First Breath: Opening Party
Be among the first to explore Breathe | Mauri Ora at a special opening party that includes late-night exhibition access and live entertainment.
Sat 13 Dec 2025, 7.00pm–11.00pm
Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake
The Art of Wellbeing: A once-in-a-lifetime blend of art, nature, science, and holistic wisdom
Breathe balance into your busy life with a day of inspiration, wisdom, and connection. This wellbeing symposium is held alongside the New Zealand – exclusive exhibition Breathe | Mauri Ora: An Immersive Journey into Nature by Marshmallow Laser Feast.
When | Āhea
Sun 22 Feb 2026, 9am to 3pm
Where | Ki hea
Breathe | Mauri Ora, Level 4, and Soundings Theatre, Level 2
Cost | Te utu
Early bird: $125 (order before 31 Dec 2025)
General ticket: $150 (if booked 1 January–21 February)
VIP: $199 (includes premium reserved seating, signed speakers’ books, premium goody bag)
Hosted by broadcaster, author, and te reo Maori advocate Stacey Morrison, The Art of Wellbeing is a thoughtfully curated symposium exploring how we can nurture balance, mindfulness, and connection in a rapidly shifting world.
In harmony with the exhibition Breathe | Mauri Ora, this special gathering brings together leading voices from the fields of art, science, and wellness. Through engaging talks, reflective discussions, and practical insights, speakers will share perspectives on slowing down, cultivating mental health, and deepening our relationship with the natural world.
You are invited to pause, listen, and reconnect with yourself, with others, and with the rhythms of nature. You’ll leave feeling nourished, grounded, and inspired to live with more balance.
Speakers
Stacey Morrison: Broadcaster, health and wellbeing advocate
Dr Danielle Shanahan: Chief Executive, Zealandia
Tracy Manu: Life coach, author, speaker
Arihia Latham: Writer, creative, rongoā practitioner
Jesse-James Pickery: Kaitohutohu Rautaki ā-Iwi | Strategic Advisor Iwi Relationships, Te Papa
Programme
9.00am: Immersive exhibition viewing
9.45am: Breakfast and connect
10.30am: Mihi whakatau and opening remarks – Stacey Morrison
10.45am: The Nature of Wellbeing – Dr Danielle Shanahan
11.00am: The Art of Inner Balance – Tracy Manu
11.15am: Panel session – Finding Stillness in Change
12.00pm: Break for reflection
12.30pm: Creative Session – Healing Through Story and rongoā
1.00pm: Closing Conversation – Living with Mauri Ora
1.45pm: Closing karakia and farewell
2.00pm: Connection – drinks and nibbles
Spaces are limited – book your ticket today.
About the speakers
Stacey Morrison, host (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu)
Radio and TV broadcaster, Māori language champion, health and wellbeing advocate, and bestselling author.
Dr Danielle Shanahan
Chief Executive at Zealandia and Adjunct Professor at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. Danielle previously led Zealandia’s restoration efforts and has authored internationally leading research on now nature affects physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
Tracy Manu
Coach, author, and keynote speaker. Tracy coaches people who want to cultivate more meaningful connections in their personal and professional lives. Author of Hononga: A guide to a more connected, satisfying and authentic life.
Arihia Latham (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha)
A long career in health, sustainability and the arts as a rongoā practitioner, writer, facilitator, and cultural advisor.
Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature, 2023, ACMI. Photo © Eugene Hyland.
Te Papa acknowledges the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific for their support of the Breathe | Mauri Ora Events Season.
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The Path: A Performance Journey through Breathe | Mauri Ora
How do poets, musicians, and dancers respond to the immersive worlds of Breathe | Mauri Ora: An Immersive Journey into Nature by Marshmallow Laser Feast?
Sat 7 Mar 2026, 7pm to 10pm
Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake
Coming to Te Papa soon! Breathe | Mauri Ora: An Immersive Journey into Nature by Marshmallow Laser Feast
Coming in December 2025, the Breathe | Mauri Ora exhibition will feature major digital artworks on an awe-inspiring scale from London-based collective Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF). Get your tickets online now.
Opening soon
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
