Teachers

Maria (E-RYT500)

Maria first came to yoga in 2008 after anxiety and physical pain had left her at a bit of a loss. Her body was physically very tight and she had sustained injuries from years of high impact gym and outdoor exercise. Feeling emotionally challenged at that time, she thought that a little yoga might be good for her. Little did she realise that after that first class, her life would be forever changed. Maria became a member of Hot Yoga Wellington in 2009, did the Teacher Training in 2010, and bought the studio on Wakefield Street in 2012 (back when there was only one studio). Since then, she has been to India twice to learn more about her own practice as well as teaching (particularly the philosophy side of things), opened two more studios in Wellington and Lower Hutt, completed 500-hours of teacher training, and started facilitating our own in-house Teacher Training. The principles of yoga have allowed her to take some courageous steps, to love, to forgive and to let go, mostly with her own self. Maria believes there are many paths we can take as humans. But for her, it’s yoga, which makes her role in this community of yoga a fulfilling and passionate one--connecting, believing, growing, and learning.

What certifications and trainings have you received?

My 200-hour training was done with Hot Yoga Wellington. In India, I completed another 300hrs in Ashtanga Yoga. Yin and Chakras L1 & 2, Joe Barnett. Chakra and Charge Workshop, Anodea Judith. Yoga as Medicine, Timothy McCall. Anahata, with Swami Karma Karuna. Wisdom of Meditation, with Shikhaa and Mayank

Why do you teach yoga? What has it given you?

Yoga has offered me a way of living my life on and off the mat, from the inside. My own practice is just as important as teaching as what I have learnt is that there is no destination, this life is a journey, one that is constantly changing and evolving. However, it is only through awareness of the present moment that I or any of us can come back home, to ourselves. Teaching yoga is a joy for me, and 12 years on, I still love teaching, whether it is at one of the studios, or in teacher training 200hr, 300hr, for me it is always about learning and growing and the co-creating that happens - that’s the magic.

What do you bring to the mat as a teacher?

My sense of humour, my passion and my life experiences. My intention is to keep things “real” to connect with love and to offer an invitation through conversations, asanas, breathe, meditation and contemplation.

So that members can find some ease, some space, a place to relax and release what no longer serves them.

What do you love doing off the mat?

Walking on the beach, doing some of NZ’s great walks, listening to music and auditory books, dancing, being with my family and friends, my 6 grand-children, learning and growing, meditating, flowers, hot baths, sunsets, taking retreats.

Fav quote

"Your task is not to seek love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you built against it." -Rumi

Annie F

Angela (E-RYT)

Annie B (RYT-500)

Annie first felt the call of yoga in her 30s and came to yoga as a way to find healing from unresolved trauma and chronic anxiety. She started at Hot Yoga in 2009 and from the first moment she stepped onto a yoga mat, she felt she was ‘home’. This ancient, graceful and wise practice, weaving body, breath and movement together, helped Annie calm her mind and opened her to living from a more embodied and joyful place. Yoga has been a mainstay of her morning practice for over 10 years now.

What certifications and trainings have you received?

My first yoga teacher training was with Claire and Lou of Hot Yoga Wellington in 2011. In 2015 my love of yoga sent me to the Himalayan Institute in the States, where I qualified in 2019 as a 500 hour Yoga Teacher. Off the mat, I am a Psychosynthesis Psychotherapist and am currently training in Somatic Experiencing, an approach to healing trauma through the body. All of my work informs my teaching.

As an instructor and yoga practitioner, what brings you to the mat?

As a yogi, what brings me to my mat is a deeper sense of connection with myself, with others, with spirit and with the earth. To start each day, creating sacred space to be with myself, has such a profound effect on my own wellbeing and enables me to live more consciously. As a teacher, I love creating space for people to explore their inner world, to find more freedom and fulfilment and to connect back to all of who they are. There is always a moment in class when the energy settles and there is a palpable change in the room, a feeling of connection and transformation happening on all levels - body, mind and spirit.

What do you like to do when you’re not on the mat?

