For the first time in New Zealand, we have combined the powerful ritual of the sweat lodge with profound tantric teachings to deepen intimacy.

The Sweat Lodge Ceremony is a traditional Native American purification ceremony. A ceremony of renewal that brings deep spiritual and physical purification, it is known by the Native American Lakota people as the Inipi ceremony. This sacred ceremony brings healing and new beginnings into our lives. Our ceremonial facilitators for the sweat lodge are TeRangimarie and Rob Carter, who spent many years participating and leading purification ceremonies under the guidance of respected elders and teachers from North America, Canada, Alaska, and here in New Zealand. TeRangimarie and Rob have a personal commitment to honouring their elders and teachers. They received blessings from their elders and teachers to continue taking on the responsibility of offering these ceremonies in a nurturing and safe place, Manu Wairua retreat. This ceremony is a very enriching and powerful experience that has touched many people in very deep, meaningful ways. TeRangimarie and Rob will skilfully guide us on each step of the sweat lodge journey. Grant Shepherd and Tony Thorn join TeRangimarie and Rob as co-creators of this event. Grant and Tony offer a specific focus for this sweat lodge: Conscious Sexuality and Tantra for Gay Men. Over the course of the weekend, we will explore intimacy and what this means to us as gay men. Grant and Tony have much experience in the field of tantra and will teach time-honoured tantric techniques to deepen intimate connection with ourselves and others. The entire event will be safe space. The exercises will be clothed, consent based, and respectful.

Ceremony and Etiquette: Please try to arrive for the ceremony at least 3 hours before the start time if coming on the day of the lodge. You are welcome to come earlier. This will allow us time to make introductions and offer preparatory teachings before we go into the sweat lodge. Ceremonial medicines: Tobacco is one of the traditional plant medicines used in the purification sweat lodge. Tobacco is the plant medicine traditionally offered to the Elder running the ceremony. It is used by the Elder as an offering to the Creator and the Spirit Helpers asking for healing and protection for themselves and those attending the ceremony. Tobacco holds a spiritual energy and is known by some Native Elders as “The Grandmother who brings ‘the honouring to the ceremony’”. It is customary to gift a pouch of tobacco to the Lodge Elder as an honouring for hosting the ceremony. If coming as a group one pouch is acceptable, handed to the Elder before the ceremony on behalf of those attending. This will be taken care of by Grant and Tony. About Manu Wairua : TeRangimarie and Rob created their property as a spiritual retreat 22 years ago. The accommodation space is a renovated and comfortable woolshed with fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower, outdoor outhouse toilets, and a large outdoor deck with BBQ. It sleeps up to 15 with a combination of beds, couches, and air mattresses on the floor, or you are welcome to bring a tent and camp on the land—please note if camping you will still be charged the accommodation fee. Things to know: · The property is alcohol and drug free. Please refrain from drugs or alcohol at least 48hrs before and after the ceremony. · What to wear into the lodge. Our teachings are from traditional ways. Men wear shorts or sarong, a t-shirt is optional; please refrain from nudity. If staying over: · Please bring your own bedding (we supply bottom sheet, pillow with pillowcase.) · Bring a towel for a shower after the lodge. ·Bring shared food for the time you are here.

We invite you to join us on this sacred journey.