Workshops

2024 inspiring wāhine conference workshops.

When you purchase your tickets you can nominate your preferred options for two 45 minute workshops in the afternoon - please note an additional activity or koha might apply.

Afternoon Workshop Options

First Rotation - Estimated start time: 2:00pm - 2:45 (45 minutes). Workshop options are 1 - 7 below.

We will confirm the workshop program and your enrolment early September. Please note that an additional activity fee or koha might apply for each workshop.

1 Menopause - So Much More Than Hot Flushes with Naturopath Sharon Donaldson

Join Sharon Donaldson in this informative and engaging workshop that delves into the multifaceted journey of menopause. Despite being a universal experience, menopause is often not talked about enough. This workshop aims to provide you with valuable insights and practical advice to ensure a smooth transition from your fertile years to the next stage of your life.

Please register your interest when you purchase your ticket.

An activity fee: of $15 plus GST pp applies.

Workshop capacity: unlimited

More about Sharon Donaldson, Naturopathy

2 Gentle Yoga & breathwork for wellbeing with Angela Connell

Angela Connell, founder and lead facilitator of Flow Space. Angela is an accredited Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Mindfulness Coach, Physical Yoga Therapy, and Massage Therapist. Children’s yoga teacher and advocate.

She teaches a range of yoga and meditation, from fitness to therapeutic. Her methodology is founded in traditional Vinyasa yoga and contemporary trauma sensitive somatic therapy. 

This class offers a blend of breathwork and gentle movement aimed at reducing stress on every level and supporting mood and ease of movement. 

All welcome.  No experience necessary

Please register your interest when you purchase your ticket.

An activity fee: of: $15 plus GST pp applies

Workshop capacity: maximum of 20

More about Angela Connell & Flow Space

3 Release Your Potential: A Transformative Workshop for Women

Presented by Sarah Dickie, Mindset + Wellbeing Coach

Are you a woman who feels there's so much more to life? More potential, more joy, more ability to create the life you desire? Join Sarah Dickie in a 45-minute session designed to evoke hope and inspiration, enhance self-awareness, and deepen your understanding of why you may feel stuck. This workshop is essential for anyone looking to elicit meaningful change in their life.

Please register your interest when you purchase your ticket.

An activity fee: of $15 plus GST pp applies

Workshop capacity: maximum of 20

More about Sarah Dickie Mindset Wellbeing Coach

4 Personal Investing for Women with Haley van Leeuwen of Craigs Investment Partners

Join Investment adviser Haley van Leeuwen for an engaging and interactive workshop on personal investing, with a focus on planning for retirement and achieving financial well-being. This workshop aims to empower women with the knowledge and tools needed to make smart investment decisions and create a brighter financial future.

No Activity fee: There is no activity fee for this workshop it is kindly sponsored by Craigs Investment Partners.

Workshop Capacity: Participation is not limited.

More about Haley & Craigs Investment Partners

5 Pamper suite. Relax rejuvenate at with a 15 min treatment

Choose from an Indian Head Massage, Head or Shoulder Massage, or Reflexology, all lovingly provided by a collaboration of local therapists. Unwind and enjoy this blissful experience designed to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Activity fee: An activity fee applies per treatment $25 plus GST pp

Workshop Capacity: 6 practitioners offering 18, 15 min slots. More than 1 slot pp is subject to availability.

6 Create Stunning Flower Arrangements with Jo Robinson

Discover the art of flower arranging with Jo Robinson, a passionate florist and founder of Scrubby Gully Co Ltd. Jo will share her expertise and teach participants how to make stunning flower arrangements using vibrant, locally grown, chemical-free blooms from her own garden. It’s a ‘hands on’ experience as you will put the bouquet together with Jo’s guidance, and take them home after! An activity fee helps to fund Jo’s time and amazing flowers.

 Activity fee: A $30.00 plus GST pp activity fee applies

Workshop Capacity: Maximum 14 people

More about Jo Robinson & Scrubby Gully Co

Indian Head Massage with Serena Lyders of Whánau Consultancy Services

Serena Lyders, of Ngāti Pōrou descent and residing in Murihiku/Southland, brings her extensive expertise in traditional healing to the pamper suite.

As the founder of Whānau Consultancy Services, she provides a range of services, including Mirimiri traditional massage healing. With a deep understanding of holistic well-being, Serena offers Indian Head Massages that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Her gentle and skilled approach ensures a soothing experience, drawing on her rich cultural heritage and dedication to supporting the well-being of others.

More about Serena Lyders & Whānau Consultancy Services

Jo Thomas, Owner & Senior Therapist at Radiance Skin & Say Spa. Jo is the owner and senior therapist at Radiance Skin & Day Spa. She holds a wealth of knowledge and experience with ten-plus years as a Qualified Beauty Therapist. She holds a Diploma in Beauty Therapy and ITEC diplomas for beauty specialists, facial and body electrics, epilation, professional conduct, business awareness, and holistic massage. 

