# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Wednesday 5.30pm CITY YOGA
- **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 09 Sep, 2026 at 05:30 pm – Wed, 09 Sep, 2026 at 06:45 pm (+12:00)
- **Event Description**: A gently facilitated hatha yoga class suitable for all age groups and levels of experience and ability, with Rishi in the Treble Clef Room* at the Old Library, Whangārei. This room is upstairs on the left.

*11 March 2026 - now in the Schu Box Room (that's still upstairs in the Old Library).

This class on Wednesdays is from 5.30 until 6.45 pm during a 4-term year. It is a 75-minute general (for all) class of traditional hatha yoga - āsana (postures/exercises) with breath awareness, sometimes a little prānāyāma (specialized breathing techniques), and a short yoga nidrā (deep relaxation).

🪷🪷🪷New to us? Try this class - or any combination of our classes - on a 3-class pass for $30 (see details of all of the ways to pay for classes in FEE OPTIONS, further below)🪷🪷🪷

INSTRUCTOR: Rishi Iyer

Rishi has a BMus(Hons), specializing in classical singing. He has worked with NZ Opera in the chorus of various productions and is often in local shows with Opera North and the Whangārei Choral Society.

Growing up in a yoga teaching environment, he decided to do his yoga teacher training. In 2022, Rishi attended a series of week long sessions - with follow up study and practice required after each one - to obtain a RYT200 yoga teaching qualification from Prema-Heart Yoga School at Ritual Yoga on Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf. He intends to follow up with a 300-hour course there.

Rishi had also attended classes with yoga teachers when studying at Waikato University. Over the past 10 years, he has worked with Swami Ānandarādhā Saraswati (Rādhe) in the Northland classes and workshops, teaching all classes run by Shraddha Yoga and Meditation in 2024, and most of them in 2025 also. He attends other yoga retreats and workshops regularly each year to continue learning through yoga. Registered with Yoga NZ, the national registration body for yoga teachers in Aotearoa, Rishi is also a member of REP (registered exercise professionals) so will attended their conference in 2025.

Having a father who is Brahmin, from India, it seems that Rishi may have genetically inherited an ability with pronunciation of Sanskrit. Admittedly, this is probably enhanced by proficiency singing in other languages. However, he has a particular interest in chanting and/or singing Sanskrit mantra and kirtan. He usually chants the short universal mantra Om (A-U-M) 3 times to both open and close a yoga session.

OUR TYPE OF YOGA

✨Both Rishi and Rādhe are trustees of Shraddha Yoga and Meditation, a registered charitable trust in NZ.

✨60 minutes of hatha yoga, a classical style of yoga including āsana (postures) practiced with breath awareness – and sometimes a few minutes of pranayama (specialized breathing techniques) – makes up the main part of Shraddha Yoga and Meditation's 75 minute sessions.

✨Although our approach to āsana practice is gentle, anyone can work in a way that feels 'stronger' or 'softer' in their practice of any āsana, to better suit ability/need, e.g. choosing to extend/shorten practice of an āsana or substitute a variation of that āsana ... or perhaps do another āsana altogether, possibly a more/less challenging alternative āsana ... or perhaps just something else that you know you want/need to do.

✨We give a short yoga nidrā (deep relaxation) of 10-15 minutes at the end of each class, this practice also being known as 'psychic sleep' and adapted by Swami Satyananda from earlier teachings for use in more modern times.

✨Our classes are largely Satyananda-focused, with practices from the Bihar School of Yoga forming the foundation. A book that is very useful for learning more about this style of yoga is 'Asana, Pranayama, Mudra and Bandha' by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

✨We like to keep up-to-date with Satyananda-based teachings, attending the Satyananda Yoga Lifestyle Immersion weekend with Swami Ratnashakti from Monghyr, India held at Aio Wira Retreat, 10-12 January, 2025.

WHAT YOGA CAN DO FOR YOU

Yoga is a science that can have huge benefits for body, mind and emotions (all benefits are interconnected - hence experienced in no specific order - and sometimes can be noticed in a very obvious way and other times the effects are more subtle):

🌿 strengthening and toning of muscles (note that stronger abdominal muscles also help the back ... and the back muscles need yogic strengthening, which is a totally different feeling to just having tight back muscles from our normal stresses!);

🌿stretching to reduce over-tight muscles and rotations and bending/stretching movements to increase flexibility in joints (very important for all joints, including the spinal vertebrae);

🌿awareness and care of the fascia, the protective tissue that provides support and structure to organs, bones and muscles, as well as the blood vessels, and even to more subtle levels including the nerves. Yoga stretches, often with optional holding of poses, which can be strong ones but are always done with softness and gentle awareness to an individually comfortable level (restorative use of aids, such as bolster or cushion/s can be used), and some controlled dynamic poses too.