Off the mat, I am an avid reader and love learning, particularly about transformational journeys. I do yoga and meditation most days, spend time with my family and friends, love going to the movies and exploring the world. Once or twice a year, I take time on retreat to connect even deeper with myself. On weekends I enjoy walking up Mt Kau Kau.

Fav quote

"we are all just walking each other home" - Ram Dass

Zena

Ryan

Jen

Sarah M

Muni (E-RYT500)

Natalie W

Natalie came to yoga in her late 20’s after having trained as a dancer and working as dance teacher. Initially, movement was a form of creative expression. As a dance teacher wanting to ensure the longevity of young dancer’s bodies, this developed a curiosity of functional movement and a strong alignment perspective. Yoga now marries these previous incarnations and extends it beyond purely a physical practise, allowing her to find a deeper sense of connection. It is a way of uncovering the layers of self & revealing the underlying state of contentment within.

What certifications/trainings have you received?

I completed my 200hr training through HYW, in 2018. Alongside this I am also a qualified dance teacher, which I find really valuable in understanding how to guide people effectively through a physical practise. I have completed further trainings through Yoga Medicine on Myofascial Release and Anatomy with Rachel Land, Biomechanics training with Jules Mitchell, Ayurveda workshops with Marc Holzman, & last year I completed an Introductory to Natural Health Science certificate. To me, Svadhyaya, or self-study is an essential part of staying connected and personal growth. Really, in terms of my own yoga journey, I have only just scratched the surface – one of the beautiful things about this practice is there is always so much to learn, so many ways to evolve!

As a yoga instructor and practitioner, what brings you to the mat?

Coming from a dance background, movement has always been an integral part of my life. In my personal practice, I love the flow state, creating a deep sense of focus and presence that I can carry into the rest of my day. Coming to the mat carves that time to create space…. “What is yoga? Yoga is breath, breath is life.”

What might we find you doing when you are not on the mat?

I also have a Dance Studio: L.O.D Dance, and together with my husband we have a boutique mens fashion/barber shop in the city: that was then, this is now. We are also parents to our beautiful girl, Daisy & our little dog Rosie. Downtime is precious, and usually involves hanging with family/friends, pouring over cookbooks, running the south coast, listening to podcasts, or curling up and knitting on the couch!

Fav quote

“the best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others” - Gandhi

Ardya (RYT)

Ardya discovered yoga in 2012 when she injured her back and was looking for a form of exercise. Her yoga journey started with Hot Yoga and stepping on the mat felt like she was coming 'home' for the first time. To her, yoga isn't just a way to sweat anymore, but a space to discover and be herself. In 2016, after experiencing a few years of unbalanced work/life patterns, chronic stress and feeling lost, the calling was too strong for her to ignore and she applied for New Zealand Yoga Collective's 200hr Teachers Training while still living overseas. Now yoga, like breath, is part of Ardya's life - she walks, talks, and even dances yoga!

What certifications and trainings have you received?

RYT-500, Certified Mindfulness, Holistic Lifestyle and Nutrition Coach

Why do you teach yoga? What has it given you?

Simply pure joy! Each class I teach allows me to learn, share, re-learn, re-share what I know about yoga. Seeing students finding peace from rediscovering their body (mental, emotional and physical) through breath and yoga - that 'aha' moment; it's not often but when it happens, and I can be a witness to the shift in those students... definitely hits the spot for me.

What do you bring to the mat as a teacher?

Compassion, understanding and love for ourselves. I like to invite students to come to the mat each time like it's their first time and discover their body again - let go of any preconceptions and expectations, find out what's different and use that knowledge to move their body. I also love to put on great tunes and get the class to dance a yoga flow or two on the mat :)

What do you love doing off the mat?

Spending time with my son, Benji Marama, tops the chart! Though I do treasure the very rare quiet mornings where I can enjoy a cup of coffee, a bagel and a book. A few more major highlights include: evening outs and ins (mostly ins) with friends over meals and wine indulging in life conversations, nature walking/running, watching movies and dancing like nobody's watching (but best when Benji joins in).

