Ancient Wisdom For A New Paradigm

The Living Earth Series invites a shift in how we relate to the world:  from seeing the Earth as a resource to recognising it as a living system of which we are a part. When this relationship is weakened, the effects are felt not only in our environment, but in our physical health, mental wellbeing, and the fabric of society itself.

This series offers an experiential pathway for reconnecting with the living essence that underpins life and the world around us. Through wānanga, dialogue, creative practice, and shared experience, participants are invited to rediscover what it means to feel connected — in their bodies, their communities, and the world around them.

Grounded in Indigenous knowledge, each session creates space for insight and deeper awareness, supporting people to live with greater connection and reverence with the natural world.

The wānanga takes place over two evenings: Friday, April 3rd and Saturday April 4th from 6:00 pm until 9:45 pm. Tickets grant you access to the full weekend. 

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Ticket Info: No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. There are volunteer spaces, concession passes, plus a ‘pay-what-you-want’ option below.

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
LE — Volunteer
$ 0.00
5 available
LE — Unwaged
$ 15.00
10 available
LE — Concession
$ 25.00
10 available
LE —Suggested
$ 50.00
10 available
LE — Patron
$ 75.00
10 available
Quantity: 0
Total: $ 0.00

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Date: Fri—Sat | April 3—4
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:45 pm
Location: 2 Abbey St, Auckland
Cost: Suggested Donation $50

Pay What You Want

Wisdom Holders

Ngaronoa Renata

Ngaronoa Renata (Ngāpuhi) is a Rongoā Māori practitioner, te reo advocate, and community teacher. Inspired by time spent with Tibetan healers in the Himalayas, she returned home to reclaim her language, culture, and connection to whenua.

Her work weaves together rongoā, waiata, karakia, and te reo as a living practice of wellbeing and cultural restoration. Grounded in the lineage of Turikatuku, Ngaronoa shares her knowledge through community teaching, wānanga, and local radio, offering a peaceful and practical pathway for reconnecting with Te Ao Māori.

Mike O’Donnell

Mike O’Donnell is one of New Zealand’s most respected potters, a conservationist, spiritual explorer and a wonderfully passionate and incredible story teller. Mike shares the gifts of his experiences working with children (both young and old) by the sacred waters of his beloved Tarariki stream.

Waters talking from his clay vessel to yours. Mike is guaranteed to inspired you with his passionate Korero (dialogue) about our interconnectedness with nature as he shares how he ‘works himself out’ through his sculpture, clay working, guiding the children and listening to the waters.

Xiuh Janiki Yollotl Patli

Andria Dafne Pablo Sanchez Vee’us Xiuh Janiki Yollotlpactli (Mestiza, Nahua, México) is a practitioner and teacher of traditional Nahua and Toltec wisdom. Originally from the central valleys of México, her journey has focused on reclaiming and revitalising Indigenous knowledge that continues to live within her people today.

Now based in Aotearoa, Andria shares practices including temazcal (sacred sweat lodge), kinam movement, ceremonial chant, and traditional earth-based ritual. Guided by elders in México and shaped by her connection with both her ancestral lineage and te ao Māori, her work supports reconnection, cultural remembrance, and the restoration of balance between people and the living world.

Taane Mete

Taane Mete (Ngāti Kahungunu) is a dancer, teacher, and practitioner whose work brings together movement, wellbeing, and the healing arts. Born and raised in Napier, he trained at the New Zealand School of Dance and has performed with major dance companies across Aotearoa, sustaining a professional career spanning more than four decades.

Inspired by the wisdom of his late parents and grounded in mātauranga Māori, Taane’s work is deeply influenced by te ao Māori. Through dance, yoga, and bodywork, he integrates artistic expression with embodied practice, supporting connection, healing, and holistic wellbeing.

In Partnership With

Waitematā Local Board

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Waitematā Local Board, whose funding has helped make the Living Earth Series possible.

The Button Collective

We’re a community-led creative organisation that produces arts, cultural, and wellbeing experiences that strengthen connection and social vitality in the city.

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