Each session is hosted by experts in holistic wellbeing, who will guide you through activities that are deeply rooted in integrated connection between ourselves and our Earth.
With a focus on reshaping our perception and understanding of whales and our relationship with the natural world, Julia Graeter offers inspiring keynotes, workshops, mentoring & coaching programs and retreats. Join Julia’s journey and discover a unique blend of inspiration, influence and positive change for planetary and human wellbeing.
After surgery for bowel cancer at the age of 30, Vanessa took up learning and practising Qigong. Initially she wondered why she was spending so much time with her eyes closed, waving her arms in the air. The reason soon became clear as she felt her energy levels increase, body strengthen and mind calm. By regularly practising Qigong and having Qi therapy sessions from her Qigong Master, Yuan Tze, she fully experienced the healing power of Qi, and found the more Qigong she did, the more benefits she gained.
Vanessa completed the 8 level Yuan Tze REN XUE Master Teacher and Therapist’s training programme in 2007 and the six year REN XUE, Yuan Gong and Yuan Ming Medicine professional training in 2018. She loves utilising her professional background to teach Yuan Qigong and REN XUE.
Jenafer sees community impact, sustainability (environmental, social, cultural), and personal growth as an interwoven tapestry for building a better world together. As a yoga instructor and certified breathwork practitioner, she is passionate about equipping others with practical wellbeing tools that have been proven to be effective for reducing stress, improving sleep, lowering healthcare costs, and enhancing emotional, mental, and professional resilience.
Rose Challies
Rose is the Founder of Terra Nova Foundation, Global Change Advisor and Thought Leader on Climate Change, Philanthropy & Connection for Wellbeing. An advocate for building a new way forward from empowering our own unique contributions, she has a depth of experience implementing large-scale change through collective action. She is also co-author of One Year, One You, One Planet.
Date | 7 November 2025
8 – 9am | Breathing Into Being: An Inquiry into Inner Development for a Sustainable World
This experiential breathwork session offers a gentle, guided journey into the inner dimensions of sustainability. Through conscious breathing, embodied awareness, and shared reflection, participants explore how inner capacities such as presence, clarity, and emotional resilience contribute to regenerative leadership and systems change. Rooted in the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), this session invites you to slow down, feel deeply, and reconnect — with yourself, with others, and with the future we’re all shaping together.
10 – 11am & 5.30 – 6.30pm | EcoWarrior Workshop
Transform your life and the planet in just one hour! Join the energising EcoWarrior workshop to unlock the power of small daily actions that create big positive impact. Feel inspired, empowered, and motivated as you discover simple steps to boost your wellbeing and the wellbeing of Earth – all in a fun, practical session designed to ignite your eco-hero inside.
12 – 1pm & 4.30 – 5.30pm | Connected in energy: Qigong session
Qigong helps us find inner harmony through practices that elevate body, heart, and consciousness, which in turn helps us find outer harmony –in our personal relationships, within society, and with nature. By first uplifting our own lives through improving our health, happiness and wellbeing, we can better help others and the world.
In this session you will learn some gentle movements to increase your energy and relax and calm your mind.
1 – 2pm | Whale Sound Journey
A Whale Sound Journey is a guided multi-sensory experience with real underwater recordings of whales. Blending science, sound healing, meditation, and storytelling, this experience invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and feel your connection to the ocean – and to yourself.
Discover the magic of whale song, known to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and awaken a sense of joy. Each session offers a “sonic interruption” from daily noise, helping you refocus, realign, and remember your connection to the living world. Leave with a renewed sense of wonder, care, and belonging – for the ocean, for whales and for all life.
Location | Te Ngira, Multicultural Recreation & Community Centre, Hagley Park, Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Transport | Cycle parking available. A short walk from multiple bus routes, including Metro 3, 5, 60, 80, 81, 85, 86, 91, 92. Car parking available onsite on a first come, first served basis.