Courses + Events

June Group Introductory Reformer Session

This is your opportunity to come along for a group introductory reformer session. An introductory session is a fantastic way to familiarise yourself with the Pilates reformer machine as they can seem daunting at the beginning!

Each group introductory session includes the following:

1 x one hour group (limited to 6 ppl) introductory session with an instructor on the reformer
1 x pair of grip socks per person
1 x week of unlimited reformer + floor classes

During the introductory session your instructor will introduce you to the Pilates reformer machine and take you through a variety of movements using the machine. Our aim is to have you feeling confident and capable to attend your first (of many!) Pilates reformer class.

You will be introduced to pilates breath, neutral spine, core engagement, different movement positions on the reformer and some of the equipment that is often used in a Pilates reformer class.

Yoga + Cacao Soak

Arrive to a hot cup of cacao and a chance to fill your cup with intentions. Natasha is passionate about the vibes in the kitchen having a huge impact on the food we ingest so each soak is a chance to explore this with the wonders of cacao. It’s a luscious brew and start to the soak.

Then, it’s time to journey with singing bowls and a Nidra based meditation. Getting comfortable, letting the sounds take you away, this is a beautiful reset for body and mind. Natasha then leads you out into some yin yoga poses, into some flow and back for a gentle regathering before you head out into the world. These sessions are 150 minutes so there is no rush and you can soak.

If you already have the Mindbody App you can easily book your spot on there otherwise click the buy now link below!

Winter Solstice Celebration

‘Can we have another tarot gathering?’ Of course and what better night to gather than right around the Winter Solstice.

Cacao – because, why not.

Tarot – for the absolute beginner to the seasoned practitioner, this is a space to bring your questions, curiosity and laughter.

Meditation – Take a guided journey to meet some of the main characters of the tarot and sink into the wisdom these archetypes can bring to our lives.

There is a special for the Solstice celebration where you can book the yoga soak and the solstice celebration for $80 and yes that means a double cacao (if you would like this, please have email info@hellosunshinestudio.nz and we’ll book you in from our end!)

Taking Yoga Deeper

Welcome to Taking Yoga Deeper 2026. Whether you want to go on to teach yoga, or you simply want to spend a year deepening your practice, this course is a deep dive into both the physical aspects of yoga and breathwork/prāṇāyāma, as well as being an exploration of the philosophy that underpins yoga. The Course Introduction aims to give you an idea of the nature of the weekends and answer some questions you might have. The course comes with a Workbook, extensive notes, 33 hours of video content as well as a summary of the weekly emails at the end of the course. There is also a detailed Course Outline available at our open afternoons for you to take a sneaky peak at.

At this link you’ll find information about the weekend and online format, followed by the list of āsana that make up the course. This is not all the āsana that exist but they give you a great vocabulary to take into your teaching or personal practice.

Reformer Teacher Training + Foundations Course

Join Hello Sunshine Studio’s Reformer Teaching Programme!

The second round of Reformer Teaching Training programme will take place at Hello Sunshine in September this year! Learn and train with amazing teachers and have access to Hello Sunshine Studio to continue with your training.

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a Reformer Pilates Teacher – this is your sign to do so!

All courses are approved by REP’s NZ.

Your teachers:
Rachael Burke – Rachael attained her Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from AUT in 1994. She worked in private practises while gaining a postgraduate qualification in manipulative therapy. Her passion is injury prevention and rehabilitation. Incorporating Yoga and Pilates in her career as a Physiotherapist is something Rachael has been working towards for years as she believes the combination of the two serves to rehabilitate from injury, prevent further injury and help increase performance in the sporting arena and in everyday life. Rachael actively trains the teachers at Tiaki to provide quality classes especially designed to improve and strengthen healthy and able bodies.

Laura Deave – Laura is an enthusiastic and dedicated Pilates Instructor from the UK. She came to Pilates after many years of Pilates classes taught by her mother who is also a physiotherapist. She trained in matwork and reformer in the UK with Body Control Pilates and the APPI, then worked at various studios across England before moving to Wellington in 2018. Laura is committed to restoring normal natural movement patterns, enabling clients to live a more balanced and active life. Her aim is to make exercise and movement fun while allowing people to take control of their bodies and explore what it is to move consciously and conscientiously.

Amy Hodgkinson – Amy is the owner and founder of Hello Sunshine Studio in Ahuriri, Napier.

FOUNDATIONS COURSE
The Foundations Course is compulsory to continue on with the TPI Reformer Pilates Course and provides you with knowledge and understanding of the following:

The history and movement principles of the Pilates Method.
Anatomy
Physiology
The Tiaki Pilates Institute (TPI) philosophy
Movement patterns
Common injury types
Pre-exercise clearance
Understanding scope of practice

Course format + dates
Mid-July – start your online modules. This gives you two months to complete the Foundations Course before your test and the Reformer Weekend. You log in details will be sent to you in early July.
Friday 29 August – Zoom session with Rachael to go over any questions/concerns before your test.
Friday 12 September – Foundations test (online)

Prerequisites

No prerequisites required

Format
20 hours of online learning

Assessment
A written test will be held online on Friday 12 September (weekend prior to Reformer Course).

TPI REFORMER PILATES COURSE
The TPI Reformer Pilates Course will introduce you to the following:

Introduction to the Pilates Reformer (Balanced Body Allegro 2)
Repertoire of 28 exercises on the Reformer
Programme sequencing + sample classes
Teaching tips for teaching to one client and to classes
Modifications for injuries or special populations
Understand scope of practice
Learn cueing, coaching + safety tips
Learn equipment safety and maintenance

Course format + dates
Friday 19 September 11am – 6pm
Saturday 20 September 11am -6pm
Sunday 21 September 9am – 4pm

Prerequisites

Previous experience of being a student in at least 20 pilates reformer classes.
Completion of Foundations Course

Format

20 hours (TPI reformer course)
10 Personal Practice Hours on the reformer
30 Observation Hours of reformer classes
40 Practice Reformer Teaching Hours (either 1:1 or classes)
6 Hours with Mentor (5 with Amy at Hello Sunshine Studio + 1 with Rachael)

Personal practice hours + observation hours are included at Hello Sunshine Studio, with a 10 x trip reformer class pass being included as part of your course.

Observation hours will need to be booked in advance with Hello Sunshine Studio.

Practice teaching hours can potentially be arranged at Hello Sunshine Studio (to be discussed with Amy during your Mentor hours)

Assessment

Takes place over the TPI reformer weekend and once your hours are completed (a log book will be provided for this purpose). Once your hours are completed we organise for your final teaching assessment to take place and then you will receive your certification!

Cost
While we are aware that there are a range of reformer pilates teaching courses (and prices) available we have tried to make this as accessible as possible while providing you with a high quality teaching + learning experience.

For both the Foundations Course + the TPI Reformer Course, the price is $3450.00 including GST.

The price includes:

The Foundations Course
The TPI Reformer Course
All course materials
10 personal practice hours in reformer classes at Hello Sunshine Studio
30 observation hours (some or all of which can be done at Hello Sunshine Studio)
6 mentor hours with Amy at Hello Sunshine Studio

A deposit of $450.00 secures your spot.

We are happy to have weekly payment instalments, with a first installment of $1500 due by mid-July. If you would like this option please email us at info@hellosunshinestudio.nz. An invoice with the outstanding amount of $1500 will be emailed to you in early September (before the reformer weekend).

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR 2025.