Pre - conference workshops & visits off-site on International Rural Women’s Day Wednesday, 15th October 2025

  • I am a trained counsellor and have over 25 years of experience working and teaching mindfulness one-to-one, in schools, and the community.  I am a Certified MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) teacher, and was a Pause, Breathe, Smile, (PBS) Facilitator with Mindful Aotearoa through the Mental Health Foundation and have taught and counselled in schools and in private practice.  I am a retired ACC Sensitive Claims counsellor with an interest in trauma work.  I love taking retreats and giving people an experience of contemplative practices in both the Christian and Buddhist traditions and have a passionate love of Celtic Spirituality and the earth and more latterly the use of nature as a resource and its healing potential.  

    Counsellor/Mindfulness Teacher/Spiritual Companion

    0274 782 782/katieoconnor.nz@gmail.com

    BA (psych), Dip. Soc Services (Counselling), Dip. Integrative Psychology (Hakomi), Certified MBSR Teacher, Past MHF Mindful Aotearoa PBS Facilitator, Cultural Advisor (Spirituality), Post Grad. Giver of the Spiritual Exercises and Spiritual Companion Ignatian Tradition

    Photo credit:Canva:ZianLob

  • Relax, restore and reconnect – just for you

    Step away from the busyness of everyday life and gift yourself an afternoon of calm, connection and healing. Set in the peaceful surrounds of “Moyvane” farm in rural Southland, this retreat is a special chance to slow down, breathe deeply and re-centre in the beauty of nature.

    Together, we’ll explore simple yet powerful practices including meditation, mindful movement, quiet reflection, and time in silence. We’ll also use nature as a healing resource, tuning into its stillness and grounding energy. This time is experiential – no pressure, no expectations – just gentle guidance and space to be.

    Perfect for wāhine looking for tools to support anxiety, stress, pain, sleep troubles or a busy mind, this retreat will leave you feeling nourished and more in tune with your own inner wisdom.

    Details:
    📍 Where: “Moyvane” Farm, 239 Crooked Rd, RD6, Sandstone, Gore 9776
    📅 When: 15 October
    🧺 What to bring: An open heart, water, yoga mat/blanket/pillow, loose comfy clothes for indoors, warm layers for outdoors, and good walking shoes.

    Come as you are – this is a space for rest, reconnection, and wāhine supporting wāhine. 💚

  • ⏰ Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Half-Day Contemplative & Meditation Retreat

A Visit to Hopefield Hemp Farm near Balfour

  • Wednesday 15 October 2025 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
    Location: Hopefield Farm, Balfour (approx. 30 mins drive from Gore)
    📍View Map to Hopefield Farm

    Kick off your Inspiring Wāhine Conference experience with a special pre-conference visit to Hopefield Farm, home of Jody Drysdale and her whānau. This third-generation Southland farm is not only known for its sheep, beef and arable production — it’s also the heart of Hopefield Hemp, a chemical-free, homegrown hemp business with a big vision.

    Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the farm, hearing Jody’s inspiring journey into hemp production, and learning how this versatile crop is creating new pathways for rural innovation and wellbeing. A light afternoon tea is included — and good yarns are guaranteed.

    🌧️ Rain or shine, this workshop will go ahead — dress for the weather and farm conditions.
    🚗 Transport is self-drive, so grab a friend or two and make a roadie of it!
    🎟️ Spaces are limited — make sure to book your spot via the conference ticketing platform.

  • 2 hours from 1:30pm – 3:30pm

    Registration required by the ticketing platform

  • Ticket includes a light afternoon tea or coffee

  • Click here

A Visit to Triflor Tulip Farm – Edendale

  • image credit: Thanh.Nyguen.

  • Date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
    Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
    Location: Triflor Tulip Farm, Edendale
    Cost: $10 per person + GST & Booking Fee
    Includes: Light afternoon tea
    Transport: Own transport – grab a friend! Just 20–30 mins from Gore, with plenty of parking.
    Tickets: Book via the Inspiring Wāhine event website

    Join us for a truly special pre-conference outing to the beautiful Triflor Tulip Farm in Edendale – a place where colour, care and generational passion come to life.

