Moon Stage
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Ben Warren
In this workshop Ben will point out the obvious and guide you to discover for yourself your true nature of Awareness. Giving you an understanding and experience of presence, being and the selfless silence that exists within us all.
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Haitch
Ancient techniques with modern applications, cool right?! Beneficial for people with medically diagnosed sleep disorders, Circular Breath is used to strengthen the upper air way muscles. Traditionally used in an array of world music instruments such as the traditional Yidaki, didgeridoo and other world flute, reed and brass instruments. This technique has been studied world wide and proves to be beneficial for sleep apnea, snoring and asthma. In this engaging chat we will demystify the technique, (used medically by both men and women), plus look at how YOU can start to strengthen your bronchial tract, build strength and reduce vibration. BYO water bottle and towel if you want to try!
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Jessica Browning
I am a professional harpist singer songwriter who makes music inspired by crossing the Pacific Ocean on our sailboat to arrive in New Zealand. I would lead participants in a sound journey/concert including my harp, voice, plant wave (a machine measuring the sound waves of plants), and synths. The music will take listeners into the deep space of their heart and into the waves of the cosmos.
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Rebel Heart
Ground, center, and move. This workshop blends nervous system restoration, yin yoga, and a 60-minute drum & bass ecstatic dance set for a deep somatic reset. Step into a space of self-discovery and embodied expression. This journey will guide you from stillness to dynamic movement, inviting you to reconnect with your body's divinity and embrace a transformative experience of grounding and centering.
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Kendrick Smith
Join us for a Guided RAIN Method Meditation workshop with Kenrick from Yarns with Rick. Start with calming breathing and a body scan, then explore RAIN: Recognise your emotions, Allow them to be, Investigate with curiosity, and Nurture with self-compassion. Experience mindfulness, process difficult emotions and develop self-compassion in a transformative session. This is a gentle approach to inner work. Open to all ages, no experience needed.
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Kiss the Earth
Join us for a mind and heart-opening Blue Lotus Ceremony—a sacred space to connect with the essence and vibration of the Blue Lotus Flower. We’ll begin by exploring the ancient history and spiritual significance of the Blue Lotus flower—its timeless connection to consciousness and the divine. From there, Nila will gently guide us into a meditation, inviting you to drop into stillness, presence, and the subtle magic of the plant. Sip the ceremonial tea, feel the subtle energy of the Blue Lotus awaken within you, and allow yourself to drop into calm and clarity. Matthew will be guiding the atmosphere through calming songs, creating a space of connection and peace. Please bring a cup, warm comfortable clothes, and an open mind and heart. Blue Lotus has been worshipped for over 7,000 years for her beauty, spiritual benefits, and ability to elevate consciousness. She reminds us to return to our centre, to slow down, and to remember. Kiss The Earth is a wellness and beauty brand inspired by the wisdom of sacred plants. We embrace the power of Blue Lotus in all its uses, from inner health to outer beauty. We believe that nature holds the power to heal and regenerate, which is why we use only the purest, natural and organic ingredients in our products, nourishing for the skin and the soul.
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Haitch Music
Experience sound with a healing focus on cellular level vibration. This human experience we share: Water is life, sound and vibration the sculptor of its cymatic form. Each of our cells are up to 60% water, ready to respond and realign to the vibrations of life. During this sonic offering, Haitch brings you deep earthy vibrations of the didgeridoo fused with original Solfeggio frequencies, ethereal world flutes and ancient vocals wound into a beautiful journey. Lie down, relax, reset and absorb the vibrations of sound waves. Special mention: The didge can only be played over the bodies of the first 15 attendees who secure their spot! Those people are requested to BYO towel. Remember to BYO mat, cusion, towel and an eye pillow or scarf + any other creature comforts you want for 111 minutes of laying down relaxing and receiving sound waves.
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Tomas Molinolo
An AcroYoga workshop typically focuses on teaching the fundamentals of AcroYoga, a practice that combines acrobatics, yoga, and partner work.
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Anatman
With a deep passion for ancient traditions and a profound understanding of the therapeutic properties of music and sound, Anatman has embarked on a transformative journey of crafting captivating sonic landscapes. His performance combines the rich heritage of traditional instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls and chimes, known for their healing vibrations, with recorded soundscapes that blend seamlessly with meticulously crafted harmonies, creating a unique symphony that invites listeners to explore the depths of their consciousness and connect with their inner selves. The fusion of modern technology with the wisdom of ancient sound traditions results in an experience that is both immersive and deeply meditative. Anatman's artistic mission is to offer a respite from the chaos of the modern world and provide a gateway to a higher state of consciousness through the power of harmonious vibrations that awaken the senses and nurture the soul.