🌿balance improvement in standing poses, both still and moving (this also transfers to improvement in day-to-day activities, such as walking and turning) and overall enhancement of physical coordination and posture;

🌿energizing to facilitate releasing energy blockages;

🌿improved function of the body's systems (skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive);

🌿balance and harmony of mind and emotions;

🌿clearer, better focused, aware/knowing and more peaceful state of mind;

🌿stress release and relaxation;

🌿assisting recovery from injuries/improving healing from illnesses;

🌿enhancing the spiritual aspect of existence, or wairua, improving both self-esteem and sense of belongingness
…

OUR STUDENTS AND HOW TO PRACTICE

We have people from a range of ages and cultures in our lovely, small classes.

All students work at their own levels, which will often be different not only for each individual but also for each āsana – usually relating to age, experience and whether or not there are any past/current injuries or illnesses but also to your basic body type and varying levels of flexibility and strength –  to appropriately and safely suit their current individual capabilities and needs. Those who have been coming for some time still abide by this, as different body types and past experiences (including old or current injuries/illnesses) definitely shape what we can do.

🧡🕉🙏🏽🧘‍♀️

Some students come to more than one class a week but most do one class.

Eventually a student may also start a small daily practice, or sadhana, at home too. Even doing just 10 or 15 minutes each day, e.g. a couple of specific āsana for you and some breath awareness relaxation, can be helpful.

Whether a complete beginner or someone who has experience in home yoga practice/different yoga classes, you are very welcome to come along. Experienced practitioners simply extend in whatever way that they want to.

No matter the reason, there is no need to go further than what is manageable for you.

You will notice improvement over time.

DATES OF OUR CLASSES

Come along during any part of our 4-term year (from immediately after Waitangi Day to just prior to Xmas, with breaks as for school holidays).

No classes on public holidays.

✨9 Feb - 2 Apr
✨20 Apr - 2 Jul
✨20 Jul - 24 Sep
✨12 Oct - 17 Dec

FEE OPTIONS

🍀Casual/drop-in

🪷🪷🪷Your first three classes with us can be attended for $30 - cash or internet banking - which is a 3-class pass - at half the casual adult fee of $20 per class.🪷🪷🪷

The standard casual/drop-in fee of $20 is reduced to $15 with a Community Services Card or Super Gold Card.

The $20 fee is based on a rate of $15 per hour for classes and courses (our classes are one-and-a-quarter hours).

🍀Concession cards

A repeat casual fee is very rarely used, as concession cards reduce the price per class by such a lot,

e.g. a concession card can keep the cost for a class at $10 if purchasing an 11-class card and ~$9.50 if getting 22 classes - definitely good value as $10 is an excellent deal for a 75-minute yoga session.

There is NO EXPIRY on any of our concession cards, so keep using them at any venue in any term (of any year!) until completed.

You can even use these with a partner/whānau/friend/friends.

🍁 $78 for a 6-class concession card ($13 per class).

🍁 $110 for an 11-class concession card ($10 per class). The 11-class card still remains the most popular option.

🍁$210 for 22 classes - 2 x 11-class cards (~$9.50 per class).

🍀Please always feel welcome to contact us privately if you need to make a special payment arrangement to be able to manage to come.🍀

WHAT TO BRING

Wear comfortable clothing. Bring your own yoga mat (or ask us if you need to borrow one), water bottle and a blanket (or cotton/light throw in the summer) for covering yourself during the relaxation.

You are welcome to bring any props, e.g. bolster/cushion/s, blocks, if you generally use them.

For any queries re the classes, or to request bank account details for fee payment, please contact us.

CONTACT DETAILS

You can message via Facebook or by email:

shraddhayoganz@gmail.com

For calls or texting:

Rishi 027 7104 347

Om 🕉️

Please let us know if you want to attend online (so that Rishi takes the laptop) if you cannot make it to the Old Library as this class is also available on Zoom: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81935407762?pwd=5axAMkau25vxWbHbhXcY1kmGIjwRkU.1

Meeting ID: 819 3540 7762
Passcode: 574898


🧡There is also another evening yoga class with us in the city on Tuesday at 5.15pm in the hall at St John's Church Centre.🧡