    This relaxed and welcoming afternoon is a chance to step behind the scenes of one of Aotearoa’s leading tulip growers. You’ll hear the story of how the van Dam family turned a love for tulips into a thriving international business – now run by the second and third generations. Alongside the stunning blooms, you’ll meet some of the amazing wāhine working in the industry who will share their own journeys and experiences.

    Expect paddocks of colour, warm southern hospitality, and the joy of connecting with others in a beautiful setting. Afternoon tea is included, and there’ll be plenty of time to wander, chat and soak up the atmosphere.

    Bring a friend, your camera, and a good pair of walking shoes (gumboots are even better) – this is one experience that’s sure to leave you blooming with inspiration. 🌷

  • 2 hours from: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

  • Price includes light afternoon tea or coffee

    Pre-registration and payment required

Pre-conference Governance workshop for non profits, Rural Women’s Health Bus & Pampersuite

at Croydon Lodge

Wednesday, 15th October 2025

Foundations of Good Governance

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  • Are you new to a governance role, thinking of joining a board or looking to develop your understanding of governance in a non-profit environment?

    We are excited to host a special workshop with Dr Jo Cribb, an experienced board director, consultant, strategist and author. Jo has worked with hundreds of boards in the not-for-profit sector, regularly facilitates for the Institute of Directors and is passionate about supporting community groups.

    The Foundations of Good Governance workshop will be held in Gore on Wednesday, 15th October from 2:00pm -4:00pm. This is an applied, practical session covering the following topics:

    • what is governance and how it differs from management and operations

    • your duties as a director

    • how not-for-profit community boards add value: the four key functions

    • what great not-for-profit community boards do (and don't do)

    Minimum number: 14 people

    Location: Croydon Lodge Gore

  • Check in from 1:30 pm for a 2pm start

    From 2pm - 4pm. Duration two hours

    Includes light afternoon tea - tea, coffee & biscuits & handouts.

  • $38.00 excl GST & BF

    Price includes light afternoon tea on arrival

  • Buy Tickets

Pamper suite

Rural Women’s Health Bus

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  • Each treatment is 30 minutes duration

  • What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

  • Book Serena

Pamper Suite

  • Mary Kidd from La Hoods the Chemist will get you Spring/Summer ready including assisting with individualised foundation matching to your skin tones, application techniques, face framing tips as well as tricks for bringing out your eyes and lips. You will emerge from this session not only informed but next event ready, rocking your new look courtesy of Mary’s makeup makeover. 

  • Each treatment is 30 minutes duration

  • $30.00 incl GST pp

  • Book via Lindy

Pamper Suite

  • Join the incredible Kristin Leckie – a holistic therapist with over 20 years of deep, hands-on experience in healing, massage and skin therapy. Kristin is all heart, soul and integrity. She brings a powerful blend of traditional Māori knowledge, community care, and timeless beauty practices to every person she works with.

    Based in Gore, Kristin runs a boutique clinic where fads are left at the door and true connection is the priority. Her mahi is inspired by her Ngarehauata and Ngāpuhi whakapapa, drawing on the healing wisdom of her great-great-grandparents – both Tohunga Rongoā from Kawakawa. Every treatment she offers is guided by ancestral knowledge, the land, and the innate power of aroha.

  • In this workshop, Kristin will be offering her signature Buccal Sculpt Facial Treatment – a unique, deeply intentional therapy that sculpts, lifts and restores. Working from both the inside and outside of the mouth, this powerful technique brings fresh oxygen and blood flow to the skin, leaving you with a radiant, rested, and beautifully alive face.

    At the heart of each session is Indigo Oil – Kristin’s handcrafted skin oil, infused with organic, indigenous rongoā plants from the Far North. Each drop is a love letter to the whenua and her tūpuna.

    As a proud māmā of four, nanny to five gorgeous mokopuna, and a tireless community advocate, Kristin is the real deal – rooted in service, purpose and wairua. She currently sits on the board of Gore Hospital, leads the Maruiwai PTA, and continues to uplift her hapori by connecting and championing practitioners in the healing space.

    This is more than a facial – it's a return to yourself. Come and receive the healing power of touch, tradition, and true care. 🌿

  • 45 minutes Duration

  • $80.00

  • Book Kirstin for a Buccal Sculpt Facial Treatment