What is HAPŪ?
HAPŪ is a sacred photo series and community container for seven women, held alongside myself as I also walk my own journey of being hapū.
This offering has been created as a safe and nurturing space to honour the rite of passage that is pregnancy. A space where women can gather in sisterhood, cultivate meaningful connections, and celebrate this unique and transformative season through creativity and photography.
Pregnancy is a deeply sacred and transcendental time, yet it can also feel tender and, at times, lonely. We know it takes a village to grow, birth, and raise children. My deepest intention is to create a space where you feel held, seen, and celebrated exactly as you are — while building supportive connections with like-minded wāhine for pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
This container exists equally for you and for me — as we witness, honour, and capture this sacred threshold together.
What is included?
Opening Circle
A grounding Blue Lotus tea ceremony for intention setting, connection, and opening this sacred space together, guided by me, Carme. Followed by a nourishing and restorative yoga session guided by Mari-Halina.
(Sunday 22 of March | from 4:00pm until 6:30pm at Opti-mum's studio)
1:1 Sacred Photo Session in Nature
An individual 45-minute embodied photo session with Carme in nature.
You will receive:
• 30+ fine art images
• 1 A5 fine art print of your choice
You'll choose a suitable photo session date (photography period: from 23 March until the end of April)
Closing Circle
A final gathering to conclude our journey together, including an optional open sharing, a collective photoshoot, and nourishing nibbles and refreshments.
(Sunday 3rd of May | 2/2.5h | Time to and location to be confirmed)
Private WhatsApp Group
A shared space to stay connected, supported, and held throughout the journey.
Meet your hosts
Carme
Photographer, space holder, and mother to be
Carme will guide the tea ceremony, opening and closing circles, and your sacred photo session.
With over 7 years of experience as a photographer, her work is devoted to honouring the beauty and sacredness of a woman’s body through photography.
Mari
Yoga teacher, mentor, and space holder
Mari will guide the nourishing and restorative yoga session within this container.
With over 15 years of experience in movement and embodied practice, her work weaves together yoga, somatics, and trauma-informed care to support mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual harmony.
Her approach is holistic, inclusive, and deeply attuned, gently supporting each woman to soften into her body and remember the wisdom already within her.
Who is this for?
This space is for hapū women in Ōtautahi/Christchurch who:
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Long for connection and sisterhood during pregnancy
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Desire to honour and celebrate this rite of passage
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Feel called to be witnessed and captured in this sacred season
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Value meaningful, artistic imagery to remember this chapter
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Wish to be held in a supportive and intentional space
Investment and Logistics
Sacred Investment: 888 NZD per person
*You may choose:
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Full payment upfront — 888 NZD to secure your place
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2 instalments — 444 NZD upfront, 444 NZD one month later
Places are confirmed on a first-paid basis. If you feel called but require a different arrangement, please reach out directly.
Limited to 7 women
Dates, times and location:
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Opening Circle
Sunday 22 March | 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Opti-mum Studio (Ferrymead)
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1:1 Sacred Photo Session in Nature
Available for booking from 23 March – end of April
Choose a time that suits you -
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Closing Circle
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Sunday 3 May | 2–2.5 hours
Time and location to be confirmed
Words of Love
If you feel called, complete your application below to hold your place in this sacred container
Limited to 7 wāhine
Applications close once spaces are filled
"You are welcome here. You are safe here. You are ready, exactly as you are."