Fav quote

"I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude." Brené Brown

Kate

Kate is a daughter, sister, friend, teacher, boss lady and lover of food (especially chocolate). She was born in the UK, moved to NZ aged 6 and has lived in Wellington, Wairarapa, Palmy, Hawke’s Bay and since 2014 she's back in Wellington.. Her ‘day job’ is in local government making a difference for the community and the environment.

What certifications and trainings have you received?

I am RYT-500, completing both my 200 hour and my 300 hour qualifications with the NZ Yoga Collective in 2019 and 2021 respectively.

Why do you teach yoga? What has it given you?

I teach because it brings me a lot of joy! I love being able to connect with the yogis in the room and seeing the transformation from the start of class to the end of class. Yoga has helped me immensely – it’s been a healing practice for me and I teach because I want to share this with others. Helping others in this way is also part of my own healing experience. Yoga has enabled me to build confidence and work through mental health struggles. Being on the mat – uniting movement with the breath helps get me out of my own head, shift perspective and see the real me (rather than the story in my head I tell myself about who I am ).

What do you bring to the mat as a teacher?

As a ‘PV girl’ my classes a strong and flowing, but I like to bring some fun and softness to the practice as well. I increasingly lean towards an emphasis on the philosophical teachings, linking the sequence to an aspect of philosophy in some way and relating this to our modern day lives. While the entry point to yoga is the asana practice for most of us, this physical aspect is actually one part of a much bigger whole. To truly experience ‘yoga’ I believe we need an understanding of the other aspects and to make it relevant for our current circumstances. Yoga philosophy has enabled me to make sense of who I am, my actions and behaviours, and to make positive changes as a result and this is part of what I teach. I am definitely a more compassionate human-being as a result of practicing and teaching yoga.

What do you love doing off the mat?

Aside from teaching and practicing yoga, I also love running and walking and getting into nature. I also enjoy time with my friends and family and a good book in the sun.

Fav quote

"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change "– Dr Wayne Dyer

Kirsten

Rusty (E-RYT200 RYT500)

Bridgette

Holly

HJ

I started practicing yoga about 10 years ago without knowing much about it. I soon became a huge fan of hot yoga for all the sweats and the sense of accomplishment. I then realised there was more than that in yoga. It calmed my mind, taught me to accept myself as who I was, and provided me with a different perspective for many things in life. It took a few years' contemplation to decide to be trained as a yoga teacher but it was one of the best decisions I made in my life.

What certifications and trainings have you received?

I have completed RYT 200 hr yoga teachers training through New Zealand Yoga Collective. Since then I have participated in various training sessions and workshops including yoga anatomy and yoga for lower back pain. I am particularly interested in using yoga as a tool for chronic pain management and mobility increase because I want to be able to practice yoga for much longer than I've been doing.

Why do you teach yoga? What has it given you?

Teaching yoga gives me the opportunity to completely move away from hectic daily life and recalibrate my mind. Once I'm on the mat teaching, there is a new me and a new world in front of me. It's even therapeutic. I also appreciate that teaching allows me to connect with other yogis to a different level. We sometimes share life stories, joys and sadness. We share a sense of belonging together. We can share so many things without a single word. It's just magical.

What do you bring to the mat as a teacher?

Energy, creativity and positivity

I like to encourage people to explore their limits, both physically and mentally. I believe limits are often created and applied to us by ourselves. I hope everyone can have the 'can do' attitude. Without that sort of positive mindset, no one can achieve a positive life.

What do you love doing off the mat?

My happiest moments will have to be the time I get to spend with my furry babies. Every moment with them is precious which I always crave. I also enjoy travelling, fashion, music, good food, wine and many more other things. Personally I am a busy minded person who is interested in lots of things. I get bored easily, and don't appreciate repetitive stuff in general. Practicing yoga for nearly 10 years is, thus, exceptional for me.

Fav quote

'This too shall pass' I know it's way too common and ordinary but it gives me the insight that nothing is permanent. It makes me appreciate the present moments, the 'me' as of now and even the hardships life brings. Also, when you realise 'things' are not permanent, all the things become way more precious.

