SUN ZONE

— SAUNA FEST 26 MAIN SPEAKER —

This keynote lecture explores the concept of salutogenesis — the study of the origins of health and wellbeing. Moving beyond the traditional focus on illness, salutogenesis invites us to ask a different question: What supports human health and allows us to flourish?

The lecture will introduce the fundamental principles of salutogenesis and offer a deeper understanding of the dynamic processes that sustain physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Particular attention will be given to the role of inner resilience, meaningful engagement with life, and the capacity to maintain balance in times of stress.

Alongside the conceptual perspective, the talk will also include practical suggestions and simple exercises that can be integrated into everyday life to strengthen health, awareness, and vitality.

This keynote aims to inspire a renewed view of health — not merely as the absence of disease, but as an active, living process that can be consciously cultivated.

A talk on the lymphatic system — what it is, why it matters, and how to care for it daily (we’ll also touch on the link between saunas and the lymphatic system).

A lymphatic yoga practice — energising, detoxifying, circulation-boosting.

Self-drainage massage techniques you can do at home (we cover a sequence for the face & neck as well as the abdomen).

This workshop pairs beautifully with sauna and heat therapy—enhancing circulation, deepening relaxation, and amplifying the body’s natural detox pathways.

Immerse yourself in the natural world to uncover the rich abundance of wild, edible plants that thrive around us. In this informative & inspiring workshop, you'll explore the nourishing, delicious, and medicinal potential of wild plants, leaving you inspired to forage in your local surroundings.

Ancient Astronomy + Q&A

Observe the radiant bands and major moons of Jupiter through our telescope.

Learn about the constellations of our southern sky & basic celestial navigation during our laser show.

www.cosmicvibrations.co.nz

Exploring the Universe from the comfort of Earth.

Flow & Glow is a hands-on wellness workshop that teaches participants the art of self-lymphatic drainage massage and cupping therapy to support detoxification, skin vitality, and energetic renewal.

As the founder of Sundari Rituals Holistic Soul Spa, this is one of my most popular treatments — and a personal practice I integrate into my own sauna rituals. Whether performed inside the sauna or as a pre-sauna ritual, this sequence combines cupping, oils, herbal mists, and intentional movement to flush the lymphatic system, tone the fascia, and restore the body’s natural rhythm of flow. This offering was inspired by my own sauna sessions at East End Beach, where I often bring my tools — and people always ask to join. Sharing this as a workshop felt like a natural next step.

During Flow & Glow, participants will learn:

-The benefits of lymphatic massage for detoxification, hormonal balance, and immune health.
-Safe and effective cupping techniques for both the face and body.
-How to relieve stagnation, puffiness, and fascial tension through gentle glide and breath work.
-Somatic breath and movement patterns drawn from Chinese longevity practices to enhance circulation and energetic flow

Flow & Glow complements the sauna experience perfectly — amplifying detoxification, deep relaxation, and the luminous post-sauna glow.

This presentation/workshop provides detailed step-by-step guidance on how to discover your personal core values and to use personal values in meaningful ways. Always make the BEST decision by aligning with your core values. Learn how to uncover what brings you true happiness. When you know what you value, you can live in accord with those values. This leads to fulfillment. When you don’t know what your truest values are; you can, and often do, violate them daily. This creates internal tension. And this tension triggers destructive habits and regressive behaviour. Values aren’t selected; they’re discovered. We don’t choose our values. Our core values highlight what we stand for. Values guide our behaviours, decisions, and actions.

Step into Sonic Flow with Joanna Walden and Liam Dyson — a transformational practice we call the Double Gong Experience: the potent fusion of Qigong and the 40" Atlantis Gong — the only one of its kind in Aotearoa. Movement and vibration become one.

Guided by Liam, we begin with flowing Qigong sequences that open the body, activate energy pathways, and root awareness into the present moment. At the same time, Joanna plays the Atlantis Gong — powerful waves of sound resonating through every cell. This simultaneous immersion is unlike any other practice: the rhythm of movement entrains with the sound current, creating a dynamic field where qi flows more freely and deeply through the body.

From here, we descend into the pure Gong Journey. The body, primed through Qigong Gong, becomes an open channel for resonance. Joanna weaves in her Heart Technology — a channeled practice of frequency and conscious awareness — to amplify the effect of the practice and guide participants into a deeper state of transformation. This heart-centered activation expands the field, dissolves old energetic imprints, and opens the way to profound alignment.

