The "Stories We Carry" Six Years of Red Tent Aotearoa- An International Red Tent Day Gathering

The Stories We Carry

Six Years of Red Tent Aotearoa

An International Red Tent Day Gathering

📅 Sunday 8 November 2026

⏰ 3.00–6.00 pm

📍 Quaker Centre, Ōtautahi Christchurch

🎟️ Free community event for women

Six years of stories. Countless moments of connection. One community that belongs to us all.

Sometimes, in the busyness of keeping something alive, we forget to stop and acknowledge what we have already created.

As we approach the sixth birthday of Red Tent Aotearoa in November, and gather to celebrate International Red Tent Day, I want to invite you to do something simple, meaningful and deeply needed.

Let's pause.

Let's remember.

Let's celebrate how far we've come.

And let's make space for the stories that have yet to be told.

Since Red Tent Aotearoa began in Ōtautahi in November 2020, women have gathered in circles across our community to share their experiences, be witnessed without judgement, find belonging, navigate life's challenges and discover that they are not alone.

There have been tears, laughter, courage, tenderness, difficult conversations, unexpected friendships and moments of profound connection.

Every woman who has walked through a Red Tent door has contributed something to the story of this community.

And every story matters.

For International Red Tent Day this year, I'm opening the circle and inviting women who have been part of Red Tent Aotearoa's journey to come together in person.

I'm also inviting anyone who has been watching and is curious to find out more about our vision, mission and purpose to join us and make some connections.

Whether you've attended one circle or many, whether you've facilitated a tent, helped behind the scenes, supported a woman who needed somewhere to land, or simply carry a memory of your time in the circle, you are welcome.

This is an opportunity to share what Red Tent has meant to you.

What brought you to the tent?

What did you find there?

How has being part of this community influenced your life?

What moments, people or experiences have stayed with you?

What stories have you carried quietly that you would now like to share?

There is no expectation to speak. You are welcome to come, listen, remember and be part of the circle in whatever way feels right for you.

This gathering is also an invitation to acknowledge what it takes to sustain a community.

Red Tent Aotearoa has grown through the passion, care, generosity and commitment of many women. As we honour our history, I would love us to reflect on how we can continue nurturing this community together.

Not by rushing into plans or immediately asking what comes next, but by first recognising what is here, what has been created, what we have learned, and what we want to carry forward.

Red Tent has never been meant to belong to one person. It is something we create together.

So, let's gather around the stories that connect us, honour the women who have brought us here, acknowledge the challenges as well as the beauty, and create space for new energy, new voices and shared responsibility.

No pressure. No expectations. Just women coming together to remember, witness, celebrate and reconnect.

Come as you are. Bring your story, your memories, your gratitude, your questions, or simply your presence.

Let's honour the six years behind us before we decide what the next chapter might hold.

Because before we move forward, we deserve to pause and recognise just how far we've come.

Free and open to our Red Tent community and women who have been touched by its work.

Please bring a plate of snacks to share.

Please register here as we have limited space.