Sessions will be held on:
Sunday 19 May 10am – 3pm NZST
Sunday 2 June 10am – 2pm NZST
Sunday 16 June 10am – 2pm NZST
Do these time not work for you? Click here to let us know your preferences for a future Certification Course.
Course Overview
The SpinPoi Certification Course is an evidence-based qualification stemming from clinical research on the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function. Participants will learn about working with poi as a therapeutic tool for wide variety of clients including older adults, children, those with dementia, Parkinson’s, and more. This includes the theory and pedagogy behind working with poi to improve wellbeing, cultural sensitivity, how to structure and facilitate sessions, and more. Upon course completion participants will join the global community of Certified SpinPoi Instructors. This is a 3-day course with an expected 10 hours of homework outside of class.
Course Content
The following units will be covered through presentation, discussion, and hands-on learning.
✔︎ Unit 1: Poi in New Zealand and Beyond. The history of poi as a precious taonga (treasure) in New Zealand and the different styles of poi practiced across the globe today.
✔︎ Unit 2: Clinical Research. Learn about the health benefits of poi including studies with older adults, Parkinson’s, and hospital patients on the nuerorehab ward.
✔︎ Unit 3: Poi Movement Theory. The modes of movement and 3 building blocks which create the foundation for all poi movement.
✔︎ Unit 4: Seed Moves. Universal movements that can be utilized to challenge students of all ages and abilities, including a scaffolding system for movement progression
✔︎ Unit 5: Cultural Sensitivity. How to work with poi in a culturally responsive way, acknowledging it as nga taonga Māori.
✔︎ Unit 6: Session Facilitation and Pedagogy. Teaching methodology and best practices for structuring sessions and maximizing student engagement, including a mock class.
What People Are Saying
“I have been able to learn and implement SpinPoi programs in the aged and disability sectors and have seen firsthand the joy and improvement for consumers in my classes. I totally recommend SpinPoi to anyone.” –Janine, Aged Care Lifestyle Consulting
“Poi went from an additional therapeutic activity on our ward to one of the most popular, and something prioritized on patients’ schedules. Now, other therapies are typically arranged around it.” – Jo, Middlemore Hospital
“SpinPoi inspired me to incorporate poi into my dance classes for the 50yrs+, and made the process of adding poi to an existing group fitness class very straight forward. The humour, creativity and sheer joy from participants has been fantastic.” – Hilary, Move Good Now
“Our residents are loving our SpinPoi sessions. We do get a good laugh along the way and I have noticed how well they follow instructions (something that they usually have difficulties with – and the concentration!)” – Elaine, Southlands Residential Home
“As a play-based specialist teacher, often working with youth with diverse and complex needs, I’ve found SpinPoi to be a great activity not only for the engagement and physical benefits but for the amount everyone enjoys it.” – Jesse, The Forest School
“During SpinPoi sessions we have seen our older residents smile or laugh out loud, socialize and develop new friendships, and engage both their minds and their bodies despite their age and physical or cognitive abilities.” – Orquidea, Summerset
SpinPoi Certification is perfect for…
anyone who would like to incorporate poi into their work as a tool for improving wellbeing and quality of life. Certified instructors will gain the knowledge, tools, and credibility to confidently lead safe and engaging poi sessions for their clients, plus join the community of Certified SpinPoi Instructors across the globe.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Kate Riegle van West is the leading global exponent in working
with poi as a therapeutic tool and the Founder and CEO of SpinPoi Ltd. Kate completed her PhD in the health benefits of poi at the University of Auckland, where she conducted the first study in the world to scientifically investigate the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function. She was awarded the Future Leader Award from the Royal Society of New Zealand for her work in the poi/health field, and has been featured across international media including BBC World News, ABC News, TVNZ, Radio New Zealand, and Maori Television. In 2021 she was named as one of the University of Auckland’s Top 40 Under 40 inspiring alumni.
