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 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 →
As co-owner of all Hot Yoga Wellington studios with a background in leadership, training, and consultancy work, Maria co-heads our Teacher Training with both practical knowledge and passion. Maria’s approach to training stems from her in-depth understanding of effective teaching methods. Her philosophy lies in encouraging individuals to facilitate their own learning to in turn gain the necessary skills to pass their passion onto others. Maria’s vocational calling to co-own Hot Yoga Wellington weaves together three major career paths she has experienced along her Journey. As an accredited Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner who has worked in the world of fitness, health and well-being for many years, Maria designs, develops and delivers her trainings around a holistic philosophy of self-growth and mind-body integration.
Sam E-RYT 200 & RYT 500 →
It’s been over a decade since I began my yoga practice and in that time, the mat has become a place to slow down, explore movement and build awareness. I am E-RYT 200-hour & RYT 500-hour with Yoga Alliance and have completed extensive training in yoga anatomy and biomechanics with Tiffany Cruickshank, Jason Crandall & Jules Mitchell. My passion for movement goes far beyond traditional yoga asana. I am certified in CrossFit coaching, Functional Movement Screening, Functional Range Conditioning & Kinstretch, which I weave intelligently into my sequences, offering a practice that enhances your self-awareness and “makes sense” in your body. My dharma has led me down the path of teaching teachers and I have the honour to facilitate 200-hour & 300-hour yoga teacher training programmes, expanding the knowledge of anatomy and meaningful class sequencing to developing yoga teachers.
Angela E-RYT 200 →
Angela has been part of Hot Yoga Wellington since it began. First, practicing and later, completing her own teaching training with the studio. She has assisted with teacher trainings at both Hot Yoga Wellington and Auckland Hot Yoga. As co-leader, she brings her passion for her own practice in line with her passion for our studio and community. She’s excited to have the opportunity to be part of our teacher training, presenting Yin sessions and assisting those who, like herself, are curious about all aspects of yoga and teaching.
"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