Cultural Workshops

Cultural Workshops & Kava Experiences

As an organisation, no matter how large or small you are, bridging cultures by enhancing understanding of your employee's diverse backgrounds is essential to building a well-connected, inclusive and thriving workplace.

Our various workshops are available to assist your organisation/group or team in bridging cultures, connecting people, building meaningful relationships and teams, and enhancing a sense of awareness of the diversity within your workplace, leading to improved hauora (wellbeing) and productivity.

Our educational kava workshops are here to support you on your cultural journey.

Workshop 1: Corporate Team Building/Whakawhanaungatanga

Ideal For: Corporate teams, organisations seeking innovative team-building experiences, diversity & inclusion initiatives

What You'll Experience:

• Introduction to Kava Culture - Learn about the 3,000+ year history of kava in Pacific communities and its role in bringing people together
• Tongan Faai Kavei Koula (Four Golden Principles) - Discover how these timeless values can transform workplace culture:
  • Faka'apa'apa (Respect)
  • Tauhivā (Maintaining good relationships)
  • Mamahi'ime'a (Being passionate about one's beliefs)
  • Loto tō (Humility and being open)
• Hands-on Kava Preparation - Participate in the traditional process of preparing kava, learning the cultural significance of each step
• Guided Talanoa Session - Experience authentic Pacific-style conversation over kava, where time slows down and meaningful connections are formed
• Team Reflection & Integration - Discuss cultural principles that can enhance workplace relationships, communication, and wellbeing

Key Benefits:

• Break down communication barriers in a relaxed, alcohol-free environment
• Foster genuine connections between team members
• Enhance cultural competency and understanding of Pacific values
• Improve team cohesion and collaboration
• Create shared experiences that strengthen workplace relationships

Duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Four Shells Kava Lounge (Fale Talanoa) or your workplace
Group Size: 10-30 participants

Workshop 2: Cultural Competency & Pacific Understanding

"Vā & Talanoa: Understanding Pacific Ways of Connecting"

Ideal For: Organisations, Community groups, educational institutions, health & social service organisations, government agencies, cultural awareness programmes

What You'll Experience:

• Pacific Cultural Context - Understanding the diversity of Pacific nations and their unique relationships with kava
• The Concept of Vā - Exploring the Pacific concept of relational space and how it shapes interactions, respect, and community
• Kava's Role in Pacific Society - From ceremonial traditions to everyday social connection, understand kava's cultural significance across Polynesia and Melanesia
• Cultural Protocol & Respect - Learn appropriate ways to engage with Pacific cultures, traditions, and communities
• Interactive Discussion - Open talanoa on cultural identity, representation, migration stories, and maintaining cultural connections in Aotearoa New Zealand

Key Benefits:

• Increased understanding and respect for Pacific cultures
• Learn how to create culturally safe spaces for Pacific peoples in your workplace
• Understand the importance of cultural practices in wellbeing and identity
• Build bridges between Pacific and non-Pacific communities
• Enhance ability to work effectively with Pacific individuals and communities

Duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Four Shells Kava Lounge (Fale Talanoa) or your venue
Group Size: 15-40 participants
Can be tailored for specific sectors (healthcare, education, social services, alternative education etc.)

Workshop 3: Private Kava Ceremonies & Celebrations

"Faikava: Creating Sacred Space for Connection"

Ideal For: Private groups, milestone celebrations, whānau gatherings, leadership retreats, special occasions, intimate team experiences

What You'll Experience: A bespoke, intimate kava experience designed specifically for your group's needs and intentions:

• Customised Ceremony Design - Whether celebrating an achievement, marking a transition, fostering deep team connection, or hosting a cultural experience, we tailor the session to your purpose
• Traditional Faikava Setup - Experience kava in the traditional way, seated on falas (mats) in our dedicated Fale Talanoa space
• Guided Cultural Experience - 'Anau and/or Todd personally facilitate your session, sharing stories, cultural knowledge, and creating the perfect vā for meaningful connection
• Optional Additions:
  • Cultural storytelling
  • Leadership and personal development discussions
  • Wellness and mental health focus
  • Special occasion acknowledgments

Perfect For:

• Executive leadership retreats seeking depth and authenticity
• Milestone celebrations (graduations, promotions, farewells)
• Intimate team bonding experiences
• Cultural immersion for visiting groups
• Whānau/family gatherings
• Personal development and reflection sessions
• Connecting with Pacific heritage

Duration: Flexible (1.5-4 hours)
Location: Four Shells Kava Lounge (Fale Talanoa) - exclusive use available - offsite
Group Size: Any number or participants

📋 How to Book Your Workshop

For more information and to discuss how we can tailor a workshop to meet your specific needs, please contact us:

Email: info@fourshellskava.co.nz
Phone: 020 4196 3134
Location: Shop 12, 210 Victoria Street West, Victoria Park Market, Auckland CBD

One of our facilitators ('Anau or Todd) will get in touch with you to discuss your requirements and design the perfect cultural experience for your group.

⭐ What Past Participants Say

"We had all the fun and didn't need any alcohol. The team loved the experience and we're definitely coming back!"
— Corporate Team, Auckland

"Four Shells provided a space where we could have meaningful conversations about culture, identity, and connection. It was transformative."
— Workshop Participant

About Our Facilitators

'Anau Mesui-Henry - Co-owner, Tongan-born and Māngere-raised entrepreneur, PhD student researching kava for PTSD treatment, passionate advocate for Pacific culture and wellbeing

Todd Henry - Co-owner, learned kava traditions from Pacific communities, skilled at bridging cultural understanding between Pacific and non-Pacific peoples

Together, they bring authenticity, respect, and deep cultural knowledge to every workshop experience.