Rita

Karina

Karina first experienced a yoga asana class while visiting Bhutan with her Mum in 2007. Until then, she thought yoga was all about the spiritual side. The sense of mind and body connection from that first class sparked Karina to start exploring a physical practice but it was not until early 2014 that she fell in love with the heated room and began regular early morning practice at the Lower Hutt studio. Little did she know that a few years later she would be starting her own teaching journey with Hot Yoga from the same beautiful room.

What certifications and trainings have you received?

I completed my 200-hour Teacher Training with Hot Yoga Wellington/New Zealand Yoga Collective in 2020 (yes, impacted by Covid lockdowns, restrictions, and all!). In 2021, I undertook further training in styles that promote relaxation, completing a 125-hour training course in Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga and Basic Breathing with Anahata Yoga Retreat in the magical hills of Golden Bay. Currently I am participating in an online yoga study group run by Instituto Hermogenes who are based in my country of birth Brazil. The focus of the study is the method “Autoperfeição com Hatha Yoga” (literally translated as “Self perfection with Hatha Yoga”).

Why do you teach yoga? What has it given you?

Curiosity leads many aspects of my life, and is a big part of my yoga journey. As a practitioner, I love being surprised by what yoga brings to my daily life; the pathway towards acceptance of the good and the bad; action and stillness; viewing the new and the old from different perspectives; the changes off the mat. As a teacher, I enjoy the ongoing learning that comes from the exchange of every class. My style encourages students to go deeper into a sense of presence, exploring self-awareness through body movement and breath. It fills my heart to see students who arrive to class stressed after a hard day surrendering to the magic of yoga and leaving with that inner and outer smile.

What do you do off the mat?

I love travelling – and the planning that goes with it. Every now and then you’ll find me joining a group of strangers in some part of New Zealand (or the world) where we can indulge a shared passion or hobby and get to know one another. Other passions are more simple: I love nothing better than enjoying a cup of tea sitting in the sun at a favourite cafe, people and dog-watching. Spending time by the sea is also important to me and being able to do this with my four-legged baby is always a highlight. Contemplating nature at dawn and finding pockets of silence throughout the day help keep me strong for all that yoga off the mat.

Fav quote

“There is no greater wealth than the feeling of having enough, being content with who you are, as well as who you are not yet, or have not yet become”, Professor Hermogenes.

Sonny

Abbey

Becky

Kali

A busy mum of three , Kali brings a wealth of knowledge to her mat . She began practicing yoga as a teen. It has been a pillar of strength for her . As life has constantly morphed and moved yoga has always been there for her to help her make sense of the world . There was a magnetic pull for Kali towards the practice. Coming from a dance background she fell in love with the movement of yoga, but what really got her was the essence of hope and peace she found through yoga philosophy.

What certifications and trainings have you received?

I completed my original certification in 2009 at Hot Yoga Wellington . I am currently a Registered Teacher with Yoga Alliance.

I have studied Yin Yoga with Joe Barnett , Traditional Chinese Medicine and meridians with Tiffany Cruikshank from Yoga Medicine. As well as Vinyasa , and Advance Yin training with Duncan Peak from Power Living Australia, Flow and Alignment with Noah Maze , and meditation training with IRest. I have also studied with Creature Yoga in Byron Bay , completing many modules of their 500 hour training , and also modules through Om Teacher Training NZ . I have trained with Bernie Clark in Yin yoga and I am currently embarking on an 800hr yoga philosophy training through the late Georg Feuerstein to complement my teaching. I completed my Pilates Mat training with Hearts and Bones in 2006 , and I have continued with Pilates Reformer training through Polestar Pilates, and Tiaki in Wellington. My western education includes a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University in both Religious Studies and Media Studies . I am a qualified and registered Royal Academy of Dance Classical Ballet Teacher . I also hold a diploma in Interior Design .

As an instructor and a yoga practitioner, what brings you to the mat?

A sense of coming home.

What might we find you doing when you’re not on the mat?

I love art , music , films and drinking tea . I love to sing and to dance. On the weekends I am often seen onstage singing with the iconic NZ band The Beatgirls...