MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING | MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS
Melanie Kerr
ENCOURAGER-
15 Years as a funeral celebrant has seen Melanie walking alongside hundreds of grieving families and guiding thousands of
broken hearts through the funeral process. It is beautiful, soulful work. In equal parts heart- breaking and life affirming.
She needs to be dextrous and strong, all the while, maintaining a tender heart and a deep connection to the families she serves. How does she sustain herself and stay available in this unique and emotional vocation?
Melanie does this in large part through her commitment to Fierce Grace, Aggressive Positivity, the Relentless Pursuit of Beauty. All the while walking in Truth and Integrity.
The lessons that Death has taught Melanie about living, can be applied to all aspects of life. Let her share with you the strategies that she has adopted to protect her heart and grow her resilience
for whatever tomorrow may hold.
Keynote Topics
Melanie believes in the power of the spoken word to affect change. She respects her audience and tailors her conversations accordingly.
Let Melanie create the perfect conversation for your audience, here are some examples.
• Aggressive positivity. Navigating the unimaginable without losing sight of beauty.
Positivity is a muscle that must be exercised. Things are what you tell yourself they are. What is your narrative? Training yourself to see life through a positive lens.
• Renew your appreciation of Life: What death has taught me about life:
Death is fair only in its unfairness. Death waits for all of us, how will you stay inspired and connected when things sometimes seem pointless and uninspiring. Drawing from her experiences as a funeral celebrant Melanie inspires a renewed appreciation for life.
• Everybody’s heart breaks the same; The real reason we need to be inclusive:
From gang member to grandmother, politician to publican Melanie has stood at the graveside alongside people from all walks of life. Everyone has their cross to bear and we are all muddling our way through this life as best we can. How can we hold space for those who are different? By focusing on the ways in which we are the same.
• The relentless Pursuit of Beauty: Harnessing the power of beauty to avoid burnout and reduce stress.
Recognising the power of beauty to affect positive change in all aspects of your life. Growing your ability to seek beauty, to see beauty and to share beauty.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Staying buoyant;
Sharing lessons from her diverse life experiences, to help audiences navigate change and adversity and stay afloat in this challenging world.
• Community and Connection: Maintaining meaningful connection in a world where we are simultaneously more connected and more disconnected than ever before.
Emphasising the importance of community, connection, and spreading joy. Melanie lived for 5 years in the West Australian Outback. The neighbours were 60 kms away and yet in many ways more connected than people living in the city. Melanie helps you seek and maintain meaningful connection with others.
• Public speaking coach:
With over 25 years of experience in TV, radio and public speaking, Melanie knows how to deliver a message. Let her share what she knows with you. One-on-one coaching or group sessions
available.
• Personal Presentation, Growth and Development:
Encouraging confidence and growth through personal presentation - encouraging you to put your best face forward and be the best you can be when it matters most.
Melanie was for 7 years, the effervescent advertorial host on TVNZ’s Good Morning Show, beaming into thousands of homes every weekday morning. As one of the country's most accomplished and respected Marriage and Funeral Celebrants. Melanie is an experienced and professional communicator. Her polished delivery, built upon years in broadcasting, includes radio and television presenting, modelling, voice work, keynote speaking and live MCing.
Melanie grew up in Taneatua and Ruatoki, she retains a love of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, her Turangawaewae.
She lives in Dunedin where she and her family are restoring a 100-year-old home.
Melanie has lived in the outback of Western Australia where she worked as a Gold Miner, truck driver, and helped run a 1.3-
million-acre cattle station. She was Puppy Development Manager for Guide Dog Services, a Polo Groom, a Model, and an International Flight Attendant for Air NZ. Melanie’s career has been varied, to say the least!
Melanie is proud to have worked alongside these clients.
Otago Chamber of Commerce - NZ Wheelchair Rugby - Paralympics New
Zealand - Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust - NZ Baking Industry
Association - Auckland Fine Food Show - Otago Medical Research
Foundation - Sweet Louise Charity - NZ Riding for the Disabled - Registered
Master Builders Association - Bay of Plenty Hospice - New World - Otago
Cricket Association - Himalayan Trust - St John Ambulance - North
Harbour Rugby - K9 Medical Detection New Zealand - Site Weld NZ - NZ
Thoroughbred Racing - Kurow Racing Club - Otago Racing Club-Sport Otago
Melanie loves people. She gives freely of herself and in turn, brings out the best in those around her. Her warm, engaging personality, along with her sincerity, and a cheeky sense of humour, make Melanie approachable and well-liked by folk from all walks of life.
Melanie brings warmth, humour and a touch of glamour to whatever she turns her hand to.
Book Melanie Kerr for your next event and embark on a journey that will leave your audience,
ENCOURAGED – ENERGISED - and with a RENEWED
APPRECIATION OF LIFE.
