Matariki / Winter Solstice | Kōrero & Sound

What to expect

Matariki marks a sacred time in the Māori calendar—a moment to honour those who have passed, celebrate the present with whānau (family), and plant seeds of intention for the year ahead. This is a time to sit in stillness, observe deeply, and realign before stepping into the new year. This year, the winter solstice (shortest day of the year) aligns with the beginning of Matariki, inviting us all to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

Join us for a nourishing afternoon with tea and cookies to welcome the Māori New Year. Storyteller Julian Noel will share kōrero (storytelling), with Charlotte Blair from Harmonic Wellbeing who will guide us into stillness with a grounding sound bath.

Let's gather, all are welcome.

Your facilitators

Julian Noel
Julian is a magnetic storyteller whose "one-man" play, received glowing reviews. His spoken word poetry, and soul-stirring workshops awaken something ancient in the listener. His performances are raw, lyrical, and unflinchingly human — the kind that leave audiences hushed and changed. From the Festival of Lights in Wānaka to intimate circles and international stages, Julian weaves myth, memory, and mischief into stories that crack open the heart and remind us who we really are.

Originally from New Zealand, Julian trained as an actor at one of Australia’s top drama schools and performed on stage and screen before discovering a passion for business. Over the past 26 years, he has designed and facilitated more than 400 live and online events, working with entrepreneurs and changemakers in over 33 countries.

Charlotte Blair

Charlotte is a multidimensional healing practitioner passionate about mental health, mindfulness, and holistic wellness. Through sound healing, yin yoga, and meditation, she helps others embrace slow down, reconnect, and soothe their nervous systems in today’s fast-paced world.

Blending tools like crystal bowls, tuning forks, chimes, and natural rhythms, her sessions are immersive and deeply restorative. Charlotte is also trained in Integrative Quantum Medicine, Theta Healing, QiGong, Reiki, and other energy modalities, creating transformative spaces for healing and balance.

She’s currently training as a Master Holistic Health Coach, specialising in mental health and metabolic nutrition, further expanding her mission to support whole-person wellbeing.