04/05/2026
‘Nourishing those who nourish others’ was the theme for this years national Surf Therapy Aotearoa Conference. Hosted by us here at Surfwise Waikuku, this is only the second time STA conference has come to Te Wai Pounamu/South Island in the 6 years it has run. It was our chance to immerse those attending in the magic of ‘the Ku’ - Waikuku Beach, the people, the place, the space. Over four days, the elements conspired to deeply enrich those in attendance. A huge Thankyou to our sponsors and contributors who all have ‘tucked in alongside’ us at Surfwise at some point and whose contributions ensured we left an indelible mark. Southern Screenworks, Tax Matters (our accountants), Waikuku Surf Lifesaving, Satisfy Food Rescue, Tuhi Stationery, Country Coastal Builders, The Office Cafe, Almighty & Frew family. Guest speakers included Wiremu Gray (Mana Consulting), Pete Cammock (Leadership Lab), Grace Ward & Katie Adams (Sport Canterbury), Pana Leontiadu (Surfers Rescue, Surfing NZ), cultural support from Lyndon Waaka, Wiremu Gray & Averil Philips-Church. We were further nourished by Regina Law massage therapist, Donna Kaiser Restorative Yoga (Ageless Antidotes), Greg Dawson Art - exhibition, and Kylie Poore’s (chef Extrodinaire) most delicious Kai each day. E Mihi Ana Kia a koutou (acknowledgement to you all) and to the many locals of Waikuku Beach for coming down to share waves, pop into the Surf club for a cuppa and a yarn, for hosting delegates, for those standing on the beach to support Surfwise as we showcased our programme for people, and those of our surfers who joined us on the day - there really is such a thing as an ‘afterglow’ - I’m still grinning now - a week later as consider how we collaborate to make a a collective transformational impact. He Hauora te Taonga - Wellbeing is the Treasure! (Wisdom of Tangata Whenua). Thanks to Live ForMore Wave Wise SurfORA Surfing New Zealand Inc. time photo credit Megan Leigh
