TAIKA BROOKS

CELEBRANT & MC

Kia Ora! I’m Taika, a Māori boy born and bred under the shadow of maunga (mountain) Taranaki, and on the great awa (river) Whanganui. 

E rere kau mai te awa nui nei. Mai I te kāhui maunga ki Tangaroa, ko au te awa ko te awa ko au.“The river flows from the mountains to the sea, I am the river the river is me”

Growing up on the coast surrounded by family and my culture I was lucky to gain a vast knowledge of Te Ao Māori (The Māori world), which prepared me for the professional world.

I moved to the beautiful Queenstown region in 2008 for work, but became hooked on the amazing scenery, the mountains, the remoteness and the people. Working in the adventure tourism and hospitality industry for sixteen years taught me a lot about manaakitanga (hospitality & care) and how to really meet the diverse needs of different people.

Public speaking has always been a strength of mine, which includes formal speeches & welcomes in both english and Te Reo. I became a wedding celebrant to put my skills to good use and also offer couples an opportunity to incorporate a little bit of Māori culture into their “big day”. Not only am I able to authentically weave some of my culture it into your ceremony, but I can also help you connect to this whenua (land) regardless of where you live or where you come from.

I’m looking forward to connecting with you and creating some wedding memories for you which last a lifetime.