Māori and Pasifika Women’s Self-Defence

Māori and Pasifika Women’s Self-Defence

A free, fun supportive workshop for Māori and Pasifika Women (16+) to learn and practice mental, verbal and physical techniques

Join Bev Thomas, accredited self-defence teacher, national trainer for Kia Haumaru Personal Safety Education, and experienced facilitator for over 10 years, for a workshop that will leave you feeling more confident, capable, and prepared to protect what matters most.

This practical, hands-on workshop blends kaupapa Māori values with proven safety strategies. You’ll learn and practise mental, verbal, and physical techniques that work against a bigger, stronger attacker, in situations relevant to women’s everyday lives — from public harassment work and or recreation environments to challenges within whānau and relationships.

This practical, hands-on workshop blends kaupapa Māori values with proven safety strategies. You’ll learn and practise mental, verbal, and physical techniques that work against a bigger, stronger attacker, in situations relevant to women’s everyday lives — from public harassment work and or recreation environments to challenges within whānau and relationships.

Rather than a list of do’s and don’ts, this course gives you more options, more skills, and more confidence to set boundaries, stand your ground, and navigate challenging situations. You’ll also explore where to find support, and how to support others in your community.

All Māori and Pasifika women, and non-binary peoples of all abilities and fitness levels, are warmly welcome. You don’t need to be fit to learn how to protect yourself — just bring an open mind, a willingness to try new strategies, and a desire to strengthen your confidence and courage.

There will be a light lunch provided on the day.

Enrolments opening soon! Keep an eye out for our instagram announcements.

Dates Saturday 8 November 2025
Time 9:30am – 4:00pm
Location 4 Warnock St, Grey Lynn
Cost Free

Bev Thomas

Bev Thomas is an accredited self-defence teacher, facilitator of 10 years and a national trainer for several years for Kia Haumaru Personal Safety Education formerly known as Women’s Self Defence Wahine Toa. Bev has always had a passion for women’s health and empowerment and working alongside whanau Māori. Bev’s other interests are martial arts, health and fitness and the confidence and discipline this brings. You don’t have to be fit to learn how to protect yourself. You just need an open mind to learning and strategies that are effective.

Bev and her whanau moved to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) from Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne) 3 years ago and has mainly taught in schools and the community.

Enrolments open now!