about
ko wai au
Ko wai au?
Nō Tiamana ōku tīpuna
I whānau mai ahau ki Tomerdingen
Ko Pukeone, Ko Tū Ao Wharepapa ngā maunga whakaruruhau
Ko Motueka te awa o te rohe
Ko Ngāti Rārua, ko Te Ātiawa ngā iwi kāinga
He tangata tiriti ahau
Ko Kate tōku ingoa
Tēnā tātau katoa
Kia ora koutou
As an advocate for environmental consciousness and a devotee of te taiao (the natural world), my haerenga (journey) has been shaped by more than 20 years of rich and varied experiences. From meaningful one-on-one sessions to leading dynamic group explorations, I have always been guided by connection, growth, and purpose.
I first found my way as a dance educator and artist, where movement and bodywork became mediums for self-expression and connection. Along the way, I embraced teaching yoga and offering massage as powerful tools for nurturing our hauora (wellbeing) - honoring hinengāro (mind), tinana (body), and wairua (spirit).
These practices, combined with my passion for the outdoors as an Outward Bound instructor and facilitator, reinforced my belief in nature’s ability to nurture and guide us. I walk a path that honors our shared existence with Papatūānuku (the Earth), where ecotherapy has become a natural extension of my practice. It beautifully weaves together human hauora with our role as kaitiaki (stewards of the Earth), supporting us rediscover the innate bond between ourselves and the more-than-human world.
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Growing up in Germany, I always had a desire to explore beyond the familiar. By embracing the world as a traveler, I immersed myself in diverse cultures and landscapes, which deepened my connection to nature and broadened my worldview. Throughout my journey, I had the privilege of volunteering on beautiful and enriching inclusion projects, working with children and youth with special needs. Now rooted in Aotearoa, I have found a deeper sense of home and purpose.
In my exploration of Te Ao Māori, I move with respect and care, aware of the sacredness and responsibility that comes with learning from this rich culture. I strive to embody the values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), recognizing that the wellbeing of Papatūānuku (the Earth) and all beings is deeply interconnected.
I believe that true fulfillment lies in service to something greater than ourselves. I am dedicated to leading by example, empowering others on their journey towards collective betterment, and cultivating a world where we begin to see how our actions ripple out into the world.
My Commitment
Herenga
I am comitted to purposeful contribution and striving to create a world where we honor our relationships - with ourselves, others, and Papaptūānuku, our earth.
Tangata Te Tiriti
As a tangata Tiriti, I am deeply committed to fostering cultural awareness and being a respectful, intentional Treaty partner. I continuously engage with Te Ao Māori, honouring its values and teachings, and incorporate them with reverence into my practice. I am dedicated to learning Te Reo Māori and actively engage with iwi to ensure my work aligns with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Good health and wellbeing
My goal is to make wellbeing accessible to everyone. To support this, I offer flexible payment options, including koha or service and goods exchanges for those experiencing financial hardship.
I donate massages to local women’s shelters. If you are a business, charity, or NGO whose members could benefit from my services but lack the financial means, please get in touch! I'd love to offer some spaces for free services.
Responsible Consumption and Production
I am committed to minimise my environmental impact by using organic, sustainably and fair sourced products in my services, from materials used in sessions and workshops to the goods I recommend to clients.
Climate Action
I actively calculate my travel emissions and offset my carbon footprint by planting native trees with Trees That Count.
Education
Kuranga
Qualifications
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Deep Tissue Massage Therapist Certificate
Deep Tissue Massage - Power Of Touch, 2024
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New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Bilingual, Level 1)
Open Polytechnic, NZ, 2024
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NZQA New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (Instruction, Bush, Level 5)
& NZOIA Bush 1
(AdventureWorks, NZ) 2024
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Outdoor Ecotherapy Training course
ecoSelf, Whangārei NZ, David Key, 2024
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Life Coach Certificate
IAP, International Association Of Professions Career College, 2024
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Mindful Somatic Ecotherapy Training
Restorative Relationships, Dunedin NZ, 2023
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Hatha Yoga Teacher Certificate
Embodied Flow™ 200 h Yoga Alliance, 2017
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Practitioner for Traditional Thai Yoga Massage Certificate
Institute for Traditional Thai Yoga Massage Cologne, 2017
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Diploma in Stage Dance and Dance Pedagogy
Ballettfoerderzentrum Nuernberg, 2012
Some of my workshops, trainings and experiences include
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Activating Tangata Tiriti (Anna Guenther & co)
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First Aid - Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PEAK Safety) 2025
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Neurodiversity Training (Mind Over Manner)
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Rainbow Inclusivity (insideOUT)
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Trauma Informed Practice
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Adventure Therapy Conference Aotearoa
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Motivational interviewing (Tipene Pickett)
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MEND Conflict Mediation (Youth Diversion, Kingston, Canada)
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Leave No Trace Certificate (Center For Outdoor Ethics)
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Fire- and Vertical Dance Artist (read more)