Joanne Martin - Celebrant

I had the privilege of officiating a service in Thames today chapel. Such a well thought out funeral venue, the perfect central place for family and friends to gather to say their goodbyes. Thanks for having me. Go well MB.

Throwback to this gorgeous elopement on Wharekaho beach. ck to

Is the idea of organising a wedding just a little too much? Lets chat! I offer a no fuss option especially for couples who’d prefer something intimate and simple. Last minute idea? Spontaneous? No problem! Lets go!

I’m often asked how I would describe myself. I’ve always found this a difficult question to answer, but here’s what previous couples and families have said… if I sound like the right fit for you, I’d love to hear from you.

Warm fuzzies when folks take the time to write a little review. It really is a privilege to be there for people in their time of need.

A privilege today to officiate the funeral of our next door neighbour. Go well to that fishing hole in the sky.

Seeking expressions of interest. As we don’t currently have the option of Registry Weddings in Whitianga, I’m looking to offer locals my No-Fuss wedding ceremony one morning each month over the winter for couples wishing to marry without having to plan a big event. Does this interest you? Message me here or email me [email protected] for further info. Let’s get ya married!

It was my privilege today to officiate the life celebration of a wonderful woman. Take a sad song and make it better… Go well JM.

Have you required my services recently? Would you recommend me to others? I’d love to know your thoughts to pass on to future couples and families

Funerals & Life Celebrations - I’m here to stand by you and guide you through the process, including writing your loved ones Eulogy and helping you to plan the most fitting send off for them.

Have you checked out my website yet?

About Me — Celebrant Joanne I’m not quite Whitianga born and bred but fairly close.I moved to Whitianga aged eight and aside from a few years living in the Bay of Plenty, Whitianga has always been my home.I have been married to my husband since 2003, and together we have three kids (one has already left the nest), and two fu...

Mothers Day is a day of reflection for some folks. We see you xx

And that’s a wrap for the 2023/24 season. Today’s couple came all the way from Canada and braved the elements for an intimate ceremony At Shakespeare’s reserve. Congratulations L & D thanks so much for having me.

I’ve had a massive day today farewelling two well loved men. I attended one service in the morning and officiated another in the afternoon. Go well boys.

Even in the rain Orua is a fantastic venue. Congrats N & J thanks so much for having me!

I’ve finally done it! Check out my website - I’m no web designer but I gave it a red hot go.

Celebrant Joanne Joanne Martin Marriage and Funeral Celebrant Your easy going yet professional Celebrant right here in Whitianga on the Beautiful Coromandel Peninsula.For weddings, civil unions, vow renewals, along with non religious funerals and life celebrations - Whitianga, Hahei, Kuaotunu, Coromandel and beyond....

This season there haven’t been many rainy wedding ceremonies, but today was one of those days. A rainbow greeted me on my way back into to town as a reminder that even stormy days bring beauty. Congratulations N & J. Thanks so much for having me.

So popular, but one is a w**d - how to tell the difference …

Pesky Pampas grass is our pest plant of the month!

Pampas is endemic to South America and can be easily mistaken for our native toetoe (Austroderia toetoe). Pampas is a major pest in Aotearoa because it's very tolerant of a range of environmental conditions. It can establish quickly after fire or soil disturbance where there is bare soil and increased light levels.

😱 Pampas grass produces masses of wind-borne seed which can also be spread through soil movement, dumped vegetation, on animals, boots and sometimes water.
😱 It's also a fire risk, can harbour rats and possums, and can impede human access.
😱 Plus they can be very difficult to remove once they become large!

If you can reach the stems, cut and paste them with a double-strength glyphosate gel such as Bamboo Buster™. Leave cut foliage to rot but dispose of seed heads carefully (e.g. pushed down into the pampas bush, bagged and sent to a transfer station, or deposited in a w**d composting bag).

Here's how to tell pampas grass and toetoe apart:
🌱 Pampas flowerheads usually stand upright while toetoe flowerheads bend over.
🌱 If it’s flowering in March or April, it’s probably pampas, which flowers from late January.
🌱 Toetoe usually flowers from September to January (although there may still be flowerheads around in autumn).
🌱 The dead leaves of pampas collect at the base in spiral curls, like wood shavings - toetoe leaves don’t form these curls.
🌱 The leaves of pampas are dull and rough to touch - toetoe leaves are shiny green and smooth. If you tear crossways across a leaf, pampas is easily torn, while toetoe has veins visible between the midrib and margin of leaves (this is a good test as you can use it on young plants).

If you have any queries, contact us at [email protected]!

Pampas grass photo credit: Weedbusters New Zealand

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I love the Kuaotunu Hall as a venue, and I was back there again today. Congrats J & J thanks so much for having me.

If you or a member of your whanau is part of the rainbow community, please be assured I am accepting and accommodating to everyone :)

Not often I’m the Celebrant and a guest but yesterday was one of those special times when I was. A massive congratulations J & R what an epic afternoon and evening celebrating with you 🥰😘

Barefoot on the sand - what a gig! A cute elopement for these two earlier this month which I was privileged to be part of. It was arranged on a whim but boy was it a goodie! Too excited not to share this pic - Photo credit from

Another fantastic Coromandel local vendor to work with. LUSH Photography . Couples who marry here have so many wonderful options.