The Seeds of Hope Ceremony acknowledges the losses connected with infertility - embryo loss, childlessness and secondary infertility and also acknowledges pregnancy, baby loss and loss of dreams. The ceremony has been designed to be inclusive of all those wishing to attend and to, assist in the healing process and provide hope for the future.

There will be an invitation to take part in the ceremony, but in a very private manner, and only if you feel comfortable to do so.  This invitation will be to remember your losses, so it is important to note that there is no sharing as a group.  The public nature of the ceremony is to provide a feeling of strength and togetherness gained by those around you and provide a reminder that you are not alone on your journey.

The public ceremonies began in Wellington over 20 years ago when Winnie, and Margaret Stanley-Hunt, as Counsellors at Fertility Associates Wellington, became aware of the value of ceremony to support people in their varied infertility journeys. Over time, the ceremonies evolved. In 2019, Winnie and Keeley met to reignite and adapt the ceremony to be available in Auckland and Wellington, covering the wide range of infertility experiences.

If you would like to receive more information regarding these events, or RSVP, please contact Winnie Duggan, Celebrant for the Wellington Ceremony, by email - winnie@lifecelebrant.co.nz or Keeley Jenkins, Celebrant for the Auckland Ceremony, by email - kjcelebrant@gmail.com.

Both ceremonies are being held on Saturday the 28th of October from 2.00 pm to 3:30 pm. These events are free of charge, and light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ceremony.

• Auckland Venue: Anglican Church of St Columba & Community Centre, 92 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland.

• Wellington Venue: Johnsonville Uniting Church, 18 Dr Taylor Terrace, Johnsonville.

When attending the Seeds of Hope Public Ceremony, please feel free to bring a support person with you, be it your partner, family member or friend.  Due to the nature of this ceremony, this event is unsuitable for children to attend.