by Jocelyn Watkin | Nov 5, 2025 | Information
Yes, it’s happening and for the 9th year in a row!! The free summer tai chi and qigong sessions with me in Cornwall Park are back for summer 2026. Please note that these sessions are outdoors so they need fine weather to go ahead. Details below including how to find out about any cancellations.
These FREE sessions are outdoors in Cornwall Park from mid-January to the end of March 2026. All welcome, ideal for beginners and suitable for all ages.
Dates and times:
- Sunday mornings, 9 – 9.45am and every Sunday morning (except Sunday 8 February during Waitangi Weekend) until 29th March 2026 (weather permitting)
- Tuesday evenings, 6 – 6.45pm and every Tuesday evening until 31st March 2026 (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.)
Bring your water bottle and a sun hat/sunblock. Wear comfy clothing and footwear. Registrations are 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/
Please be aware that Cornwall Park is NOT owned by Auckland Council. It is a private park, thanks to the generosity of the founder, Sir John Logan Campbell. He gifted his land, which became known as 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.
Contact me or sign up for my free monthly newsletter to get an early ‘heads up’ on when there are even more free sessions of tai chi and qigong.
Tai chi for anyone who is blind or has low vision
Wait, there’s more at Cornwall Park this summer…the Cornwall Park Trust Board are also funding four accessible tai chi sessions for anyone who is blind or has low vision, and who wants to be more active.
The lessons will be held immediately after our general sessions on Sunday mornings and in the same location in the park. The timeslot will be 10.15 – 11am on these four Sundays in March 2026: 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th. (Weather permitting)
These free tai chi sessions in the park will be designed and developed by me. I have specialist skills and experience in teaching accessible tai chi to adults and young people, including at the Homai campus of Blind, Low Vision Education Network NZ (BLENNZ) and James Cook High School in Manurewa.
Tai chi is gentle on joints and is designed to improve balance, mobility, strength and fitness.
A big thank you to the Cornwall Park Trust Board for funding these accessible sessions.
If you’d like to know how I got started with teaching tai chi to students who were blind/had low vision, it all began with my successful pilot project in 2017. My work in this specialist area has grown from there. You can read a summary of my pilot project in this link: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/success-with-teaching-tai-chi-to-blind-students/
by Jocelyn Watkin | May 6, 2025 | Information
Dreaming of flying towards the sun this winter?
Feeling all shivery in the mornings? What about when curled up under two duvets at night, dreaming of flying north or to the Pacific Islands to follow the sun?
Before you book that one-way ticket, here’s a cosy secret: you can turn up your inner heat right here at home — no passport required.
As the days grow shorter and the chill sets in, many of us start hunting for ways to stay warm without simply cranking up the heater or huddling under several blankets all winter.
Tai chi and qigong might not be the first things that come to mind when you think of keeping warm — but they should be.
So, can tai chi really help quell the quivery shivers of winter?
Yes, absolutely.
Tai chi and qigong are gentle forms of exercise, which means they’ll warm your body just as any physical movement does. But they go far beyond that.
The magic lies in the how. Slow, flowing movements combined with deep, mindful breathing do more than just get your blood moving — they improve your circulation and help your body absorb oxygen more efficiently.
Unlike high-intensity workouts that burn through your oxygen and leave you gasping, tai chi and qigong cultivate a quiet, lasting energy that lingers long after your practice ends.
That’s why so many practitioners describe a subtle, comforting warmth spreading through their bodies — not just during the session, but for hours afterward.
In the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this warmth has an even deeper explanation. Tai chi and qigong help to cultivate your qi — your life force, your mauri — which is believed to support your body’s natural defenses and resilience. A strong flow of qi is said to help you withstand not just winter’s chill, but also many seasonal bugs and fatigue.
And it’s not just ancient wisdom saying this. Modern research backs it up, too. Studies show tai chi and qigong can positively influence immune system functioning and reduce inflammation — helping you feel stronger and more energised during the colder months.
Explore the science here: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/tai-chi-and-qigong-can-boost-immunity/
So next time you reach for another pair of socks or wrap yourself in a blanket, consider this: tai chi and qigong could be your warmest allies this winter.
I welcome new beginners at my tai chi classes in Clendon, Manurewa, on Wednesday evenings, 6.30 – 7.15pm. Your first class is free. Find out more: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/classes/
The photo above of me practising tai chi in the glow of a huge, close-up photo of the sun was taken at the ‘Astronomy Photographer of the Year’ exhibition, Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery, in Hamilton. https://tewharetaonga.nz/
by Jocelyn Watkin | Sep 24, 2024 | Information
I’ll be teaching three FREE tai chi sessions in Cornwall Park, Greenlane Road West, Auckland, Saturday 28 September, 11am – 2pm for their Heritage Day celebrations. All ages and abilities welcome. Ideal for beginners.
The sessions will be scheduled at approximately 11.15am, 12.15pm and 1.15pm.
Note: These will be outside Huia Lodge and not in my usual summer tai chi spot.
There’ll be heaps of other free activities for Heritage Day in Cornwall Park, including:
- March, jive, groove and bop along to tunes from the last 121 years with the Auckland Big Band
- Step back in time and picnic like it’s 1929 with Art Deco Society Auckland Inc.