Jo will support the pamper room with 3 therapists.

More about Jo Thomas & Radiance Day Spa

Head, Shoulder & Back massage with The Lifestyle Block Health & Wellness

Heather Breen of The Lifestyle Block Health & Wellness is originally from Northern Ontario, Canada, and has a rich background in endurance sports like running, biking, and rowing. Her passion for physical activity and nature led her to discover CrossFit in 2013, sparking a journey of extensive learning and growth. Over the past decade, Heather has dedicated herself to mastering various aspects of movement, nutrition, sports performance, and wellness.

Heather’s commitment to continuous learning led her to gain a Certificate in Personal Training and a Diploma in Kawa Oranga – Sports Science and Māori Health Promotion. Her journey naturally progressed to incorporating traditional Māori healing practices into her skill set. Heather has attended various wananga (courses) in Mirimiri and Cultural Therapy, which emphasize spiritual healing. She brings extensive experience in Deep Tissue and Relaxation massage, Reflexology, and Microfascial Release to her practice. Currently pursuing her Bachelor in Therapeutic and Sports Massage, Heather works full-time in her Health and Wellness business, 'The Lifestyle Block,' in Central Otago. She is dedicated to teaching and empowering others, helping them achieve wellness through her expert massage skills and deep understanding of traditional Māori healing techniques

More about Heather & The Lifestyle Block

Denise Murray-Karaka, Director of Aokimi

"Kia ora! I'm Denise, owner and director of Aokimi. A dedicated indigenous bodyworker passionate about empowering women to reclaim their well-being through alchemy. With a deep understanding of traditional Māori techniques, I weave together honohono- energy work, mirimiri - traditional māori massage and deep tissue massage to create an intuitive holistic experience that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit.

In our 15-minute session, I'll tap into your unique energy using honohono, intuitively sensing areas where haemata (stuck energy) may be holding you back. Then, I'll skillfully apply mirimiri or deep tissue techniques to release tension, restore balance, and revitalize your entire being.

My approach honors the interconnectedness of all aspects of self, acknowledging that true wellness arises from harmony within. I'm honored to share this sacred work with you, supporting your journey towards wholeness, vitality, and inner peace."

More about Denise Murray Karaka & Aokimi

Pamper Suite: Relax and Rejuvenate

Book your session in the Pamper Suite and treat yourself to a relaxing 15-minute treatment.

Choose from an Indian Head Massage, Head or Shoulder Massage, or Reflexology, all lovingly provided by a collaboration of local therapists. Unwind and enjoy this blissful experience designed to rejuvenate your mind and body.

All 15 min sessions are $25.00 pp plus GST

Join the Radiance & Day Spa team for a Head massage, Back & Shoulder massage

Reflexology with Sole Reflexology founder Gabriela Schmidt

Gabriela Schmidt, founder of Sole Reflexology in Alexandra has 16 years of experience in natural health, specializing in Reflexology, Maternity Reflexology, Foot Joint Mobilisation, Iridology and Lymphatic drainage massage.
Gabriela is passionate about holistic care and is excited to offer 15-minute taster sessions of Foot Reflexology and Foot Joint Mobilisation.
Reflexology creates deep relaxation on a cellular level,  providing a platform for the body heal itself.
Reflexology sparks a wonderful opportunity for your body to rejuvenate, find calmness and regain strength. It is cleansing and profoundly relaxing all at the same time.
Foot joint mobilisation helps with sore and tired feet. It frees up all 33 joints in your foot, encouraging them to resettle in the correct place.  This too is a relaxing and freeing experience.
Enjoy!

More about Gabriel Schmidt & Sole Reflexology

7 Unlock Your Style with Personal Stylist Mel Munnik

Discover the art of personal style with Melissa Munnik at our upcoming conference workshop. Designed for women at every life stage, this session is your chance to redefine your wardrobe with confidence. Melissa, renowned for her intuitive approach to fashion that aligns with your body shape, lifestyle, and budget, will reveal insider tips and tricks to help you curate outfits that reflect your unique personality and make you feel extraordinary. More than just fashion, this workshop celebrates self-expression and the empowering impact of intentional dressing. Join us and embrace the transformative journey of style with Melissa guiding the way.

Workshop capacity: Limit 40 people

Workshop fee: $25.00 plus GST pp

More about Mel Munnik

Second Rotation for afternoon workhops

Workshop Options 8-14

45 minutes - estimated start time 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm

We will confirm the workshop program and your enrolment early September. Please note that an additional activity fee or koha might apply for each workshop & options are subject to change.

