MOUNTAINS & RIVERS ORDER
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  • NZ Events 2026
    • Evening Talk (July 10, Nelson)
    • One-day Dharma workshop (July 11, Nelson)
    • Sesshin meditation retreat (July 12-18)
    • Wangapeka Zen Retreat
    • Strathean Zen Retreat, Otaki (2027)
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​New Zealand Zen Events


Each January and July the Mountains and Rivers Order in New Zealand offers a programme of Zen events including
​week-long silent Zen meditation retreat (sesshin). ​In July the head of the MRO, Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi will be in Nelson to lead these events. For January, Jody Hojin Kimmel Sensei will travel to New Zealand to offers teachings and lead a retreat in Canterbury.  
​Regional groups also hold regular Zen events, including weekly meditation sessions and seasonal retreats.

Teachings and retreats, July 2026

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Nelson Public Talk with Shugen Roshi

Fairfield House, Nelson
Friday July 10, 2026, 7pm-8.30pm 


Shugen Roshi is the head of the Mountains and Rivers Order, and the abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery.  
Entry to the public talk is by koha.
MORE INFO

Nelson One-Day Dharma Workshop

Fairfield House, Nelson
Saturday July 11, 2026, 9am-3.30pm


Shugen Roshi is the head of the Mountains and Rivers Order, and the abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery.  
Registration required.
MORE INFO

Nelson Sesshin Meditation Retreat

Rotoiti Outdoor Education Lodge
Sunday July 12 to July 18, 2026


This retreat can be joined up until Thursday July 16.
​Registration required.
More info

Rotorua Evening Talk on Compassion

Tuesday July 21, 7pm-8.15pm
​The Arts Village, Eric Bridgeman Room 
​

Presented by Shugen Roshi, Abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery.
More info

Rotorua Introduction to Meditation

Wednesday July 22, 7pm-8.15pm
​The Arts Village, Upstairs in Meeting Room 2

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Presented by Shugen Roshi, Abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery.
More info

Spring and autumn regional retreats

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Wangapeka weekend retreat

Wangapeka Centre near Nelson
In Spring of 2026 – dates to be confirmed.

This retreat is suitable for newer and experienced practitioners.

Ōtaki weekend retreat, near Wellington (2027)

Friday April 30 at 5pm to Sunday 2 May at 2pm, 2026.
This retreat is suitable for newer and experienced practitioners.

 January teachings and retreats 2027

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Christchurch evening talk

The Quaker Centre, Christchurch
January 2027, date to be confirmed, 7pm-8.30pm


​Hojin Sensei
is a Zen teacher in the Mountains and Rivers Order, and the abbot of the Zen Center of New York City – Fire Lotus Temple. 

Saturday art-practice retreat

January, date to be confirmed, 9am-3pm
​
with Hojin Sensei at the Opawa Zendo
​4 Kennedy Place, Hillsborough, Christchurch

Silent meditation retreat – sesshin

Mt Hutt Retreat Centre, Canterbury
January date to be confirmed

​This retreat can be joined in progress up until Thursday evening. 

Zen Training

Zen Events
Listen to Zen Teachings
FAQ on Zen Practice
The Eight Gates of Zen
Zen Teachers
​Learn to Meditate

Locations

Auckland
Rotorua
Manawatu
​
Wellington
Nelson
Ōtautahi ​
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©  2020. ZEN INSTITUTE OF NEW ZEALAND.
  • Home
  • NZ Events 2026
    • Evening Talk (July 10, Nelson)
    • One-day Dharma workshop (July 11, Nelson)
    • Sesshin meditation retreat (July 12-18)
    • Wangapeka Zen Retreat
    • Strathean Zen Retreat, Otaki (2027)
  • Zen training
    • Practical Zen
    • Learn how to meditate
    • Teachers
    • The Eight Gates of Zen
    • FAQ on starting Zen practice
  • Dharma Teachings
    • Audio
    • Video
  • Zen Groups
    • Auckland
    • Rotorua
    • Manawatu
    • Wellington
    • Nelson
    • Otautahi-Christchurch
  • Contact Us
  • Media