The people and purpose behind the retreats
Where learning becomes understanding.
A reflective, experiential learning space to explore te ao Māori, cultural safety and real-world challenges though a practical, respectful, restorative and human approach.
Our Story
Cultural Wellbeing began in 2023 on a surf break in the Far North.
Two friends, Mick and Paora found themselves in a quiet, honest conversation between sets. Mick, an Irish-born emergency medicine consultant at Whangārei Hospital, shared the uncertainty he often felt navigating cultural dynamics with patients. Paora recognised the courage in naming something many clinicians experience but rarely voice. Sensing the importance of that moment, Stacey felt a clear call to help build a bridge. What began as a reflective chat between friends grew into something worth pursuing.
Today, Cultural Wellbeing Retreats are led and curated by Stacey, with Mereana Pou as the cultural educator.
Every element, from the learning journey to the wellbeing touches is intentionally designed to create a safe, experiential space where clinicians can deepen their understanding of te ao Māori and grow in confidence to deliver care that honours Māori patients and whānau.
What's Included
All-Inclusive Cultural Education Retreat
A fully catered all inclusive educational experience where every detail is taken care of, creating a safe space to learn, reflect and connect without distraction.
This event is approved for 17 ACEM CPD hours.
Experiential Professional Development
A thoughtfully designed programme across 2 nights and 3 days that blends engaging guided learning and group discussion with opportunities to apply insights to your real-world application.
Wellbeing Space
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Private one-to-one mirimiri (massage) for each guest
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Space in the agenda to rest
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Welcome gifts and thoughtful touches
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Nourishing, delicious meals and refreshments
Connection & Community
A welcoming environment where clinicians can ask questions safely, share experiences, and learn from one another. Space to unwind, reflect, and connect.
Beautiful Coastal Setting
On the clifftops of Karioitahi Beach, our venue offers a rare balance of comfort, seclusion, and connection to the natural world. Just 50 minutes from Auckland’s CBD you're a world away, nestled between rolling hills and the expansive Tasman Sea.
Why This Matters
In 2020, 43.6% of Māori reported unmet need from primary care.
Behind that statistic are real people, whānau and clinical encounters where access, trust, context and understanding all matter.
In Aotearoa, cultural understanding is not an optional extra.
It is part of practising well.
Meet The Team
Retreat Hosts
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Stacey Davidson
Retreat Producer and Host
Mereana Pou
Pou Tikanga Guide
Stacey works alongside clinicians and healthcare leaders to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable health system.
Her work spans healthcare leadership, clinician development and organisational strategy, including her role as FCEO of the Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Group and her coaching and advisory practice.
Originally from Australia, Stacey has called Aotearoa home since 1999. Her own journey with te ao Māori has deeply shaped her understanding and approach across all aspects of her work and life.
As Co-Founder of Cultural Wellbeing Retreats, Stacey brings together the people, environment and experiences that make meaningful learning possible.
Mereana is the kind of educator people remember.
Her wisdom comes from a life lived in te ao Māori, and her joy in sharing it is infectious.
A qualified teacher based in Te Tai Tokerau, Mereana began her career sharing te reo me ōna tikanga and kapa haka with school communities. That path led her into health, where at Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau she spent years strengthening the relationship between Māori whānau and the health system. She supported whānau as a Public Health Kaiāwhina, embedded tikanga practices within hospital environments, and mentored hāpū wānanga and kaupapa Māori antenatal programmes across the region.
Today, as Poutiaki at Te Hiku Hauora, she is weaving a te ao Māori culture through the whole organisation.
Mereana holds diplomas in te reo Māori and whakairo, and her mātauranga has been shaped by a lifetime of learning through waka, mau rākau, kapa haka and rāranga. A respected community leader, she has served as Chair of both Kahakura Waka Tangata and Te Kaupeka o Whānui Trust. She brings all of this to the retreat with warmth, humour and a deep generosity of spirit.
Retreat Team
Meeshla Nathan
Rongoā Māori Practitioner
Roy Davidson
Retreat Support
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Debbie Rafferty
Guest Experience
Lila O'Farrell
Mindfulness Practitioner
Meeshla offers a holistic approach to wellbeing grounded in mātauranga Māori and traditional healing practices.
Her mahi supports balance and wellbeing across the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions of health.
Meeshla creates a calm and safe space for people to slow down, reconnect and receive.
Roy brings a warm and practical perspective to the retreats from his understanding of how to support change in healthcare settings.
With over 13 years dedicated to transforming healthcare systems, Roy is committed to improving patient outcomes, and sustainability across the sector.
Debbie is an occupational therapist with a background in rehabilitation, wellbeing, and supporting people through change.
Debbie brings a warm, practical and guest experience focused presence to our retreats to create a welcoming, well-held space where guests can connect, learn and feel at ease.
Lila is an experienced trauma informed MBSR mindfulness educator integrative therapist, educator, and hospice chaplain educator committed to supporting improved wellbeing outcomes for both clinicians and patients.
Grounded in a commitment to Te Tiriti-based practice, Lila 's work weaves mātauranga Māori with a a deep respect for te ao Māori and its place within health and wellbeing.
Clinical Ambasadors
Dr Pip Stuart
Who Attends
We welcome individuals working within healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad, no matter where you are on your journey with te ao māori understanding.
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Senior Medical Officers of all Specialties
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Healthcare Leaders
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GPs
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Nurses
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Registrars
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Midwives
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Allied Health Professionals
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Support Staff
The Venue
Perched on the clifftops of Karioitahi Beach, our venue offers space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect.
Just 50 minutes from Auckland yet feeling a world away, the rugged coastal landscape - black sand beach, rolling hills, and expansive Tasman Sea, creates a powerful setting for reflection, learning, and meaningful kōrero.
Warm, comfortable glamping accommodation provides ease and shelter in all conditions, allowing you to fully settle in and be present.
This is a place where wānanga feels natural, connections deepen, and the whenua itself supports the kaupapa, holding a calm, safe space for learning that can be carried back into everyday clinical practice.