The result is a full-system reset. Movement, vibration, and conscious awareness combine to dissolve tension, release stagnant energy, and recalibrate body, mind, and spirit. The Atlantis Gong’s resonance penetrates beyond the physical, shifting brainwave states, calming the nervous system, and awakening expanded awareness — while Qigong grounds and integrates the experience into the body.

Sound has the power to shift our state, regulate the nervous system, and influence our emotions, yet few of us understand why it affects us so deeply. In this workshop, Dr Kiri dives into the neuroscience of sound, vibration, and resonance, revealing how different frequencies and rhythms interact with the brain and body.

Through live demos and immersive listening experiences, attendees will feel how music and sound can boost focus, energy, and relaxation offering practical, festival-ready tools to reset, energize, or ground yourself anytime during the weekend.

Blending modern science with experiential learning, this workshop makes complex concepts accessible, interactive, and easy to bring into daily life. By the end, attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how sound shapes the nervous system and practical ways to weave this awareness into their festival journey and personal wellness. Dr Kiri explores the science behind how sound influences the brain and body, combining insights from neuroscience with the experiential effects of vibration and resonance. Attendees will gain practical tools to enhance mood, focus, and well being throughout the festival. The workshop will likely be co-facilitated with sound practitioner Karin Hengeveld, who will guide the immersive sound experience.

An interactive and balanced somatic workshop designed to awaken connection through breath, hum, shaking, and shared play. This experience guides participants through waves of high-vibrant energy into slow, grounded presence, creating space for both expression and integration.

Drawing on principles of neurology such as proprioception, interoception, and somatic awareness, this workshop invites attendees to explore the dance between inward and outward energy. Through guided movement, sound, and mindful practices, participants are supported to reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and soften into a deeper sense of belonging.

The intention is simple yet profound: to create a space where people feel more connected — to themselves, to others, and to the world around them.

Step into the sacred embrace of Te Wao Nui a Tāne and reconnect with Papatūānuku in this transformative Rongoā workshop. This immersive experience invites you to awaken all your senses as we explore the profound connection between Te Taiao (our natural world) and ourselves through the traditional practice of Ngā Hau e Whā.

Breathe in the aroma of native plant oils and open your senses to the plant medicine of the ngahere (forest). Feel the soothing touch of healing native balms on your skin through a gentle hand mirimiri, and be anointed with the sacred essence of native aromatics. Taste the essence of Rongoā in a delicious, nourishing drink, deepening your connection to the ngahere and its life-giving energy.

Guided by skilled practitioners, you’ll journey into the heart of Rongoā Māori, connecting with the rongo—the Atua of peace—and embracing the healing power of nature.

Explore the power of microdosing mushrooms. Discover the history and science behind psilocybin, learn how low doses can impact health and wellness, and receive personalised guidance through a Q&A session.

Raquel Minh is a Trauma-informed Plant Medicine guide passionate about educating on psychoactive mushrooms through a harm reduction perspective. She shares ancient and indigenous practices to honor our connection with our ancestors alongside somatic practices to create more resilient nervous systems.

This workshop is more like a Yin journey. Designed to take participants into deep states of relaxation ' The essence of Yin' is a guided yin Journey with focus on the tradition of spending time in stillness, in groups, with reverence for slowing down finding space and opening the mind, consciousness, into unconsciousness states consciously.

This is a unique event that Ruth has dreamed up especially for Sauna Fest!

Sink into this evening sound bath which will soothe and prepare you for a fabulous nights sleep.

You will arrive and be soothed with a warm lavender cloth and guided through brief vagus nerve exercises to encourage self healing. From there you’ll be invited to go inwards and let the frequencies work their magic.

Ruth will work with Crystal bowls, tuning forks, harp, medicine drum, flute and gong. There may be light touch of reiki for those who are open to this.

AcroYoga is a playful practice that blends yoga, partner acrobatics, and mindful connection. In this beginner-friendly workshop, we’ll explore the foundations of safe basing, flying, and spotting through supportive partner exercises, trust-building games, and accessible flows. Expect lots of laughter, gentle strength-building, and a welcoming space to connect with others. No experience or partner needed — just curiosity and a willingness to move and play.

Sync with the Moon is a cyclical, holistic yoga practice inspired by the rhythms of the lunar cycle. Each month, we move through 12–15 synergistic sequences that open, strengthen, and balance the whole body. As the moon waxes, we build energy and expansion; as it wanes, we ground and release. This practice cultivates awareness, vitality, and harmony with nature. At the festival, Alessandra will guide a lunar-inspired flow of mindful movement, breathwork, chanting, and inner connection.

