Free tai chi for anyone who is blind or has low vision
Photo: BLV participants and instructors doing tai chi together in Cornwall Park
Free, outdoor tai chi lessons in Cornwall Park, Auckland, for anyone who is blind or has low vision (BLV).
Dates: Four consecutive Sundays in March 2026: 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th March. (Weather dependent*)
Time: 10.15am to 11am. Please plan to arrive between 10am and 10.15am. RSVPs are not necessary.
RSVPs are not required. Up to two accompanying family members or support people (per participant) are also welcome and will also be free to attend.
Tai chi location in Cornwall Park: The entrance to the park is at this address: 203 Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland 1051. The main road into the park is called Pōhutukawa Drive. The tai chi sessions will be under the trees on the left-hand-side about half-way up Pōhutukawa Drive. (If you get to the roundabout, you’ve gone too far.)
What to wear and bring: Please bring your water bottle, a sun hat and sunblock. Wear comfy clothing and shoes. Please don’t wear Jandals or flip-flops.
Age suitability: These classes are best suited to those who are high school age or adults.
Support people: Each participant will be most welcome to invite up to two family members, friends or support people to join them for these tai chi classes.
What is tai chi? Tai chi is a mild martial art and low-impact exercise programme from ancient China. It is sometimes described as “meditation in motion,” as it combines flowing movements with deep breathing and mindfulness. Tai chi tends to be gentle on your joints and is designed to improve balance, mobility, strength and fitness.
Who is the instructor? Jocelyn Watkin of Kia Ora Tai Chi. Jocelyn is a qualified tai chi instructor with specialist skills and experience in teaching tai chi to participants who are blind or have low vision. This includes teaching at Blind, Low Vision New Zealand, BLENNZ Homai, and the BLV unit at James Cook High School in Manurewa.
Jocelyn has been hired by the management of Cornwall Park to teach these tai chi lessons to ensure that attendance is free. You can find out more about Jocelyn on the Kia Ora Tai Chi website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/about-us/
*Cancellation notice: As these lessons are outdoors, they depend on good weather. If the weather is not suitable, a decision will be made by 6pm the night before each class (Saturday night). The cancellation notice will be uploaded to the Kia Ora Tai Chi website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/ and also the Kia Ora Tai Chi Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kiaorataichi
If you are not sure if the lesson will go ahead (due to bad weather) or you need more information, Jocelyn invites you to text or phone her on 027 493 9851.