Funeral Celebrants

I am a celebrant who leads with warmth and care, and I treat every family I work with as if they were my own. I take the time to truly understand the person at the heart of each service and the people who love them, ensuring they feel supported, heard, and gently guided every step of the way. My approach is deeply personal — no two services are ever the same — because every life deserves to be reflected in a way that feels real, meaningful, and true. I’m known for creating a space where people feel comfortable, where stories are told naturally, and where the “right words” seem to find their place. My role is not just to lead the service, but to make sure it feels completely true to the person being honoured — so families leave feeling it was exactly as it should have been.

Choosing the right funeral celebrant matters, because every life deserves to be acknowledged, honoured, and celebrated in a way that feels genuine and personal. Families often tell me they felt calm, supported, and in safe hands from our very first conversation and that is exactly the experience I strive to create.

My art is putting people at ease from the outset. I gently guide families through what can feel overwhelming, bringing calm, clarity, and structure, while ensuring the celebration reflects your loved one and your expectations.

I work closely with you to create a meaningful, personalised farewell that captures personality, values, and the essence of your loved one. My approach is warm, respectful, and non-judgemental, professionally leading the flow and vibe so you can focus on remembering and being present. I hold a Diploma in Celebrant Studies and have been supporting Taranaki families since 2009. It is both my honour and privilege to help create a farewell where every life is truly celebrated.

Celebrant Phone: 027 244 6517
Email: beverleymclean2@gmail.com

My role is to make sure that everyone in your family and community will be honoured by creating a cherished time where love and friendship, life and death will be celebrated. It is a privilege and honour to work alongside families during this significant time. I can ensure highly professional, respectful and empathetic services with a delicate blend of sensitivity, confidence and compassion for the family while I support you to farewell your loved one.

When I first stepped into the world of being a funeral celebrant, I thought I understood grief. I had already faced the heartbreak of losing my brother in a car accident, and our first grandson shortly after he was born. Those losses shaped me, but nothing quite prepares you for every chapter that follows.

In November 2025, I lost the first man I ever truly loved, my dad.

I had the honour of officiating his funeral, and to this day, it’s the toughest one I’ve ever done. Standing there, holding it together while saying goodbye to my own person.  I genuinely thought, “That’s it. I can’t do this again.”

But something shifted.

Through the messages, the hugs, and the quiet words from families I’d supported, I realised just how much this role matters. How a farewell, when done right, can gently hold people in their grief and give them something to carry forward.

That’s when I knew 🥺 I had to keep going.

Now, I understand on a whole different level how important a funeral is. It’s not just a service… it’s a moment that helps people begin to make sense of loss. And I’m here for all of it. The hard bits, the laughter through tears, the stories that need to be told.

I’ll walk alongside you, guide you, and help create something that truly reflects your person.

Because this isn’t just a job to me. It’s a privilege.

Choosing me, Anna Richardson, as your funeral celebrant means entrusting this important moment to someone who brings genuine empathy, a calm presence, and the ability to truly listen.

I work closely with families to create ceremonies that feel personal, grounded, and reflective of the life being honoured. Taking the time to understand what matters most, and shaping a farewell that feels right for you.

With over 15 years experience as a local radio host, I’ve developed a natural ability to listen deeply and communicate with clarity and care. This allows me to gently guide each service while holding space for emotion, reflection, and connection.

Being part of the local community, and working regularly alongside funeral homes in the region, means families can feel reassured they are in experienced and trusted hands.

With me, you can be confident the farewell will be led with warmth, respect, and a steady, thoughtful presence.

Funerals hold a meaningful place in our lives—they are a time to honour, remember, and celebrate a loved one’s journey.

With 12 years’ experience as a celebrant, I specialise in creating personalised services delivered with compassion and respect, giving you the time and space you need. My background in event planning and human resources, along with my own life experience, allows me to bring an open-minded and culturally sensitive approach to every ceremony.

I understand that every life is unique. I help families find the right words, honour their loved one’s wishes, and create a service that reflects their story. Together, we’ll celebrate their life with a ceremony that is personal, uplifting, and filled with love.

I have experienced the loss of a loved one and know how difficult this journey can be!

Hello I’m Margaret and here to help you in your time of need. I’m Taranaki born and bred, originally from Hawera and moving to New Plymouth in 1996. I became a Celebrant in 2014 after having completed a course in “Celebrant Studies”, and what a privilege it has been.

Having spent fourteen years living in various countries throughout the world, I couldn’t think of a better province to return to, and call home. New Plymouth has a vibrancy about it which I enjoy. I love people, and am a good listener and communicator. You can be assured of a caring, warm, professional service, as I will do my best to ensure the path through this difficult time is made as smooth as possible for you and your loved ones. “Sometimes you will never know the value of the moment until it becomes a memory (Dr Suess).