Open Day at the Wangapeka Centre by Jo Leyland


Sunday 17th November saw first-time visitors from Nelson, Wakefield and nearby Tapawera valleys take the opportunity to visit the Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre on its open day. The programme of guided walks, by James Mathieson, gentle walking and sitting meditations with Jane Hobday and Mark Schrader, tea, scones and cakes made by Lily Redgrave and Irene Eilers, mindfulness for teens with Ronnie Englard and Kath Mitchell, a communication workshop with Irma Jager and many chats with welcoming members of the Wangapeka community made for an enjoyable event for all.


The Centre, established over forty years ago through Namgyal Rinpoche and his students, is close to the Kahurangi National Park and the start of the Wangapeka track. We hope that those who came to visit will be interested to return and take advantage of what this very special place and community seeks to offer.
Thanking all those who came and were involved in the day’s events. Special thanks especially to our caretakers and volunteers Amber McCulloch, Lily Redgrave, Patrick Downey, Jo Leyland, Irene Eilers and Brooke Walker for creating such a wonderful day and welcoming environment.

Photos: Kath Mitchell