The Art of Wellbeing: A once-in-a-lifetime blend of art, nature, science, and holistic wisdom

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

• Eleanor (Nell) Whitley: Partner and Executive Producer at Marshmallow Laser Feast

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 insights – Eleanor (Nell) Whitley

• 12.45pm: 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 how nature affects physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

Tracy Manu (Te Roroa and Ngāpuhi)
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.

Eleanor (Nell) Whitley

Eleanor (Nell) Whitley has a reputation for driving forward ambitious work in a variety of forms – live events, art installations & digital media – her collaborations with Marshmallow Laser Feast demonstrate a unique vision for the future of creative experiences. She has produced the critically acclaimed In the Eyes of the Animal (Sundance New Frontier 2016, Wired Award for Innovation in Experience Design) and other mixed reality works including A Colossal Wave (SXSW 2018) Treehugger (Tribeca Film Festival Storyscapes Award 2017 & Best VR Film at Arles Festival) and We Live in an Ocean of Air which premiered at the Saatchi Gallery London (2018-9). Nell is also on the Board of Governors at the British Film Institute.

Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature, 2023, ACMI. Photo © Eugene Hyland.