- Fly and make your own kite with CLM Community Events.
- Admire how past visitors would get to and from the park in style with the North Island Model A Ford Club Inc.
- PLUS you can pick up your own limited edition Cornwall Park Trading Card on the day.
Find out more about this amazing Heritage Day event in Cornwall Park: https://cornwallpark.co.nz/whats-on/heritage-day-recreation
If postponed on the 28th due to rain, the next scheduled day for this event will be Saturday 5 October, 11am – 2pm. Please check the Cornwall Park webpage or their Facebook page for updates about the weather.
This event is part of Auckland Council’s Auckland Heritage Festival 2024, which runs from 28 September to 13 October. There are lots of other free and low-cost events that will be part of this festival: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/heritage-festival/heritage-festival-events/
by Jocelyn Watkin | Feb 21, 2024 | Information
A fusion of Chinese and Pākeha tai chi instructors, who are both Kiwis: Juliana (on the left) and Jocelyn
Embark on a tai chi adventure with us to experience Tai Chi for Fun and Energy. There’ll be six FREE opportunities to learn and these will happen across Ranui, Te Atatū and Manurewa for the 2024 World of Cultures Festival.
Tai chi is an ancient martial art from China, which you will learn from Jocelyn, Kia Ora Tai Chi and Juliana, Aroha Tai Chi. Together, we will provide an amazing teaching combo as we are an awesome fusion of Chinese and Pākeha Kiwis.
As well as health-boosting tai chi you will also experience the energy and exhilaration of the tai chi fan. This will be an unforgettable experience with the brilliant colour and movement of the fan, and the delightful snap of it opening. If you’re a seasoned practitioner this will add an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to your tai chi.
Adults of any age and ability will be welcome, especially newcomers, to learn this unique and fun form of tai chi. Children aged 5+ will be also be very welcome, if accompanied by an adult.
Fun with tai chi fans,. Juliana is centre left (in black shirt) and Jocelyn is centre right (wearing red shoes)
Join Jocelyn and Juliana for one, two or all six of these 1-hour, FREE Tai Chi for Fun and Energy sessions. Ideal for beginners. Fans (free on loan) will be provided.
Friday 22 March, 2024: 9.15 – 10.15am, Ranui
- Ranui Community Centre: 474 Swanson Road, Ranui, 0612
- Places limited to maximum of 20. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to: Juliana, Email: arohataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 021 905 742
Saturday 23 March, 2024: 10.15am – 11.15am, Te Atatū
- Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre: 595 Te Atatū Road, Te Atatū Peninsula, 0610
- Places limited to maximum of 20. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to: Juliana, Email: arohataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 021 905 742
***CANCELLED*** Good Friday 29 March 2024, 9.15am – 10.15am, Ranui Domain, ***CANCELLED***
Easter Saturday 30 March, 2024, 10.15am – 11.15am, Te Atatū
- Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre: 595 Te Atatū Road, Te Atatū Peninsula, 0610
- Places limited to maximum of 20. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to: Juliana, Email: arohataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 021 905 742
Easter Saturday 30 March, 2024, 2.30pm – 3.30pm, Manurewa
- The Theatre, at Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa, 2102
- Places limited to maximum of 35. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to Jocelyn, Email: kiaorataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 027 493 9851
Friday 12 April, 2024: 9.15 – 10.15am, Ranui
- Ranui Community Centre: 474 Swanson Road, Ranui, 0612
- Places limited to maximum of 20. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to: Juliana, Email: arohataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 021 905 742
Saturday 13 April, 2024, 2.30pm – 3.30pm, Manurewa
- The Theatre, at Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa, 2102
- Places limited to maximum of 35. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to Jocelyn, Email: kiaorataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 027 493 9851
Nathan Homestead, Manurewa
What to wear: Loose comfortable clothing along with something warm like a hoodie, jumper, cardigan, etc. Please wear flat-soled shoes such as sneakers, trainers or tennis shoes. Please also bring a bottle of drinking water.
What to expect: All of the sessions will begin with a sequence of easy, flowing, warm-up exercises that will be low impact and gentle on your joints. These exercises are designed to improve your balance, overall health and core strength. You can use a fan for free on the day.
Jocelyn and Juliana will then guide you through health-boosting tai chi – a series of linked steps and movements that will be fun and easy-to-learn.
We will finish with the tai chi fan form – a captivating fusion of martial arts and grace, with vibrant sound effects and colour. We’ll teach you how to wield the fan with finesse and flair.
What is tai chi?
Often described as “moving meditation”, tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art and exercise programme that combines mental focus with relaxed movements. It is sometimes referred to as “taiji” or “tai chi chuan”.
Tai chi not just a physical exercise but a holistic journey towards balance, vitality and greater well-being.
Adults of any age and ability, and children aged 5+ (with an accompanying adult), are all welcome. Places are limited so please RSVP ahead of time.
Come join us, bring your smiles, and let’s make unforgettable memories together with tai chi.
Our Tai Chi for Fun and Energy events are part of the official programme for Auckland Council’s 2024 World of Cultures Festival.
Find out more about:
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 2024.
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.
