The greatest reward for me is witnessing the joy, love, peace, relief, and connection that these important moments bring. Whether celebrating love or honouring a life, I am committed to delivering a heartfelt and professional service every time.