Celebrating 35 Years With You
It is a great pleasure to celebrate Mana’s 35th Anniversary with you. We dedicate this milestone to all the people who have been a part of Mana over these years. We are so grateful to all of you for bringing your energy and love to Mana. What once started as a vision to build a spiritual community back in the mid-80’s, is now 35 years on, a thriving Retreat Centre that has welcomed thousands of people from all over the world. In celebration of the last 35 years, let’s take a look back at Mana then and now.
A Message from the Trustees (Guardians of Mana)
Kia Ora friends of Mana,
In January 1982, we (Rainer and Shanti and our young daughter Kyla), moved on to this beautiful land, into the farm house which was the only permitted building at the time. The following month Sol joined us and we (the founders) began the planning and then later the building of Mana Retreat Centre. It was an exciting time, full of pioneer work (and the making of babies!). Thousands of trees were planted and buildings designed and built. Many hands supported this process and we extend our grateful hearts to all of these wonderful people that are woven into the very fabric of Mana.
It was September 1988 (exactly 35 years ago) when Mana officially opened its doors to the public. We began with an extended training in Hellerwork. Penelope then joined us and later became a fellow trustee. We three (Penelope, Shanti and Rainer) are still the guardians (trustees) of this wonderful and well loved Centre. Over the years, thousands have come through our welcoming doors and felt the power and transformative energy of Mana. We feel very blessed to be part of this unfolding, to know that we have been guided over the years and that the right people have been sent here.
We have been graced with managers, staff, volunteers and wwoofers, who have given their loving energy and skills to support Mana to unfold in the way that it has. There have been many challenges along the way that have strengthened us and helped us to grow and stretch AND here we are! We bow gratefully to all who have supported Mana to grow into what it is, including our guest and presenters who have touched our hearts and lives and been touched themselves by the sacredness and beauty of the land.
The bells of the Sanctuary rang out for the first time to usher in the new Millennium and have been calling us to remember ever since. We here at Mana to love, serve and remember and to be the change we wish to see in the world, caring for the land, the environment. the buildings and especially the people.
We feel grateful and blessed for this opportunity to be of service and to care for each other. One of our greatest joys is our community here on the land and the wondrous ways we share the journey, gardening, singing, dancing, meditating, doing yoga or caring for the Centre and land together.
Love and blessings to you all and please come again and grace us with your beautiful presence!
With gratitude and love,
Arohanui (Shanti, Rainer and Penelope).
Mana is made possible by the kindness of many people, especially our staff, facilitators and volunteers. We have made some wonderful connections and life-long friends over the years. Thank you for your presence, generosity and contribution to Mana.
Take a walk down memory lane with us… Mana was built out of love and pure intentions of our Trustees; alongside many workers and helpers, the buildings were constructed using as many natural materials as possible; all part of our vision to tread lightly on the planet.
35 years on and Mana continues to be a place for spiritual awakening and mindful education and workshops. Our purpose has been fulfilled. Our hearts are full and bursting with gratitude for the last 35 years. We hope that Mana will continue to serve all people for many generations to come.
Tara School was the original Retreat Centre before the current building was built. Tara School welcomed many teachers, and families moved to the area so their children could attend the School. At the height of its school roll, there were 36 children. In 2000, the parent body made the decision to move to Coromandel township and Tara School closed its doors. The Tara School buildings now continue to serve as a Centre for Mindful Living, now known as ‘Dharma Gaia’.
With Gratitude,
Our Trustees and staff would like to thank you all for being a part of Mana over the last 35 years.
Arohanui, big love from us all.
“May these buildings (and Mana) continue to service us all to find our true nature through the exploration and awakening of consciousness and mindful living” – Rainer Huebner (Mana Trustee)
