An invitation to launch Nature Heals in NZ, at the Adventure Therapy Collective Aotearoa’s Conference in the Waitakere Ranges Auckland, May 3 was a delight! Much gratitude to this Amy Horn from Adventure Specialties Trust, who hosted/MC’ed so beautifully. It was an enthusiastic crowd as Adventure Therapists tend to be! Most refreshing to spend some time amongst them at their gathering, with some really inspiring, outdoors-loving people, passionate about making the world a better place for everyone. So heartening to see their love in action, out and about in our beautiful planet.
Flowers were offered to:
Amy Horn, for such heart and inclusivity/welcome for her collaboration in this launch
Kate Chambers, and Occupational Therapist, (flew from Colorado to join us) and reviewed a first draft of our book with deep encouragement at a weary time
Kelly Jarvis, who officially launched the book. Kelly runs Puawai Ecotherapy for youth at risk and women, and is such a great Kaiwhakaaraara-Navigator and ambassador of her Maori culture. She also runs the online Nature Therapy Collective Aotearoa. Nature has been so healing for her, and now she inspires us all by sharing this with others. Kelly opened the launch with a Karakia ( Maori prayer/blessing.)
It was great to have Adrian Roche with us, coordinator from Kelmarna Community Gardens in Auckland. They have been working with youth and mental health for many years, with their beautiful gardens. Adrian spoke of the importance of community making, for our humanity, and the role Kelmarna has played for Aucklanders over the years.
We sung the beautiful Wiata: Te Aroha
Te aroha (love)
Te whakapono (faith)
Me te rangimarie (peace)
Tatou tatou e (for us all)
A real Kiwi embrace – invigorating and warm. Nga mihi ( acknowledgements) to all.
Nature Heals 