Coming Home to Te Moata

17km down the road and a short gravel climb up into the mountains brought me to Te Moata: my home for the next month. Here I was on land that had been restored from brush and farmland to an oasis of native plant and tree species including Kauri, Kawakawa, Ponga, Kahikatea, Rimu, Totara, and so much more. Walking through the forest and braving myself for an icy dip in the crystal clear river was such a grounding experience for me. In that funny hodgepodge Wwoofers hut with Maaike, Lieke, Vanessa, and Bridget, I started to feel like Aotearoa could be home. Annalena and Paul, the hosts, alongside the marvellous longterm volunteer Kate, were incredible guardians of the land and the meditation centre. Together we harvested fresh food from the garden, kept the place clean, cooked beautiful meals, and ensured that the guests had a marvellous time. I was able to participate in a silent meditation retreat led by a powerful nun and witness the incredible connection between youth and their counsellor’s in the Kindness Institute Group.Read more