by Jocelyn Watkin | Jul 10, 2024 | Information |
The Italian Renaissance “Destination Garden” in the Hamilton Gardens
This event has SOLD OUT for Sunday 28 July 2024. Please contact us to go on the waiting list or to reserve your place on the next e-bike/tai chi outing/event. https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
Ever wish you could take time just for you to savour something new that will refresh your mind and rejuvenate your body? Definitely, and the wait is over.
Here’s your chance to treat yourself with a very special, fully-escorted, 1-day outing with gentle e-bike cycling and tai chi, and the opportunity to connect with nature in the peaceful beauty of Hamilton Gardens.
Date: Sunday 28 July, 8.45am to 5pm (This event was scheduled for Sun 21 July, but was postponed to the 28th due to rain)
All provided: E-bike and helmet hire, a tranquil tai chi lesson, and return transport to Hamilton Gardens from Auckland.
This fully-escorted event is for you if you’d love to experience the following:
Wellbeing on wheels: Te Awa, The Great New Zealand River Ride: You’ll gently pedal the remarkable Te Awa Trail on an e-bike. You’ll be gliding beside the majestic Waikato River for most of this 2-hour ride between Ngāruawāhia and the world-class Hamilton Gardens. There’ll be plenty of time for photos and to just soak in the scenery, while enjoying the quiet power of your e-bike as it softly purrs along this dedicated cycleway.
Tranquil tai chi: In the afternoon, you’re in for another treat in the serene and private Camellia Garden (within Hamilton Gardens). You’ll learn the flowing movements of tai chi from Jocelyn of Kia Ora Tai Chi. This ancient, restorative practice from China, which is gentle on joints, will re-energise you and nourish your own internal river of life – your mauri, your life force. Perfect for beginners.
The opportunity to nurture yourself in nature and to feed your soul: After tai chi, you could further uplift your wairua (your soul/spiritual wellbeing) with your own mindful walk to connect with te taiao (nature) in the wider garden area. Alternatively, you could explore a couple of the amazing and inspiring ‘destination’ gardens, where you might feel you have time-travelled to Renaissance-era Italy, or ancient Egypt, or to modernist, mid 20th-Century Californian Cool.
Our tranquil tai chi session will be held in the circle of peace in the secluded camellia garden (within Hamilton Gardens)
This event will start and finish at: Electrify NZ Botany – New Zealand’s e-bike specialists. Address: 12b Amera Place, Botany Downs, Auckland 2013
What you need to bring/wear:
- Suitable, warm clothing and shoes for cycling in cooler weather, including gloves.
- Waterproof jacket/coat and, if you have them, waterproof leggings.
- A change of clothes in case we get an unexpected rain shower while cycling (these can be transported for you in the shuttle bus from Auckland).
- Bring your own lunch, snacks and a filled water bottle.
Open to anyone aged 18+ who knows how to ride a bike. Places limited to 10 people.
Sponsors: This event is proudly sponsored by River Riders, Electrify NZ Botany and Jocelyn Watkin of Kia Ora Tai Chi as a fundraiser for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand during Mindfulness Month in July 2024.
Price: A donation/koha of $65 (or more) per person to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (please check the arrangements to pay this, which are detailed further below).
If you want to meet new friends, re-energise your body, reset your mind and renew your spirit then this event is for you.
RSVP/Reserving your place: Please note that this event has now SOLD OUT. Places are limited to just 10 people and we expect these will sell out quickly. Before you make your donation, please first RSVP and confirm your booking with Jocelyn using the contact form on the Kia Ora Tai Chi website or click on https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
Programme for Sunday 28 July
- 8.50am: Arrive at Electrify NZ Botany. Address: 12b Amera Place, Botany Downs, Auckland 2013. Plenty of free parking available.
- Just after 9am, your journey to the Waikato will begin with a comfortable shuttle ride to Ngāruawāhia. Once there, you’ll receive your helmet, e-bike and a full safety induction.
- Wellbeing on wheels: At around 11am, you’ll set off on your e-bike on the remarkable Te Awa Trail. This will be fully escorted. On arrival at the River Riders base in the world-class Hamilton Gardens, you’ll be able to rest and eat your BYO lunch.
- Tranquil tai chi: After lunch, you’re in for another treat with a tai chi lesson in the serene and private Camellia Garden.
- Nurture yourself in nature – food for your soul. After tai chi, there’ll be free time for your own mindful walk in nature or to go exploring in a couple of the diverse and inspiring destination gardens (also called walled gardens) within Hamilton Gardens.
- Return to Auckland. Just after 3pm, everyone gathers at the River Riders base in Hamilton Gardens for departure in the comfortable shuttle bus back to Auckland. You’ll arrive at Electrify NZ Botany at approximately 5pm.
