About JoyFest

Many wisdom traditions and inspiring people, such as Gandhi have said ‘treat people as you would want to be treated.’ 

If we look after our own health and emotional and mental well-being – the most impactful way to treat ourselves well – then it becomes much easier to do this. 

When we are balanced and coming from our true self then we naturally radiate positivity.  We can see that difficulties are blessings in disguise and we can lead by example. 

This festival will share examples of yoga, dance, music, art and song with the aim of helping us to better see the light that lives within us, to see what we are capable of and to help us grow physically, emotionally and mentally stronger.   

If we want to create a more sustainable world as well as nurturing ourselves, we need to nurture new ways of producing, of building, of feeding ourselves and others.  We need to build and strengthen communities. 

This event offers the opportunity to learn from the wisdom of others and to gain an understanding of practices or methods which may have sparked our curiosity for a long time or which may even be completely foreign to us. 

It will allow us to ask questions and to become more aware of what’s possible as we, as individuals, families and a broader community, move towards a more sustainable existence.     

Offerings range each year filling the yoga, eco, dance/main stage, children’s and wisdom tents with local facilitators who share all the amazing tools/skills/wisdom they have so that others may leave feeling inspired and elevated.  There is always a healing area which offers a range of taster sessions.  We always end with a selection of live music and a meditation to bring everything together at the end.   

Far North Joyfest came about after a conversation between Tam Donovan and Hari Bans Angell Kaur over the Summer of 2019. 

They both shared a vision of bringing more people to the Far North, of doing something positive for the area and of showcasing the wealth of local wisdom and expertise in the areas of yoga, dance and music. 

When Tam moved out of the area very soon after the idea began to sprout into a more manifest concept, Hari Bans and other committee members dedicated time and energy to creating the first ever event in January 2020 at Butler Point, Hihi.     

The Far North Joyfest Group was established as a not-for-profit organization comprised of individuals who share a vision of creating a healthier and happier place for us all to live, work and be and they are responsible for organizing the event each year.

This magnificent venue has had a varied past.  The first inhabitants would have been the ancestors of the local Iwi – Ngati Kahu.  Northland is almost certainly one of the first areas of Aotearoa to be settled by Polynesian voyagers.  The area was abundant in seafood resources, and had areas of rich gardening soil.  In addition, the area would have been profuse in native forest and birdlife, so the local area is aptly named after a very rare and beautiful stitchbird ‘Hihi’.   

To Māori, ‘hihi’ was a term used for the healing rays of sunlight. The shoulders of the male hihi would light up in a burst of yellow as these birds darted through the trees and were said to be carriers of the sun – capturing the healing rays and spreading light through the forest.  ‘Hihi’ symbolises life, vigour and health of the forest.   The venue’s energy today certainly connects us back to this light, abundant and vibrant past.   

Later, with European settlement the area turned into a bustling trade area for whaling, flax, kauri and gum.  Captain William Butler established a trading post here in 1838.  Thus, the point has been named Butler’s Point. 

Today the archaeological landscape of the Doubtless Bay area reflects intensive Maori occupation,  Butlers Point has remains of a Maori fortified Pa on the property which would have been significant as a great vantage point for Maori at the entrance of Mangonui Harbour.    Today, the 26 hectare property is privately owned and has a macadamia orchard, a Whaling Museum, Butler House and extensive gardens.   As one of the Far North’s most fascinating heritage tourism destinations, the lovingly cared for gardens evoke a sense of peace, calm and tranquility. 

Butler House and the Whaling Museum are not accessible on the day, however, if staying in the area, definitely worth a visit. 

The museum tour talks about how important it was that people began to challenge the practice of hunting whales.

By holding events like this in places we also increase the vibration of it as well as within ourselves so our lovely joyous energy infuses the lovely feeling that the gardens already have.  Nature at its best.

See the 2020 program here

Read about it here