I Vow : Harnessing The Power Of Intention by Ruth Lumsden and Bridget Musters

Retreat reflections from Ruth Lumsden and Bridget Musters Ruth Lumsden A profound retreat for me. And a joy to be back at the Wangapeka, my spiritual turangawaewae. I felt supported in my individual work by my fellow retreatants, and I welcomed the challenges that Bonni guided us through with her sharp, sparkling wit and wisdom. Wonderful to unplug from news of climate …

A Very Special Baby Blessing by Elli Yates

Stardust, Starlight and a very special blessing of babes! On a stunning, sunny Sunday morning as the Stardust, Starlight retreat was settling in, the group of retreatants gathered in a circle in the Main Hall for a very unique and powerful experience. Holding a white cord of protection and blessing, the group encircled the 3 families who had been invited …

Kumanu December 2022

Kia ora tātou, writing to you from wet and thunderous Waikanae, hoping you are well and happy as we approach the longest day of the year. The combination of summer solstice and Christmas makes for a busy, full, festive energy … we hope you are riding the activity of the season with a steady sense of the ground under your …

Site Blessing For New Teachers Cabin

The site was blessed Saturday January 7th.  Members of the Board of Trustees, current caretakers, local sangha, and many donors were in attendance.  It was beautiful.  We managed to be rain-free. Thank You to Bonni Ross and Matthew Eades for the blessing ceremony. Also, donations have increased by $20,000. The total now stands at $183,950.54. Information on project and “How …

Kumanu November 2022

[Google Document] Kia ora koutou, we trust this Kumanu Report finds you well and happy. This month the Board met on site at the Wangapeka, sharing a lovely weekend of cakes, kōrero and warm spring rains. It was a good opportunity to connect with both Jacinta and Tracy as the two caretakers overlapped before Jacinta heads to Nelson, and Tracy …

Reflections on the Namgyal Meditations Day By Jenny Kelso

I arrived later than planned but it was a wonderful relief to be welcomed at the gates of the Wangapeka centre by a profusion of pale lemon rhododendron flowers. “You have arrived”. Yay. Phew. Breathe. Smile. Two caretakers arrived shortly afterwards: Jacinta, getting ready to leave, and Tracy settling into her new role.  The whole place looked great already, sparkling …

Reflections after Pā’s retreat By Mitzi Borren

Our Differences Are Our Strengths – Mitzi Borren It was by a stroke of synchronicity that my first stay at the Wangapeka was spent immersed in the wisdom and teachings of Rob McGowan. As a student on several of Rob’s rongoā māori wananga I was familiar with his captivating blend of humour and humility with an inspiring depth of knowledge …

Reflections after Pā’s retreat By Elli Yates

Reflections on Kaitiakitanga weekend with Pā Ropata, by Elli Yates Arriving at the Centre for the weekend I felt a new type of anticipation rising. Knowing that we were hosting one of Aotearoa’s leading rongoā experts, I felt excited to welcome him and in doing so unite with others in the sangha to ‘show’ who / how / what we …

Kumanu “BoT Report” October 2022

By Elli Yates October 17, 2022 Tēnā koutou katoa, I am writing to you from windy Parapara in Mōhua (Golden Bay), where spring announces itself in massive gusts of warm(er) wind. I trust you are able to find peace throughout these windy weeks as the days lengthen and heat up. It has been a good month at the Centre, as …

Kumanu September 2022

[link to pdf] [link to Google Doc] Kia ora e te whānau, springtime greetings to you all! Sending out acknowledgements to you near and far at this changeable time – time of wind, frost, heat and early growth – as the first shoots of sleeping plants begin to show themselves through the crust of winter! We trust you are keeping …