Spring into Wellbeing Expo

Two Southland mothers and business owners have created Southland’s first wellbeing expo with the vision of empowering Southlanders to thrive.

Kate Watkinson and Katie Oliver created the Spring into Wellbeing Expo based on Te Whare Tapa Wha – to be optimally healthy in the areas of taha tinana (physical health), taha wairua (spiritual health), taha whanau (family health) and taha hinengaro (mental health).

Given that the past few years have been rather tumultuous the focus is on empowering people to thrive in all aspects of health.

It is a celebration of flourishing people, whanau and communities, and is a familyfriendly event, suitable for men, women and children.

The event will take place at the Wallacetown Community Centre on Saturday, November 19. Entry is a gold coin and gives access to a variety of stalls, products and services in the realm of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

There will be free ‘taster’ classes throughout the day of Yoga, Pilates, sound healing, Zumba and more.

And you’ll be kept nourished with a variety of delicious wholefood options, drinks and a coffee cart.

The expo provides a platform for a range of wellbeing modalities from supplements, movement, health and eco products as well energy healing, breathwork, Maori rongoa and coaching.

Drawing together the expertise and passion of holistic health practitioners, the event will feature a line-up of workshops and inspirational talks on a range of health topics from the value of rest to the art of fermentation.

‘‘We have a strong vision of sharing the wisdom of incredible Southlander’s working in the realm of wellbeing’’ Kate said.

A women’s wellbeing expert, Kate’s business, Thrive in Light. co.nz, specialises in Yoga, Qoya and Soul through classes, retreats, and bespoke private sessions.

Kate is an author and speaker in the field of wellbeing, creating safe and sacred space for women to tap into their innate peace and truth.

‘‘Living healthy and flourishing lives is our birthright’’ Katie from Natural Beginnings Birthing.com shared.

A mother of five boys and business owner specialising in intuitive birthing and parenting, she knows the power of natural therapies.

Katie guides and mentor’s parents with hypnobirthing and postpartum care.

For more information you can visit her website: naturalbeginningsbirthing.com.

Kate and Katie have received overwhelming support from both participants and the public.

One stallholder is travelling from Auckland to be involved and commented that ‘‘this is such a positive event’’.

They have even been contacted by a Sydney resident asking when the next expo is so they can plan to come.

PROGRAMME OF WORKSHOPS:

SESSION 1: 10-11am

Home Fermentation. Geraldine from The Ferment Kitchen will demonstrate how to make sauerkraut, kimchi and zingy brine pickles plus delicious fermented mustard.

SESSION 2: 11.30 – 12.30

Your Thriving Mind, Body & Soul.

● Optimizing Your Immunity with naturopath Leisa Cournane from ComplEat Wellness. Lifestyle tips for healthy immune function.

● Thriving Relationships with Non-Violent Communication

(NVC) with Sally Prebble andJorinde Rapsey from Peace Talks. An introduction to transforming judgement, triggers and blame into pathways to connection.

● Medicine from Your Garden. Dr. Sophie Feberey shares three wild and readily available plants that support and heal common ailments and conditions.

● Dare to Rest. Kate Watkinson from Thrive in Light reveals how to harness the undervalued power of rest for your wellBEING.

● Stop Trying. Start Thriving! How to effortlessly start creating the life you desire with Katie Oliver from Natural Beginnings.

SESSION 3: 1 – 2pm:

Holistic WellBeing – Taking Care of all Aspects of Health.

● Harness the Power of Breathing. Physiotherapist and Bradcliff breathing practitioner Anna Rankin will show you how better breathing can improve wellbeing.

● Medicine from Your Kitchen. Doctor Sophie Feberey will discuss a variety of medicinal uses of ginger, garlic and chamomile.

● The Human User Guide. How to use our biological rhythms to inform our self-care practices with Chayse Leith, Master of Applied Health Science.

● What’s REALLY in your way? It’s not what you think it is! Katie Oliver from Natural Beginnings will reveal to you what is REALLY in the way of you achieving your goals.

SESSION 4: 2.30 – 3.45pm WOMBan’s Hour - Deepening the Connection to our Feminine Power