8 Menopause -So Much More Than Hot Flushes with Naturopath Sharon Donaldson

Join Sharon Donaldson in this informative and engaging workshop that delves into the multifaceted journey of menopause. Despite being a universal experience, menopause is often not talked about enough. This workshop aims to provide you with valuable insights and practical advice to ensure a smooth transition from your fertile years to the next stage of your life.

Register your interest when you buy your ticket. This activity is sponsored by Uruuruwhenua. No activity fee applies, however we suggest a koha pp to flowspace for use of their venue.

An activity fee: of $15 plus GST pp applies.

Workshop capacity: unlimited

9 Enjoy the Island sway in a Pasifika Zumba class with Kuistina Colaigo

Experience the vibrant energy of Pasifika Zumba, a low-impact and gentle class infused with the lively spirit of the islands. Adorned in colorful leis, you'll enjoy a fun and engaging workout led by Kuisitina Colailgo from Central Otago Pasifika. Get ready to laugh and move to the rhythm in a joyful.

Register your interest when you buy your ticket. This activity is sponsored by Uruuruwhenua. No activity fee applies, however we suggest a koha pp to flowspace for use of their venue.

No activity fee: This workshop is kindly sponsored by Ururuwhenua Hauora & Angela Connell of Flowspace

Workshop capacity: 20

10 Mental Skills Coach Carol Goodlass shares insights about “Thriving not surviving - lessons from High Performance Athletes”

Carol has consulted to High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) since 1999 and leads the Performance Life programme for Snow Sports NZ and the NZ Winter Olympic Team.  She also sits on the Sport NZ Diversity and Inclusiveness Team (D.E.I) and is a Mental Skills Coach.

The Performance Life Programme sits within the HPSNZ Hauoroa (wellbeing) team.  It is an athlete-centred, holistic programme that helps athletes maximise their performance in sport and life.  We support athlete wellbeing and facilitate their personal and professional development as they transition into, through and out of the high performance pathway.  

The programme is built around the five foundations of Wellbeing, Purposeful Planning, Effective Communication,  Continuous Learning, Professionalism, and Athlete Self-Responsibility.  These are skill areas that successful athletes need.  Focusing on them speeds up the progress of athletes towards achieving their sport and life goals.

This workshop will focus on THRIVING not Surviving -  Lessons from High Performance and will touch on why we need to make mistakes to support our resilience and personal growth.

No activity fee: This workshop is kindly sponsored by Carol Goodlass

Workshop capacity: Unlimited

11 Quick and Easy make up tips: with Jo Thomas of Radiance Skin & Day Spa

Join Jo Thomas for a hands-on tutorial designed to teach you how to create a quick, basic day look that enhances your natural beauty without any fuss or complications. This session focuses on fresh, easy techniques to help you look your best with minimal effort.

Register your interest when you buy your ticket. This workshop is sponsored by Radiance Skin & Day Spa and no activity fee applies.

No activity fee: This workshop is kindly sponsored by Radiance Skin & Day Spa

Workshop capacity: 8

12 Book your session in the Pamper Suite and treat yourself to a relaxing 15-minute treatment.

Choose from an Indian Head Massage, Head or Shoulder Massage, or Reflexology, all lovingly provided by a collaboration of local therapists. Unwind and enjoy this blissful experience designed to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Activity fee: An activity fee applies per treatment $25 plus GST pp

Workshop Capacity: 6 practitioners offering 18, 15 min slots. More than 1 slot pp is subject to availability.

13 Create Stunning Flower Arrangements with Jo Robinson

Discover the art of flower arranging with Jo Robinson, a passionate florist and founder of Scrubby Gully Co Ltd. Jo will share her expertise and teach participants how to make stunning flower arrangements using vibrant, locally grown, chemical-free blooms from her own garden. It’s a ‘hands on’ experience as you will put the bouquet together with Jo’s guidance, and take them home after! An activity fee helps to fund Jo’s time and amazing flowers.

Activity fee: A $30.00 plus GST pp activity fee applies

Workshop Capacity: Maximum 14 people

14 Unlock Your Style with Personal Stylist Mel Munnik

Discover the art of personal style with Melissa Munnik at our upcoming conference workshop. Designed for women at every life stage, this session is your chance to redefine your wardrobe with confidence. Melissa, renowned for her intuitive approach to fashion that aligns with your body shape, lifestyle, and budget, will reveal insider tips and tricks to help you curate outfits that reflect your unique personality and make you feel extraordinary. More than just fashion, this workshop celebrates self-expression and the empowering impact of intentional dressing. Join us and embrace the transformative journey of style with Melissa guiding the way.

Workshop capacity: Limit 40

Workshop fee: $25.00 plus GST pp