With a Yoga Journey dating from 1990, Juliet the founder of Papakura Yoga Centre exudes a passion for Yoga and continuous learning. She believes that Yoga teaches us about ourselves as it leads us to a deeper understanding of how to live with greater kindness and compassion.
Juliet completed her initial Teacher training with the International Yoga Body in NZ. She later delved into advanced studies with Donna Farhi and Judith Lasater. Her curiosity about the Human Body / Movement in general and Yoga has led her down many different paths; infusing her teaching today with a blend of natural movement, somatic awareness, modern biomechanics along with the ancient wisdom of Yoga. She encourages each person to meet themselves with complete acceptance whilst at the same time opening the pathways for transformation.
Off the Mat Juliet enjoys tramping / walking, her 9 grandchildren , gardening, reading, exploring Aoteoroa and most recently she has committed to strength training 2x per week; finding it to be a wonderful (and surprising) compliment to Yoga.
Janene began practicing Yoga in 1994 and completed her initial Teacher Training in 2006.
She later followed that with an Advanced Teacher Training with Donna Farhi and continues studying and learning with various teachers today. Her thorough approach leads her to use Yoga props in her classes which allows each person to access a stable base from which to build strength and balance whilst creating support for more challenging poses.
Janene’s inclusive , practical and supportive style of teaching helps her students to deepen their understanding of the Yoga Practice and of themselves as they learn to recognise and listen to their inner wisdom and intuition.
Off the Mat Janene enjoys walking, strength training, spending time with her family and friends and providing a garden to table lifestyle.
Jan has been practicing Yoga since 2005. She has completed a 200hr teacher training with RYS (Registered Yoga School of NZ) and is also a qualified Relax & Renew Teacher. In addition to this Jan has completed the Advanced Teacher Training with Donna Farhi.
Jan's determination to be the best she can be shows in her willingness to continue studying and looking for new ways to share yoga with her students.
Jan is a kind and caring person who always respects the individuals requirements. Her strength is her ability to communicate with people of all stages and ages in her classes.
Off the Mat Jan enjoys hiking and walks in the great Outdoors. Jan has been a volunteer for the last 8 years with a Breast Cancer Charity which has given her the opportunity to share Yoga with others outside of the Studio.
Jess has been studying and teaching Yoga since 2015. She completed her 300 hr teacher training in Kerala ( India) where she dived into the ancient sister science to Yoga : Aryurveda developing a passion for this healing holistic Practice.
Jess now lives in Karaka with her too young boys where she is able to enjoy and explore her love of hiking , gardening and cooking delicious food for her family. She believes that looking after the Body and Mind is the most important gift you can give yourself.
Luzette is a Yoga Teacher and a Trauma Informed Practioner. She works in conjunction with ACC offering supportive practices that help people reconnect with their bodies safely and confidently. Her Teaching style blends Mindful movement, breath awareness and alignment techniques that encourage students to meet themselves exactly where they are.
Luzette brings a deep appreciation and enjoyment for all movement, and creative expression to her classes. She is passionate about helping people to build confidence, resiliance and self trust both on and off the Mat.
Outside the studio Luzette enjoys Karate and Dance. She specializes in teaching Yoga to Children and Teens in Primary, Intermediate and High schools; where she creates classes that are engaging, age appropriate and impactful.
Richard began practicing yoga in 2008 and in 2010 - 2012 completed his two year yoga teacher training at Wellpark College of Natural Therapies. There he obtained diplomas in yoga teaching and yoga therapy (1440 hours). He also holds a psychology degree.
In 2013, he traveled to India with Swami Yogamani and was initiated into the Saraswati yoga tradition, receiving the name Rishi. Richard teaches classical, accessible hatha yoga with a strong emphasis on cultivating awareness of body, breath and mind.
His personal yoga and meditation practices strongly influence his teaching. Richard has a special interest in yoga therapy for seniors and those managing chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia, MS, stroke rehabilitation and anxiety.
Outside of yoga, Richard enjoys photography, guitar, learning languages, travel, and spending time in nature.
Glen has been practicing Yoga for over 10 years. He is bringing all he has learnt to this wonderful new class : for Men. Glen is a lifelong Runner and Multisport enthusiast.
He also enjoys regular gym workouts. And he understands the value of cross training for overall wellness and injury prevention.
Glen is excited for this opportunity to guide men through a Yoga class that will help them to find Better mobility and mental clarity through the practice of mindful movement.
©2026 Papakura Yoga Centre Photo credits: Luke Rooney, Tatiana Skorik & Charlotte Forch Photography