Star Stage
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Emma Redgrove
Terra Soma Yoga exists at the confluence of hatha yoga, somatics and embodied nature connection. The intention of this practice is explore, embody and express movement from the experience of being in our physical bodies. It draws on inspiration from the wider body of the earth, and the undeniable universal truth that we are nature. This practice can, perhaps, provide a small antidote to the identity crisis yoga is having, and begin to build a sense of connection to something more. Leave your 'yoga pants' at the home, and come exactly as you are.
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Tish Mexted
Calling all women—daughters, maidens, mothers, crones and birth workers. Your voice is your medicine, deeply connected to your breath, body, and being. In this workshop, we’ll explore how breath and sound are free, powerful tools for healing and stepping into your creative power—especially in birth and throughout the many seasons of a woman’s life.
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Reuben O'Neill
An introduction to the art of freediving and mastering control over your breath. Learn the fundamentals of freediving physiology and the interplay between mind, body and performance. Explore the sensations of elevated CO2 within your body and push the limits of your breath hold ability.
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Kiran Patel
Connect deeper with your fellow festival go-er, learn & share stories with someone new! There's a certain type of joy when we hear someone's story, it allows for us to feel more connected, understood, less alone. It creates capacity for friendships, empathy & compassion. People often leave the workshop feeling, seen, heard, the warmth of connecting to our shared humanity.
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Nina Tollemache
This interactive 60-minute workshop explores the profound connection between the nervous system and well-being. The session begins with 30 minutes of engaging education on the role of the nervous system, covering autonomic regulation, somatic awareness, and vagus nerve activation.
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Camila Chicon
Explore what African rhythms give to us. Connect with your body, raise your energy level, feel the beat of mother earth, dance in community, be free and above all: celebrate life! We will explore the concepts of identity, creativity and authenticity through movement inspired by traditional West African rhythms.
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Vishal George
Pause. Breathe. Awaken.Pranayama, the ancient art and science of breath control, is a powerful practice that harmonises the mind, body, and energy within. Through intentional breathing techniques, you can unlock the natural flow of prana—your vital life force—bringing clarity, balance, and renewal. In this workshop, you’ll learn to guide your breath in a way that feels natural and nourishing to you. As you cultivate awareness and rhythm in your breathing, you’ll experience a deeper connection to yourself, unlocking energy and presence in every moment.Come breathe with us and discover the transformative power of pranayama.
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Marie Tamatea
History and uses today of essential oils, as well as practical tips on how to use them to enhance our health and wellbeing in everyday life. Create your own essential oil blend to take away ($10 pp)
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Paul Anthony
Hey guys, Paul here, I’ve got the sauna in Ōhope. I've been involved I'm men's mental health for the past 3 years, running groups, talking to men, workshops and wanaga. I will incorporate breathing techniques, nervous system reset techniques etc as part of it (qualified breathwork instructor).
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Jessica Henrard
There’s powerful impact of learning to regulate your nervous system from a non conscious novel. Heal, absorb, strengthen your mind body and nervous system to amplify your health & get to new levels of muscle control, strength & mobility instantly.
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Martina Giusto & Manami Komai
Inspired by Daoist and Yogic practices, this workshop will focus on bringing all layers of the self to a state of balance. By cultivating both the Yin and the Yang via gentle movement, breathwork, self-massage and meditation. We will walk our own middle path to find that sweet spot of perfect balance called harmony. Martina Giusto supports and inspires people in developing a steady, healing practice. Yoga has been part of her life for over a decade now, specialising in many branches of yoga like Ashtanga, Yin, Vinyasa Flow, Restorative and has also undertaken complementary courses in Trauma Informed, Yoga and Daoist Energetics and SMFR (Self Myo-fascial Release). She loves teaching and being able to share her passion for this wonderful practice. Manami Komai is a highly qualified experienced Massage Therapist and also a Yoga Instructor, Medical Herbalist & Naturopath. Currently, she is practicing traditional massage therapies such as Shiatsu, Tok Sen and Chi nei tsang alongside herbal medicine in North Shore, Auckland. She is also passionate about teaching self-massage techniques to support the patient’s healing journey.
