About Me

I was born in Tonga and my parents brought us to settle in Auckland, New Zealand when I was a toddler, however am proud to share my maori-english side too of which I am from a lineage that was supposedly the first half-caste in New Zealand. George Cook, the son of William Cook (from Plymouth, England) and Tiraha Eliza Cook (adopted daughter of Chief Tamati Waka Nene, from Russell Bay of Islands and settled in Waikare).

Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te waka, Ko Nukutawhiti te tangata, Ko Rahiri te tupuna, Ko Kapowai te maunga, Ko Waikare Te Awa, Ko Te Aranga o te Pa Te Huihuinga te whare, Ko Te Kapotai te hapu, Ko Ngapuhi te iwi.

Happily married to Reuben, live in a blended family of which I have two sons, 4 grandkids, a stepson and two cats. Outside being a Celebrant, I am a private driver / chauffeur; help drive Class 2 or Class 4 trucks and enjoy astronomy and stargazing, watch documentaries or playing Sequence!

So what led me to becoming a Wedding and Funeral Celebrant? As I approached my 40’s, I became self-employed in marketing and design but it still was not fulfilling. Only until a friend suggested I should become a Celebrant, I got curious as to what the role entailed. I also grew up in the Entertainment industry of music, being around my father the hawaiian steel guitarist and recording artist, Bill Sevesi. MC’ing for me became an added bonus.

After research and training and then interviewed by Births Deaths Marriages, I was accepted and appointed in late 2015. I have never looked back since.

Why Choose Me?

I guess it all comes down to whether couples for Weddings, or families for Funerals connect with me, not just what is said on paper or on a website. People will know straight away, how organised and professional I am, as they become immediately reassured.

What I have learnt is that Celebrancy is a true art, when it comes to creating a meaningful and memorable Wedding or Funeral, that comes from skills, experience and intuition. You are an established member of the community and flexibility is a priority when committing to Funerals especially.

I have always been people orientated, compassionate, a heart for nurturing others and the rewards for me is seeing the joy, peace, relief, love, fun - all the mixed emotions that come with either services but most importantly, delivering a professional service every time.