Reclaiming Resilience: A Māori Wellness Retreat for Leaders & Teams in New Zealand
For years, I’ve witnessed dedicated individuals in hauora struggle with their well‐being—not for lack of passion, but because caring for others often leaves little time to care for yourself. As a leader balancing business demands with personal health, I understand this challenge. That’s why, alongside Paula Arthur—a community leader, mother of seven young tamariki, accountant, and passionate advocate for empowering Māori māmā—we have created Hā Habit Retreats. Our unique retreats guide leaders and teams toward physical, mental, spiritual, and relational wellness, blending modern stress management with Māori wisdom.
The Need for a New Zealand Stress Management Retreat
Leaders are the backbone of every organisation, yet daily pressures can leave us burnt out, overwhelmed, and disconnected—from our purpose and even our culture. Many of us, including myself as Pākehā and Māori, have felt the pain of cultural disconnection and the “not enoughness” that follows. At Hā Habit, we provide a safe, non-judgmental space for a Māori Led retreat—one where you can embrace your values, honor your tipuna, and begin to dissolve self-doubt. We welcome leaders of all cultures; walking alongside Māori and learning together enriches our understanding and nurtures holistic well-being.
A Holistic and Wairua-Guided Experience
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Culturally Grounded & Wairua Inspired:
We integrate karakia, whakatauki, mahi toi, te taiao, and whakapapa with science-backed techniques. Our approach uniquely blends modern stress management (utilising hā) with Māori wisdom. -
Lived Experience & Personal Growth:
I have battled eating disorders, social anxiety, and substance abuse—and transformed my life through sustainable habit change and learning how to regulate my nervous system. Paula understands the real challenges of co-leading a large whānau of 7 young tamariki, while balancing work, community commitments, health and learning to navigate the stress that comes with this. Our retreats are designed with compassion and honesty, reflecting our personal journeys toward resilience.
What Makes Hā Habit Retreats Unique
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2-Day Immersive Retreat + 6-Week Accountability Programme:
Join us from Friday, April 11 (6:00 PM) to Sunday, April 13 (4:00 PM) at Arete Leadership Retreat in Levin—a stunning New Zealand setting for stress management. Enjoy guided sessions featuring transformational hā (breathwork), mindfulness, hot & cold water therapy, tukutuku workshop, and creative self-expression.
Plus: A 6-week online programme (April 14 – May 26, 2025) with weekly check-ins, motivational emails, and personalised accountability partnerships. -
Personalised Habit Change System:
Choose one key habit to transform. We provide a step-by-step process using our Hā Tool Kit and practical resources—designed in manageable 6-week blocks. -
A Clean Slate for Renewed Priorities:
Clear out the old to make room for new growth. Our process helps you declutter your mind, redefine priorities, and take actionable steps toward lasting change. -
A Celebration of Community & Connection:
Enjoy shared meals, group activities, and campfire kōrero that foster meaningful relationships and inspire continued growth. -
Science and Wairua in Harmony:
Our retreat combines evidence-based techniques with the spiritual, emotional, and physical support essential for healing and transformation.
Retreat Schedule
Friday, April 11, 2025
- 6:00 PM: Whakawhanaungatanga (Building Connections)
- 7:00 PM: Campfire & Informal Networking
- 8:30 PM: Free Time / Settle In
Saturday, April 12, 2025
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Morning:
- Breakfast
- Hā for Calm & Wellbeing session
- Morning Tea & Micro Habits, Macro Impact Wananga
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Afternoon:
- Lunch
- Hot & Cold Water Experience – Embrace Contrast
- Free Time
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Evening:
- Dinner
- Transformational Hā (Breathwork) shift stagnant energy
- Free Time / Overnight
Sunday, April 13, 2025
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Morning:
- Breakfast
- Te Taiao Hikoi – Seeing the Bigger Picture
- Morning Tea
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Afternoon:
- Lunch
- Tukutuku – Balance & Harmony workshop
- Closing Wananga & Photos
- 4:00 PM: Departure
Investment & Post-Retreat Support
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Investment:
Per Person: $1,470 + GST (Accommodation – Twin Share)
Includes all food, accommodation, Hā Tool (breathing trainer), journal, resource kit, activities, facilitation, and comprehensive 6-week challenge support. -
6-Week Accountability Challenge (April 14 – May 26, 2025):
- 3 Follow-Up Check-Ins (via phone, text, or Zoom)
- Weekly Motivation & Guidance Emails
- Final Celebration Package to reinforce commitment
- Accountability Partnerships for ongoing support
Who Can Benefit
This retreat is designed for leaders who:
- Feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected
- Need effective tools to manage stress and anxiety for themselves and their teams
- Desire time to reset, refocus, and build sustainable habits
- Wish to embrace a Māori led retreat
- Seek a blend of modern science and wairua practices for lasting well-being
Meet Your Facilitators
Julia Wikeepa:
Founder of Hā Habit and a passionate advocate for holistic well-being, Julia transformed her life through sustainable habit change and a faith-based approach after facing challenges like eating disorders, social anxiety, and substance abuse. Her global studies in breathwork and neuroscience—with experts such as Joe Dispenza, Max Strom, and training at the Sacred Breath Academy—empower leaders to grow and overcome obstacles. With a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology and Human Resource Management, she embraces her whakapapa Māori and connection to te taiao as essential tools for healing.
Paula Arthur:
Mother of seven young tamariki, an accountant, and a community leader passionate about empowering Māori māmā. Paula understands the challenge of juggling whānau, life, sport, and community commitments while managing stress and overwhelm. Guided by purpose and deep lived experience, she helps others cultivate resilience and adopt transformative habits for lasting growth.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Invest in yourself and transform your leadership and life. Join us at Hā Habit Retreats to gain practical strategies for lasting change, connect with like-minded leaders, and celebrate every step—both successes and setbacks. Experience one of New Zealand’s premier Māori wellness retreats, seamlessly blending cultural reconnection with practical, science-backed well-being techniques.
Reserve Your Spot Now:
Contact Julia at info@hahabitnz.com | 027 6965 970
Additional Retreat Locations:
We are happy to take our retreats around the country. We’re currently planning to hold them in Tauranga, Whakatane, and Hamilton. Get in touch for more details.
Now is the time to commit, reset, and rise—transform for yourself, your team, and your whānau.
Arohanui, Julia Wikeepa.xx
Insurance & Safety Assurance
Hā Habit is fully covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability Insurance, ensuring a safe and professional experience for all retreat participants. If you require proof of coverage, we can provide Certificates upon request.