About Us
Our story
The New Zealand Yoga Collective is a Yoga Alliance Accredited Yoga School offering 200 and 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training (RYT-200 and RYT-300) through our established community of Yoga Corner (formerly Hot Yoga Wellington). We offer our experience and support in a fun, practical and nurturing way. Our Teachers are committed to an integrated learning environment that weaves in the wisdom of yoga - an ancient science and art that transforms and integrates body, mind and spirit with practical awareness and intent. If you’ve found yourself here on this page we applaud your desire to learn, connect and grow. If you choose to take the leap and study with us, know that you will be held.
Facilitators
We take pride in our studio’s knowledgeable team of instructors who are here to offer you expert support, experience and guidance. Our facilitators love what they do, and their passion shines through in their instruction.
Maria E-RYT500 →
For over a decade, Maria has been the heart and joy behind Yoga Corner (formerly Hot Yoga Wellington), bringing a rich background in leadership, professional training, and wellness consultancy to lead our Teacher Training program alongside a team of specialised instructors. As an accredited Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, her modern approach focuses on mind-body integration, holistic growth, and effective teaching methodologies. Grounded in student-centered learning, Maria’s thoughtful curriculum is designed to build deep practical knowledge while empowering trainees with the confidence and skill to share their passion.
Sam E-RYT 200 & RYT 500 →
Sam takes the complex world of human anatomy and makes it engaging, practical, and easy to digest. She dives deep into the biomechanics of movement—exploring how bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons work together as we move through different shapes on the mat. Sam breaks down body mechanics without the dense medical jargon, giving you the biomechanical understanding you need to keep your students safe, supported, and moving well.
Shikhaa holds space for the heart and mind to expand beyond the limiting beliefs that shape our identity. Leading our sessions in yoga philosophy, meditation and satsang (shared enquiry into the nature of Self), she brings traditional yogic wisdom into a clear, modern context.
Shikhaa guides students beyond the physical postures, opening into the power of Self-enquiry and meditation to understand the nature of Life more fully. These teachings bring the deeper knowledge of yoga into direct relationship with everyday life, creating a foundation not only for one’s own practice, but for teaching yoga with greater clarity, depth and knowledge.
Courtney E-RYT 200 →
Courtney leads our Posture Clinics, where theory meets practical magic. She breaks down the foundational yoga postures step by step—exploring the physical benefits, Sanskrit names, and key anatomical alignments. With a focus on actionable cueing and hands-on teaching strategies, Courtney ensures you walk away from every training block feeling confident, clear, and ready to teach real students with ease.
Chrissy E-RYT200 →
Chrissy is deeply passionate about health, holistic wellbeing, and the transformative power of self-care. Of Māori (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe) and Indian descent, she walks a path guided by her ancestors—reconnecting to ancient practices and rituals so we can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. In her Authentic Self workshop, Chrissy creates a safe, nurturing space for you to “come home” to who you truly are, weaving together the wisdom of Yoga and Mātauranga Māori from her own lived experience, learning, and heart.
Gabrielle →
Internationally acclaimed author (The Language of Yin) and New Zealand’s own Yin yoga specialist, Gabrielle Harris leads the immersion for our Yin weekend. Grounded in deep wisdom and creative expression, Gabrielle unpacks the foundations of Taoism, the subtle interplay of Yin and Yang, and the essential phases of a Yin practice. Renowned for her expertise in class theming and intentional language, she guides you in crafting transformative, deeply restorative experiences that resonate far beyond the mat.
"The YTT was an amazing and transformative experience. The transformation lies in the way I feel and view myself - being content with who I am. Yoga is really about what you do off the mat. Maria’s background in training was clearly demonstrated in the manner the course is structured and delivered. Her sharing of personal experiences is inspirational. Angela’s knowledge about the physical practice and attention to detail is second to none. The rest of the teaching staff were knowledgeable and supportive, and very approachable. Other teachers at Hot Yoga were happy to share their knowledge and encouragement. It was a truly fulfilling course in a safe environment. If you are considering signing up, I would highly recommend it. But be prepared to put in the work!!”
— Jen, TT200 Graduate 2017
“I was encouraged to do the yoga teacher training course because of the joy Hot Yoga Wellington studio gave me. I always felt so grounded, excited and inspired after each class. The course provided the same effect. After every single session, I felt transformed. The course provides an abundance of knowledge. Regardless of whether you want to be a teacher, this knowledge can be adopted into your everyday life. This knowledge is now my “tools for life”. These tools have made me more self-aware and accepting. Thank you, Hot Yoga Wellington.”
– Demi, TT200 Graduate 2020
"I undertook yoga teacher training because I felt I was being drawn to my practice for reasons other than the physical practice, I knew I was ready to take my practice to the next level. Of course I was a little worried; I was worried about the additional demand on my time (work, family, friends...), would I remember all of the cues and the order of the asanas? Would I fit in with a group of people I would likely be quite different to? Through the other side now, I have nothing but beautiful memories or an amazing experience. I have lifelong friends who are just the most gorgeous people inside and out. The teaching team guided us through the teacher training with warmth and kindness and I always felt supported. I highly recommend yoga teacher training if you are keen to take your practice to another level - as a student and as a teacher.”
— Kate, TT200 Graduate 2019
“I sought out a YTT course in order to find mentors and a community of like minded individuals to help me uncover the history and modalities of Yoga, and to show me how to apply this knowledge as an instructor. Hot Yoga’s YTT certainly achieved that. Maria and Angela, our facilitators, guided our group of less than twenty students through the internationally accredited Yoga Alliance curriculum with ease and genuine care. They both have extensive backgrounds in Yoga, including teaching, self practice and facilitating teacher training programs.”
– Sarah, TT200 Graduate 2020
“In 2018, I was going through a very difficult time in my personal life. With the sudden change looming, I was rather stressed. Maria and the team advice helped me. They offered a different perspective to view my experiences by looking at my behaviour, thoughts and feelings. Yoga created a more balance life for me and gave me greater self awareness. For the new perspective I gained, I am truly grateful. That calm I now feel makes me happier, helps me to slow down and to make better choices that are important and relevant to me. I would recommend the training.”
— Kirsten, TT200 Graduate 2018