River Riders base at the Hamilton Gardens
Koha/donation
This outing/event is a fundraiser for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (the Foundation) during Mindfulness Month in July 2024. Participants will need to make a donation/koha to take part in this event.
The e-bike and helmet hire cost, transport and tai chi lesson are sponsored by River Riders, Electrify NZ Botany and Jocelyn Watkin of Kia Ora Tai Chi. In addition to your koha, the only other cost is $10 for insurance on the e-bike hire. This is payable on the day of the ride.
To ensure that 100% of your donation will go directly to the Mental Health Foundation of NZ, the sponsors are also generously donating their own and their staff’s time for this event.
The ticket price of a 1-day event like this would be around $150 per person. As such, to participate in this event, you are invited to donate at least $65 per person to the Foundation.
How to make your donation
Places are limited to just 10 people. We expect these will sell out quickly, so your first step will be to contact Jocelyn of Kia Ora Tai Chi to ensure there is a place available for you. r,
Jocelyn will confirm your place and provide you with a unique payment link so you can arrange your donation/koha to the Mental Health Foundation of NZ. You will need to make a partial donation of around $30 to reserve your place. Please note that this amount is not refundable as it is paid directly to the Foundation through the unique payment link.
The rest of your donation can be made at any time up until the 27th July. You have the option to wait until the weather forecast is known for the 28th July. If the event is postponed due to the weather, we hope we can reschedule for a later date.
There is a limit of two people per booking. The recommended donation remains as per person.
Postponement/Cancellation
- Early indication: On the evening of Friday 26 July and based on the weather forecast at that time, participants will be advised of the likelihood of going ahead on 28 July.
- By 8pm on Saturday 27 July: The postponement decision will be made if rainy or inclement weather is forecast. Participants will all be advised by 8pm. If we do have to postpone, we hope to reschedule this event at another date. If you are already registered, you will be given first option to attend on the rescheduled date.
Refund policy
Participants will make their donation/koha directly to the Mental Health Foundation of NZ foundation through a special payment link that will be provided to them by Jocelyn. As advised, once this donation is made to the Foundation, it can’t be credited or refunded.
To help smooth the donation payment process, your koha can be made in 2-steps: a partial koha when you register for the event and then the balance donated no later than 27th July and once the weather forecast is known.
To RSVP, or if you have questions, please use the contact form on the website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
by Jocelyn Watkin | Jun 9, 2024 | Information |
All ages and abilities welcome for FREE tai chi in the park for the official Matariki holiday.
When: Friday 28 June 2024, 11 – 11.45am
Where: Kauri Point Reserve in Wattle Downs, Manurewa, which is at the end of a street called “Moor Park”. Refer to map: https://goo.gl/maps/MZHeqttC5rBeL6mu9
This is an outdoor event so wrap up warm, pop on a beanie and join in.
Matariki is a time to focus on mindfulness, reflection, thankfulness, well-being and health. The three key principles are:
- Matariki Hunga Nui. Remembrance. Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki.
- Matariki Ahunga Nui. Celebrating the Present. Gathering together to give thanks for what we have.
- Matariki Manako Nui. Looking to the Future. Looking forward to the promise of a new year.
The theme for 2024 is “Matariki heri kai” and comes from the Māori proverb ‘Matariki whetū heri kai’ meaning ‘Matariki, the bringer of food’.
To acknowledge Matariki and to celebrate life in the present moment, we will gather together for a shared morning tea after the tai chi session. All welcome and please bring some kai/food to share.
Cancellation notice: This session will need fine weather to go ahead. If the ground is too wet or the weather doesn’t co-operate, please look for the cancellation notice by 9am on 28 June on the Kia Ora Tai Chi facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kiaorataichi/
For more information, get in touch with Jocelyn through the Contact Us page on this website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
Find out more about Matariki: https://www.matariki.com/about
by Jocelyn Watkin | Mar 16, 2024 | Information |
This retreat was held on 4 May 2024. At this stage, a date for the next retreat has not been scheduled.
For more information about the type of retreats held, please refer to the description below about the “Awaken Your Senses Retreat”, which was held on 4 May 2024.
Awaken your senses retreat: A day of tai chi, nature and connection
Flowers at the Auckland Botanic Gardens
Where: The Logan Campbell Building, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa
When: Saturday 4 May 2024, 8.45am to 3.30pm. Please arrive between 8.30 – 8.45am
Join me in these beautiful gardens to learn how to relax, let go of stress and feel truly alive with the healing power of tai chi and qigong (pronounced chee-gong).