Sun Stage
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Vanessa Edelsten
Journey with me to unwind, release and relax at SaunaFest with this one-hour immersive experience. We open our practice with simple breath practices and slow-flow meditative yoga to attune into the body, followed by a 35-minute Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation practice). You are invited to soften into your breath, deepen awareness of your physical form and peel back the layers of consciousness, while fostering a sense of grounding and stability. Yoga nidra is a deeply restorative practice that induces a state of conscious relaxation similar to meditation and can prompt healing on physical, emotional and spiritual levels. You are invited to lie down for this time so please bring suitable warm clothing, blankets, yoga mat and something to cover your eyes. By combining these ancient yogic practices with a focus on nature connection and grounding, you can expect to leave feeling rejuvenated, centered, and more deeply connected to yourself, and the world around you. So grab your mat and join me for an hour of subtle restoration and renewal amidst the hustle and bustle of the festival!
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Sebastian Caceres
Our repertoire is inspired by Andean folklore, performing songs by great artists such as Illapu, Víctor Jara, Inti-Illimani, and Tinku, among others. We strive to convey the cultural and emotional richness of these musical traditions, bringing an authentic breeze of Chile to every performance.
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Milly Moon
I am a Vocalist | Storyteller | Facilitator. With 15+years experience as an independent musician, and workshop facilitator for children and educators, this would be a first for The Power Of Song workshop, a new intimate approach for me to group singing. The Power Of Song is a space for a circle of voices to rise up together and reap the rewards! I present a gentle space with no singing experience required, no expectations and aaaalll about fun sound making regardless of whether you think you can 'sing'. I use original song and improvised soundscapes, collaborating with a group's energy and participation. We sing in rounds, in harmony and in mad free-for-all soundscapes.
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Tess Brady
As more people engage with psychedelics therapeutically, how can we work with what we find in a meaningful way? Embodied imagination ® is a practice used to bridge the mysterious contents of dreams and altered states, into your waking life. We’ll explore the practice with a short explanation and practical demonstration, bring along a dream or psychedelic experience to share if you’d like to try it yourself.
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Sophie van der Have
Discover the essentials of Waldorf education and how it fosters empathetic, resilient, and capable young people through a holistic approach that nurtures the head, heart, and hands. Whether in a traditional classroom or homeschool setting, explore how Steiner education can be contemporary, culturally responsive, and meet the needs of today’s children. This session will give you a clear and inspiring introduction to the philosophy, rhythms, and practical applications of Waldorf learning.
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Sharn Ammann
Hand sew your own wool sauna hat, from a naturally dyed wool. I plan to offer a selection of colours, for people to create a unique sauna hat. $10 pp to cover materials
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Monique Macfarlane
Freshly back from the International Agriculture Conference at the Goetheanum in Switzerland, Monique Macfarlane will take you on an expansive journey exploring ‘The Earth as a Living Being’. Rooted in anthroposophical approaches, weaved with biodynamics, holistic practices and authentic relating with nature, along with wisdom gathered from all around the world, this workshop is perfect for anyone who wishes to explore how these concepts shape our understanding of the Earth as a living entity, and how we relate to our planet today. Through a profound connection to nature, and immersed in 8 hectares of land just outside of Waihi, Monique brings practical, tangible approaches to create pathways for ourselves, our communities, and the entire experience of our world, to thrive.
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Samantha Tait
Sam’s yoga offering is a Terra-soma style class, meaning earth-body. This style is a synthesis of Hatha Yoga, Somatic Inquiry, and nature awareness/connection. This class will be a time to explore the lungs and befriending the breath. You can expect a mixture of seated, standing and balancing poses, simple breath work, music, repetition of sequences to facilitate the possibility finding your flow and listening to your body. Everyone is welcome, all ages and abilities. Come as you are.
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Jessie Hunt
Journalling, sharing and sisterhood. An opportunity to create a safe, kind space for womb-en to exhale. To lean on fellow sisters and enter a space of relief in shared experience. To allow room for some of the many layers of emotional / generational / societal trauma and wounds we as womb-en carry. To share, connect, and grieve amongst fellow sisters.Depending on the nature and energy of the group we may begin with a brief educational workshop. Covering an overview of hormonal fluctuation throughout the cycle, speaking into how each phase symbolises one of the four seasons nature also cycles through. As the circle will unfold naturally and individually depending on the group. it is my intention to prepare an alter, and cozy circle. Inviting in journaling, cacao, and sharing.
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Beth Pearsall
This workshop is a 60 minute guided dance session that takes participants on a journey through the five elements. We will feel into how the elements move our bodies, where we find them within us, how to tap into the unique gift of each element and bring them into balance in our lives.