Note that as Shraddha Yoga and Meditation is a registered charitable trust, any donations are tax deductible. Save receipts for all donations that are over $5 made to any approved organizations. 1/3 of the total value of donations, up to the level of your taxable income, are tax deductible.
https://www.ird.govt.nz/.../individu.../donation-tax-credits
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/whangarei/wednesday-530pm-city-yoga/200030648358005
- **Event Categories**: health-wellness, workshops, meditation, yoga, nonprofit, meetups, holiday, bhajan-jamming, science-fair, business, sports, conferences
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 1

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Whangarei
- **state**: NO
- **country**: New Zealand
- **location**: The Old Library, 7 Rust Ave, Whangārei
- **lat**: -35.72404
- **long**: 174.3182
- **full address**: The Old Library, 7 Rust Ave, Whangārei, 7 Rust Ave, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand, Whangarei

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Wednesday 5.30pm CITY YOGA
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/d02187a729cede4834c507163b5c7691e4e3dbe1cb6ef10f7ecf0602ffd13e60-rimg-w1200-h1697-dcf8f8f8-gmir?v=1788354545

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Wednesday 5.30pm CITY YOGA being held?
  - **A:** Wednesday 5.30pm CITY YOGA takes place on Wed, 09 Sep, 2026 at 05:30 pm to Wed, 09 Sep, 2026 at 06:45 pm at The Old Library, 7 Rust Ave, Whangarei, 7 Rust Ave, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand, Whangarei.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Wednesday 5.30pm CITY YOGA?
  - **A:** Wednesday 5.30pm CITY YOGA is organized by Shraddha Yoga and Meditation.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Wednesday 5.30pm CITY YOGA is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Whangarei, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Wednesday 5.30pm CITY YOGA sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

## Structured Data (JSON-LD)

```json
[
    {
        "@context": "https://schema.org",
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "Wednesday 5.30pm CITY YOGA",
        "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/d02187a729cede4834c507163b5c7691e4e3dbe1cb6ef10f7ecf0602ffd13e60-rimg-w1200-h1697-dcf8f8f8-gmir?v=1788354545",
        "startDate": "2026-09-09T17:30:00+12:00",
        "endDate": "2026-09-09T18:45:00+12:00",
        "url": "https://allevents.in/whangarei/wednesday-530pm-city-yoga/200030648358005",
        "eventStatus": "https://schema.org/EventScheduled",
        "location": {
            "@type": "Place",
            "name": "The Old Library, 7 Rust Ave, Whangārei",
            "address": {
                "@type": "PostalAddress",
                "streetAddress": "7 Rust Ave, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand",
                "addressLocality": "Whangarei",
                "addressRegion": "NO",
                "addressCountry": "NZ"
            },
            "geo": {
                "@type": "GeoCoordinates",
                "latitude": "-35.72404",
                "longitude": "174.3182"
            }
        },
        "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode",
        "description": "A gently facilitated hatha yoga class suitable for all age groups and levels of experience and ability, with Rishi in the Treble Clef Room* at the Old Library, Whangārei. This room is upstairs on the left.\n\n*11 March 2026 - now in the Schu Box Room (that's still upstairs in the Old Library).\n\nThis c",
        "organizer": [
            {
                "@type": "Organization",
                "name": "Shraddha Yoga and Meditation",
                "url": "https://allevents.in/org/shraddha-yoga-and-meditation/13353830",
                "description": "Shraddha Yoga and Meditation Trust is a Lifestyle Education Trust and a registered charitable trust whose aim is to make Yoga and Meditation and their benefits known and readily available to everyone in New Zealand. Donations are welcome and are tax deductible for donations over $20 NZ.\n\nThe Trust is committed, in attaining its purpose, to:\n\n- inspiring people to reach their full potential by using the scientific systems of yoga to evolve the whole person: the physical, the vitality, the mind and emotions, wisdom, ethics and a higher quality of relationships, and the realisation of the spiritual reality of each of us;\n\n -respecting the cultural diversity of people and encouraging people from all nationalities to utilise the Trust’s facilities and services; and\nmaintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.\n\n-To live a yogic lifestyle means that a person is integrating the principles and practices of yoga into their daily routine for a healthier, more peaceful and meaningful life that\n\n- allows the aspects of head, heart and hands to work together harmoniously;\n\n- evolves the whole person: the physical, the vitality, the mind and emotions, wisdom, ethics and a higher quality of relationships, and the realisation of the spiritual reality of each of us; and\n\n- integrates the two aspects of our external everyday living and our inner discipline so that we are able to become truly human and find ways of inner and outer expressions that nurture and develop positivity, creativity, and openness within us;\n\nPlease visit our website for more information. www.shraddhayoganz.wordpress.com"
            }
        ]
    }
]
```