You’ll also discover how to reconnect with nature by creating your own earth art/mandalas, feeling the tactile delights of leaf rubbing, and liberating all of your senses with nature journaling and the tastes and aromas of the herb gardens.
This retreat is organised and led by Jocelyn of Kia Ora Tai Chi and please contact her to RSVP or to check any of the exciting details. (It is not organised by the team at the Botanic Gardens.)
This very special one-day retreat is for you, if you:
- Long to spend time in lovely gardens? Imagine how uplifted you will feel when surrounded by colourful blooms and lush greenery, with the springy grass beneath your feet, the fresh air on your face, and the rejuvenating aroma of native bush? Absolutely, and you can experience all of this because you’ll be immersed in the serene beauty of the 64 hectares (156 acres) of the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
Check out the Chinese garden in the Auckland Botanic Gardens
- Wish you could let go of stress and gain more life, more energy? Yes, wouldn’t that be amazing? Good news – it’s all possible through the restorative power of tai chi and qigong. I’ll lead you through a unique set of movements that will help you to release stress and cultivate more self-healing energy. It is as easy and natural as the trees letting go of their leaves in autumn so they can burst into new life in spring.
We’ll do restorative, self-healing tai chi and qigong together.
- Can’t wait to truly connect with nature and to awaken all of your senses? This retreat is the connection you are looking for if you want to blossom with new experiences and new beginnings as you:
- sample the delights of the edible garden/herb garden,
- feel nature’s patterns with leaf rubbing,
- tap into all that nature can offer with 5-senses journaling, and
- learn how to create earth art/mandalas
Symmetrical earth art design, created by Jocelyn
Free-flow design for earth art, created by Jocelyn
You’ll get to take home all of the above ‘feel good’ vibes, along with:
- The feeling of having a tranquil, garden sanctuary within you.
- The know-how on how to reduce stress and calm your mind at any time, and to keep that ‘inner sanctuary’ of yours connected with mother nature/Papatūānuku.
- A nature journal.
- A set of journaling pens.
- A foraging bag so that you can continue to collect nature’s taonga/treasures when at home.
Open to anyone aged 18+, who is seeking to reduce stress, rejuvenate their body, reset their mind and renew their spirt. Ideal for beginners.
To RSVP, or if you have questions, please text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or use the contact form on the website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
Tickets: You can buy tickets through Eventbrite using your credit card. Or you can arrange payment by online banking – the account number will be provided once you RSVP.
Please note: The amount paid is non-refundable if you change your mind or are unable to attend. However, a credit may be provided in special circumstances. If the organiser (Kia Ora Tai Chi) cancels the retreat, a full refund will be provided. Please refer to the cancellation policy below.
Here are all the details of the retreat:
Retreat date and time: Saturday 4 May, 2024, 8.45am – 3.30pm. Please arrive between 8.30 – 8.45am.
Venue:
Logan Campbell Building (in the gardens)
Parking: Plenty of free parking in botanic gardens carpark.
What to wear: Comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to move in, and flat-soled shoes that are comfortable for walking. Please also bring a jersey or hoodie to keep warm, especially as we will sit still for some of the time.
Please bring: Your lunch, pen and paper to take notes, filled water bottle and a snack
Places are limited to just 12 people.
Who is the instructor?
Jocelyn Watkin
Jocelyn has helped people of all ages and abilities to reduce stress and improve their overall health, fitness, balance and well-being with qigong and tai chi since 2003.
She also teaches restorative, sensory and nature journaling to further help people to manage and relieve stress.
Jocelyn recently discovered mindfulness-based art therapy, such as creating earth art and leaf rubbing, which she found both helpful and liberating when recovering from post-pandemic stress and anxiety.
She has numerous tai chi and qigong instructor qualifications and also a New Zealand Diploma of Teaching. She has written three books and has worked as a freelance journalist
She is the founder and director of Kia Ora Tai Chi and registered as a group exercise provider (with own choreography) with the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).
Testimonial: “I really enjoyed your style, Jocelyn. Friendly, caring, informative and non-judgemental. You made me feel relaxed and welcome. Thank you.” (Participant in the Stardome mini-retreat, March 2022)
What is qigong (pronounced chee-gong)?
Qigong breathing is healing and liberating
For thousands of years the Chinese have had a secret.
A secret that helps to increase longevity and assists the body to heal from injury, illness and trauma.
That secret is qigong – a deep, meditative breathing and movement exercise that connects the mind to the body.
The main reasons why people learn qigong are to manage and reduce stress, and improve their overall health and well-being.
Qigong is about releasing stress, not suppressing it. Through special qigong breathing you can learn how to let go of stress.
What is sensory or 5-senses nature journaling?
