In an uplifting display of community collaboration, local tourism business Look After Me and the Hindu Heritage Centre are proud to present Rotorua’s inaugural Wellness Week—a multi-day event designed to help people explore meaningful self-care practices and wellbeing experiences.

Kicking off on Mother’s Day, Sunday 11 May at 9 am, and running through to Sunday 18 May at 4 pm, the event is based at the Hindu Heritage Centre – a faith-friendly, community-centric building, recently refurbished and re-opened in Rotorua.

Wellness Week brings together local businesses, teachers, tourism operators, wellness practitioners, and accommodation providers to create an enriching, accessible programme. Attendees can choose from free events, koha-based offerings, or ticketed day and multi-day experiences.

“We’re creating an inclusive space for people to discover wellness practices that suit their lifestyle, budget and values,” says Dr Julia Anne, award-winning scientist turned entrepreneur and organiser of the event. “Whether you’re new to self-care or looking to deepen your practice, there’s something here for everyone.” 

Programme Highlights Include:

• Yoga, Meditation & Breathwork: Daily classes and workshops with experienced teachers including Nilamani Wright, Amy Jozwiak, Susannah Engle, Sam Reid, Carrie Hazelton, Ma Kalaadevi Ananda, Barbara Hock, and Kavitha Magesan.
• Massage & Therapies: Access to thermal pools, foot spas, contrast therapies and massage in collaboration with therapists and venues such as Trish Jackson, Secret Spot, Polynesian Spa, and Wai Ariki Spa.
• Wellness Market: A showcase of natural health products, nutraceuticals, detox solutions, cacao, mirimiri, Rongoa Māori, and homeopathy remedies from NZ Natural Formulas.
• Addiction Support: Insightful talks and workshops, including sessions with James Dear and the Break Free programme.
• Healing Experiences: Ecstatic dance with DJ Wicks (Jarrod Anderson), sound journeys, kirtan and chanting led by Philip Chen, Carrie Hazelton, JJ, James Dear and friends of the Mantra Band.
• Support for Seniors: ‘Steady As You Go’ mobility classes in partnership with Age Concern Rotorua.
• Men’s and Women’s Circles: Dedicated spaces for sharing and growth in gender-specific wellbeing groups.
• Community & Connection: Opportunities to meet representatives from Rotorua’s wider wellness network and engage in meaningful discussions.
• Volunteering: Locals and visitors can contribute time in exchange for experiences—helping with front-of-house, ushering, hospitality, setup and pack-down.

 Attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary morning and afternoon teas, thoughtfully prepared by Julia Anne and the Look After Me hospitality team. Many of the refreshments will feature fresh, organic produce harvested directly from the Hindu Heritage Centre’s community garden—adding a deliciously local, sustainable touch to the wellness experience.

“This event showcases the power of community, shared effort, and conscious living,” says Julia. “It’s also a celebration of what’s possible when tourism, spirituality and wellbeing intersect in a safe, faith-friendly space.”

“The Hindu Heritage Centre has always been a place of connection and service, supporting a wide range of community groups—from Age Concern Rotorua to yoga schools, meditation classes to dance classes, and the Rotorua Multicultural Council,” said Dr Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand. “It’s a natural and exciting evolution to see the Centre becoming a vibrant hub for wellness and holistic wellbeing in Rotorua.”

For the full programme, ticketing, stallholder or volunteering enquiries, please email [email protected] or follow Look After Me on Facebook.

Ends.

High resolution photographs available.

About Look After Me:
Look After Me is a Rotorua-based tourism initiative dedicated to creating inclusive, faith-friendly, and nourishing wellness experiences. Through events like Wellness Week, and retreats such as Be Well and Thee Write Away, the organisation promotes mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing for locals and visitors of all ages.

(This Press Release has been published as received)