Pictured: Aspiring therapists Kaitlyn Tane and Courtney Kaa.

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is celebrating the completion of its first internship programme, with two aspiring therapists taking part in an immersive eight-week learning experience grounded in te ao Māori (the Māori worldview). 

The internship offered hands-on experience within Wai Ariki’s unique Māori wellness environment, supporting participants to develop practical skills while strengthening their connection to culture, identity and purpose. 

For Kaitlyn Tane, the internship marked a powerful personal milestone. Only weeks after welcoming her second baby, she embraced the challenge with the support of her partner and whānau (family). The programme strengthened her cultural connection and encouraged her to bring more te reo Māori (the Māori language) into her everyday life, something especially meaningful with both of her children attending kōhanga (Māori language early childhood education). 

More than anything, Kaitlyn valued the hands‑on learning, the immersion in te ao Māori and the opportunity to reconnect with parts of her identity she felt had faded after high school. 

For Courtney Kaa, the experience was deeply transformative. Courtney described the internship as a journey of reclamation, reconnecting with Māori heritage and cultural grounding, and finding a workplace that supported that journey. 

At Wai Ariki, Courtney discovered the joy of caring for manuhiri (guests) from a place of cultural strength. She hopes visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and richness of Māori culture, something they can carry with them long after their visit.

Pictured: Ahuru Mōwai – Sanctuary at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.

This first internship marks an important step in Wai Ariki’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent through meaningful, culturally grounded learning experiences. 

Ahuru Mōwai – Spa Sanctuary Manager, Karen Aleksich, said the team looks forward to welcoming future interns as the kaupapa (purpose) continues to grow and evolve. 

“It is a proud moment for Kaitlyn and Courtney, their whānau, their mentors and the entire Wai Ariki team”, Karen concluded. 

For more information about Wai Ariki’s internship programme or to plan a visit, enquire via the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa website.

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