Meet John.
Your Christchurch Wedding Celebrant
Hi there, I’m John.
I’ve had the great pleasure of living a life less ordinary - and now, in this chapter, I’m honoured to help couples like you mark one of life’s greatest moments: your wedding day.
I’m a Christchurch wedding celebrant with a calm, thoughtful approach and a quiet sense of humour (the cheeky kind that sneaks up on you). My ceremonies are crafted with care, laughter, a little storytelling magic - and always with deep respect for what your commitment means.
A Life of Adventure, Grounded in Heart
Before I stood at the front of wedding aisles, I spent decades in the skies. I joined Air New Zealand in 1979 and retired in 2018 as a Captain on the Boeing 777 fleet. Flying taught me poise under pressure, attention to detail, and the importance of calm - all things I now bring to your wedding day.
But before all that? I was a Kiwi kid with Dutch roots. My parents arrived in New Zealand after surviving the unimaginable hardships of WWII. They came seeking peace - and gave us kids a life filled with opportunity. I was the first of five, and I’ve carried their values of integrity, discipline, and generosity with me ever since.
"When you love what you have, you have everything you need."
MORE THAN A CELEBRANT…
- A Curious Traveller, Father, and Giver
When I wasn’t in the cockpit, you’d find me deep in Rwanda’s forests with mountain gorillas, paddling Antarctic beaches with penguins, diving with great whites, or tramping through Aotearoa’s hidden gems like Stewart and the Chatham Islands. I’ve travelled to over 50 countries - always with an open heart, and a sense of wonder.
Closer to home, I’m a proud father and grandfather. My partner Melissa and I have been together nearly 20 years, and between us, we have four incredible daughters and six bright, bubbly, grandchildren.
Community means everything to me. I’ve been a Justice of the Peace in Christchurch for over 25 years, and I’ve supported many causes close to my heart, including the Christchurch Charity Hospital and medical research. In 2017, I co-founded the Pauwels Flying Scholarship, helping young people follow their dreams of becoming pilots - especially those who might not otherwise get the chance.
Why I Became a Celebrant
When I retired from flying, I knew I wasn’t finished serving others - I just needed to find a new runway. Becoming a celebrant has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
There’s something incredibly special about guiding two people through a moment as personal and powerful as a wedding ceremony. I don’t take that lightly. Whether you want a small, simple ceremony or a big celebration with all the bells and bagpipes, I’ll help shape the day in a way that’s true to you.
We’ll laugh, maybe cry a little, and most importantly - make it all feel relaxed, joyful, and completely yours.
Giving Back
Where It Counts
A portion of every ceremony fee - $300, to be exact - is donated to a Christchurch-based charity of your choice.
It’s a way for your love to ripple outward into the community. Past recipients include local medical research teams, community outreach programmes, and organisations doing good in quiet, powerful ways.
Outside of Ceremonies…
If I’m not meeting a lovely couple over coffee, you’ll probably find me on a mountain bike in the Port Hills, jogging around Hagley Park, or enjoying a flat white with the paper (yes I still like to read it), at a local café.
Life’s too short not to savour the little things, don’t you think?
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re dreaming of a vineyard wedding, an elopement under the trees, or a second-chance love story, I’d be honoured to be part of it.
Let’s meet, have a yarn, and see if we’re a good fit.