This Slow Flow will be a gentle, breath-led yoga flow designed to ground the body and calm the mind. Moving slowly and intentionally, you will be guided through mindful movement, breathwork, and moments of stillness to cultivate presence and inner awareness with meditation. Suitable for all levels, this class is ideal for anyone looking to slow down, reset, and reconnect

Erin will share some of the science behind sleep and dreams. In groups we'll explore some of the different types of dreams and look at pealing back the layers of perception. As individuals we'll write down what we can remember of our own dreams. In the second part we'll use some techniques to get clear on a dream/ intention/ sankalpa we want to manifest. In the final part I'll guide participants through a Yoga Nidra practise which is a type of yoga that works on the mind on the edge of consciousness and subconscious. There will be time to journal, share and ask equations at the end.

A talk on the lymphatic system — what it is, why it matters, and how to care for it daily (we’ll also touch on the link between saunas and the lymphatic system).

A lymphatic yoga practice — energising, detoxifying, circulation-boosting.

Self-drainage massage techniques you can do at home (we cover a sequence for the face & neck as well as the abdomen).

This workshop pairs beautifully with sauna and heat therapy—enhancing circulation, deepening relaxation, and amplifying the body’s natural detox pathways.

Immerse yourself in the natural world to uncover the rich abundance of wild, edible plants that thrive around us. In this informative & inspiring workshop, you'll explore the nourishing, delicious, and medicinal potential of wild plants, leaving you inspired to forage in your local surroundings.

Ancient Astronomy + Q&A

Observe the radiant bands and major moons of Jupiter through our telescope.

Learn about the constellations of our southern sky & basic celestial navigation during our laser show.

www.cosmicvibrations.co.nz

Exploring the Universe from the comfort of Earth.

Would you like to explore connections between the skies and the soil? Build biodiversity, fertility and abundance? Eat nutrient dense food? Do you desire to create ease on our planet and within ourselves at the same time? Are you looking for a holistic approach? Then come along and learn in this wonderful workshop!

During our time together we will explore the wisdom of nature, and the human being, through the frameworks of anthroposophy and biodynamics. Steiner’s biodynamics is a form of agriculture similar to organic farming, but is a deeper holistic, spiritual, ecological and ethical approach to gardening, food and nutrition, that brings ease to ourselves and the land.

This workshop is perfect for anyone growing their own food, or those that have an interest in nutrition, building soil health and climate resilience, or simply a curiosity for the interconnected nature of our universe.

Step into the sacred embrace of Te Wao Nui a Tāne and reconnect with Papatūānuku in this transformative Rongoā workshop. This immersive experience invites you to awaken all your senses as we explore the profound connection between Te Taiao (our natural world) and ourselves through the traditional practice of Ngā Hau e Whā.

Breathe in the aroma of native plant oils and open your senses to the plant medicine of the ngahere (forest). Feel the soothing touch of healing native balms on your skin through a gentle hand mirimiri, and be anointed with the sacred essence of native aromatics. Taste the essence of Rongoā in a delicious, nourishing drink, deepening your connection to the ngahere and its life-giving energy.

Guided by skilled practitioners, you’ll journey into the heart of Rongoā Māori, connecting with the rongo—the Atua of peace—and embracing the healing power of nature.

This workshop is more like a Yin journey. Designed to take participants into deep states of relaxation ' The essence of Yin' is a guided yin Journey with focus on the tradition of spending time in stillness, in groups, with reverence for slowing down finding space and opening the mind, consciousness, into unconsciousness states consciously.

This is a unique event that Ruth has dreamed up especially for Sauna Fest!

Sink into this evening sound bath which will soothe and prepare you for a fabulous nights sleep.

You will arrive and be soothed with a warm lavender cloth and guided through brief vagus nerve exercises to encourage self healing. From there you’ll be invited to go inwards and let the frequencies work their magic.

Ruth will work with Crystal bowls, tuning forks, harp, medicine drum, flute and gong. There may be light touch of reiki for those who are open to this.

AcroYoga is a playful practice that blends yoga, partner acrobatics, and mindful connection. In this beginner-friendly workshop, we’ll explore the foundations of safe basing, flying, and spotting through supportive partner exercises, trust-building games, and accessible flows. Expect lots of laughter, gentle strength-building, and a welcoming space to connect with others. No experience or partner needed — just curiosity and a willingness to move and play.