Sensory nature journaling
With sensory journaling, you focus on your five senses to tune into and enjoy the world around you. It’s a pleasant adventure in noticing, savouring and in feeling truly alive.
It can be done anywhere – on your deck, garden, street, or even near an open window!
Journaling is not just writing. You can draw, doodle, trace around objects, etc, as part of focusing with each of your five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.
This type of journaling helps you to calm your mind and to relax into the present moment, which will help you to reduce worrying, relieve anxiety and to begin to live the life you really want.
Jocelyn learned about the power of journaling when recovering from post-traumatic stress nearly 25 years ago. It enabled her to break the grip that stress had on her and also freed her thoughts to plan for a better and different life.
Testimonial: “Jocelyn was very relatable because quite often what was being taught had been used by her in real life.” (Participant in the Stardome mini-retreat, March 2022)
Cancellation policy
The workshop must be paid for in full to reserve your place.
All payments are non-refundable but, if you can’t attend, you can nominate a friend, colleague or family member to take your place.
Please do not attend this workshop if you have Covid or you have a cold or ‘flu-like symptoms. In this instance and if you can’t find someone else to take your place, you will be provided with a credit towards another Kia Ora Tai Chi workshop, retreat or class.
In the unlikely event that Kia Ora Tai Chi cancels the workshop, you will be refunded in full.
COVID-19 policy
Please do not attend if you are sick or have cold or ‘flu-like symptoms.
All participants will need to respect the need for social distancing at all times during the workshop. The venue is a reasonable size and there’ll be plenty of room for everyone to spread out. There will not be any paired exercises or touching by others.
The room will be well-ventilated and hand sanitiser will be provided.
We will abide by the NZ Government’s health advice and regulations as they apply at the time of this retreat
Jocelyn (the instructor) has been fully vaccinated for Covid-19.
To RSVP, or if you have questions, please text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or used the contact form on the website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
Come join me at my ‘Awaken Your Senses’ retreat for an immersive day of transformation and rejuvenation.
Earth art, created by Jocelyn
Earth art, created by Jocelyn
by Jocelyn Watkin | Feb 20, 2024 | Information |
Huia Lodge Discovery Hub, Cornwall Park
The Huia Lodge Discovery Hub, in beautiful Cornwall Park, is staying open late on Friday 22 March 2024, and everyone is invited!
Energize your body and soul at this FREE Huia Lodge Late event from 5 – 7pm. I’ll be part of vibrancy with my rejuvenating, 15-minute tai chi drop-in sessions during the evening.
Join me on Friday 22 March to shake off the week’s stress so you can embrace a fun evening with lots of other activities, performances and exhibitions.
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub next to the Cornwall Park Bistro (the old tea kiosk).
Address: Michael Horton Drive, Cornwall Park, Auckland 1051. Refer to Google street map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/m85TZUQmcFVPQVZC7
If you are coming to the park with a vehicle, the parking closest to the Huia Lodge Discovery Hub is ONLY accessible from the Greenlane Road West entrance to the park.
The event is organised by the park’s events team. You don’t need to book or register. This event is FREE. Just come, bring whānau and friends and enjoy the fun.
Find out more
by Jocelyn Watkin | Jan 14, 2024 | Information |
FREE tai chi and qigong sessions with Jocelyn Watkin and/or another instructor from Kia Ora Tai Chi will be held (weather dependent) in Cornwall Park (in Auckland) every Sunday morning, 9am, and Tuesday evening, 6pm. Starting on Sunday 21 January and finishing on Tuesday 26 March 2022.
These sessions are free for anyone and are suitable for all ages and abilities. Beginners will be very welcome.
Dates and times:
- Starting Sunday 21 January 2024, 9 – 9.45am and every Sunday morning until 24th March 2024 (weather permitting)
- Starting Tuesday 23 January 2024, 6 – 6.45pm and every Tuesday evening until 26th March 2024 (weather permitting).
Location in the park: Same as in previous years. If coming into the park from Greenlane Road West, you’ll be on Pōhutukawa Drive (the main road into the park). 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.)
Registration is not required, just show up 5 -10 minutes before each session starts.
As all of the sessions are outdoors, the weather needs to be on our side to go ahead. If you are uncertain on whether the session will be held you can:
I can’t wait to see everyone again who attended in previous years and also to meet anyone new, who would love to try tai chi and qigong this summer.
Curious about tai chi and qigong? Find out more here: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/tai-chi/
A big thank you to founder of the park, Sir John Logan Campbell, for his gift of Cornwall Park to the people of Auckland. Also, huge thanks to the Cornwall Park Trust Board, which administers his legacy and provides funding for these sessions so you can attend for free.
