Free Community West African-Inspired Dance Session

Join us for a joyful and energising West African inspired dance session facilitated by Dance Movement Therapist Kris Walsh. This welcoming session draws inspiration from West African dance and is offered in a spirit of respect, connection, and community.

No dance experience is needed—every body is welcome.

West African dance is known for its vibrant rhythms and expressive whole-body movements. It offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with your body, warm up during the colder season, explore rhythm, release stress, and experience the joy of moving together in a supportive community environment.

This session is open to the community and is designed to be inclusive, interactive, and enjoyable for everyone.

Please register using our Google Registration Form:

🟨Register Here

Event Details

Dates

Wednesdays (4 - Week programme)

Wednesday 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 5 Aug 12 Aug 2026
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Venue: New Lynn Community Centre (Room 1)
45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn, Auckland 0600

Cost: Free

Everyone is welcome. No dance experience is required.

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.

Facilitator

Kris Walsh
Dance Movement Therapist

Learn more about Kris and her background → About Kris

Photo and Video Notice

Please note that photographs and videos may be taken during the session for promotional purposes by Hana Counselling. By attending this event, participants consent to being photographed or filmed.

Six-Week TAKE TIME – Dance for Joy Programme

Free Community Dance Movement Therapy, Creative Arts & Zen Mindfulness Programme

Reconnect with your body, mind, and community through joyful movement, creativity, and mindfulness.

This welcoming six-week programme combines Dance Movement Therapy, Creative Arts, and gentle Zen mindfulness in a safe and supportive environment. Sessions are designed to reduce stress, build confidence, encourage self-expression, and foster meaningful community connections.

No dance or art experience is required—everyone is welcome.

Please register using our Google Registration Form:

🟨Register Here

Event Details

Dates
Wednesdays (6-week programme)

22, 29 Jul, 5 Aug,12 Aug,19 Aug,26 Aug

Time
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Venue
New Lynn Community Centre (Room 1)
45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn, Auckland 0600

Cost
Free

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.

Facilitators

Christina Houghton

Dance Movement Therapist (DTAA Provisional Professional)

Learn more about Christina → About Christina

Ai Kihara

Counsellor/ Social Worker / Director, Hana Counselling and Education

Funding Acknowledgement

This programme is proudly presented by Hana Counselling and Education Limited and supported by Whau Local Board funding.

Photography Notice

Photos and videos may be taken during sessions for promotional purposes by Hana Counselling and Education Limited. By attending, participants consent to being photographed or filmed.

Title: Mud to Lotus: Creative Movement and Wellbeing Programme for Tamariki and Rangatahi

Join us for a 12-week journey of movement, confidence building, emotional wellbeing, and community connection.

Designed for tamariki and rangatahi, this trauma-informed programme combines creative movement, wellbeing education, self-defence awareness, and social connection in a safe and supportive environment.

Together, we explore the Mud Lotus pathway:

Mud → Move → Connect → Grow

🟨Register Here

Dates: Saturdays

1 August 2026
8 August 2026
22 August 2026
29 August 2026
5 September 2026
12 September 2026
19 September 2026
26 September 2026
3 October 2026
10 October 2026
17 October 2026
24 October 2026

Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm
Location: GlenInnes Community Hall, Main room
Duration: 12 Weeks

Through movement, learning, and connection, participants will build confidence, resilience, emotional awareness, and a sense of belonging.

Suitable for children and young people aged 5–18 years.

Funding Acknowledgement

The Mud Lotus Movement and Wellbeing Programme is proudly delivered by Hana Counselling and Education Limited and funded through the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund, administered by Sport Auckland.

We sincerely thank Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa and Sport Auckland for supporting opportunities that promote physical activity, wellbeing, confidence, and community connection for tamariki and rangatahi.

The Standard MHFA Aotearoa Course is a 12-hour program delivered in person over two full days.

What is MHFA?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches participants how to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, you’ll learn how to help until the crisis resolves or professional support is available.

For more details, please visit the MHFA webpage.

Dates & Times

Day 1: TBA — 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Day 2: TBA — 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Venue

St Luke’s Church & Community Centre
130 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand

Cost

$250 + GST
(Includes textbook, tea, coffee, and snacks)

Booking (Please register from here)

We will send you an invoice once we have received your booking confirmation.