I have just returned from Auckland after attending the biennial Reiki Masters' Gathering at the beautiful Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre in Long Bay. Getting there proved to be quite an adventure - 150km winds in Invercargill cancelled my original flight and triggered a state of emergency. Determined to make it, I managed to secure the last seat on a flight to Christchurch which gave me the bonus of catching up with my younger brother before finally arriving in Auckland just after midnight. What an adventure!

The journey was well worth it. Vaughan Park with its sea views and wonderful food was the perfect setting. The Reiki community always feels like family and this Gathering was no exception. Angelika Klotz had organised a thoughtful programme including personal insight sessions using colour and essential oils, explorations of Japanese concepts relevant to our own practice and a detailed discussion about travelling to Japan - the spiritual home of Reiki.

A highlight was welcoming Bobbe Free along with her daughter Natalie and son Derek. Bobbie was the original instigator of the Masters' Gathering inspired by a similar event she attended in America. Her vision was to create a space for Reiki Masters to connect, share teaching experiences and support one another - long before Reiki NZ was formed. 

The Gathering has always been independent, open to all Masters whether members of Reiki NZ or not, though Reiki NZ has historically provided promotional support for this event. During discussions on Kaizen (continuous improvement), we considered the idea of the Masters' Gathering becoming a Reiki NZ event. It was unanimously agreed that this would be a positive step ensuring the future gatherings receive administrative, financial and web-based support while remaining open to all Reiki Masters. This change will help to sustain the Gathering for years to come.

Wishing everyone a joyful festive season and a peaceful, inspired New Year. May the force be with you wherever you go.

Simon Greig

chairperson@reiki.org.nz