Course Fee
The SpinPoi Certification course is $589 NZD per person. This includes the following course resources and training:
✔︎ Poi for Seniors Pack (valued at $60 NZD)
✔︎ Poi for Early Childhood Education Pack (valued at $60 NZD)
✔︎ SpinPoi Fundamentals Course & Seed Moves (valued at $100 NZD)
✔︎ 12 hours of hands-on training through three Zoom sessions
✔︎ Ongoing support from the SpinPoi Lead Instructor Team and Dr. Kate Riegle van West to ensure all coursework is completed and you are confident in your skillset and learnings during and after course completion
✔︎ Upon course completion – a paper copy of your certificate in the mail, access to the Instructor Portal including the global routine database, access to the Certified Instructors facebook group, official title and ability to operate as a Certified SpinPoi Instructor
Koha Program
If you are of Māori decent or if you are facing financial hardship, you are eligible for free or discounted participation in this course through our Koha Program. Please visit the Koha Program page and fill out the short form to apply. Please note there are only 4 Koha Program spaces available for this course, first come first serve.
Cancellation Policy
A cancellation can be requested at any time by emailing [email protected]. Cancellation requests submitted prior to 15 days from the course date will receive a 90% refund. Cancellation requests submitted within 10 days of the course date will receive a 50% refund.
Want To Learn More About The Course?
Click here to download the full course brochure.
Become Part of the SpinPoi Team
Upon completion of your certification you will join a highly skilled team of SpinPoi instructors who are working with poi across the globe to improve wellbeing, one orbit at a time.
Eunice Te Rangiuaia
Auckland, New Zealand
Ko Ngāti Porou, ko Ngāti Kāhu ōku Iwi. Kaikokiri Ratonga Māori, passionate about working with tamariki, Kuia & Kaumātua.
Shaina Pietersz
Westland, Netherlands
Primary school teacher, poi dance teacher and macrame artist with a speciality in interpersonal relationships in the teaching environment. [email protected]
Joanne Paton
Auckland, New Zealand
Rehabilitation assistant at Middlemore Hospital primarily working with patients rehabbing from stroke or other neurological conditions. [email protected]
Simon Tennant
Auckland, New Zealand
Registered Psychotherapist and Counselor with a background in Homeopathy, Kinesiology, and nutrition specializing in working with poi as an integrative tool for self regulation. [email protected]
Belegui Didi Beltrán García
Atizapán, México
Physiotherapist, multi-sport athlete and aerialist. I believe that movement brings life and this is something I connect to with SpinPoi. [email protected]
Hakuwai (Brendon) Eriksen-Downs
Taupō, New Zealand
Qualified Social Worker and CEO of Te Hapori Ora. Our kaupapa is to empower individuals and families through cultural and holistic well-being, creating a community where everyone feels heard, valued, and connected. [email protected]
Natalie Humphris
Melbourne, Australia
Parent of neurodiverse children and Founder of Nats Nest. I started poi to help my kids with their therapy goals, and now want to share the benefits and fun of poi with other families. [email protected]
Shanana Rain Golden-Bear
Arizona, U.S.
Stroke survivor passionate about sharing the benefits and fun of poi spinning with fellow seniors in Quartzsite, Arizona. [email protected]
Julie Rope
Auckland, New Zealand
Neurological Physiotherapist with a special interest in Parkinson’s & building a creative toolbox for neurostimulation and plasticity for people living with neurological conditions. [email protected]
Varsha Koekemoer
Grand Baie, Mauritius
Mom, Interior Designer & Flow Artist in a circle of Mothers who are in the pursuit of their empowerment through creativity, self-expression and sisterhood. I am inspired to share the art of tapping into meditative states within flow arts, to propagate the healing benefits of ‘Flow State’. [email protected]
Dr George Thien
New Zealand & Malaysia
Combining his corporate, business, academic & community-service experiences, Dr Thien is motivated to help people achieve personal goals and promote wellbeing. Author of Just Do MORE and enjoys practising Taiji and playing erhu. [email protected]
Julia Kennedy
Tennessee, U.S.
Julia is a retired special education teacher with a love of learning. Poi has become an integral part of her daily life, and she always has extra sets of handmade poi on hand. [email protected]
Sarah Poepjes
Tasman, New Zealand
Activity Coordinator for Summerset Richmond Ranges Retirement Village. Bringing the joy of SpinPoi to residents of all ages and abilities, including rest home and memory care. [email protected]
Emily Hughes
Queensland, Australia
As a practising Clinical Psychologist, I’ve experienced firsthand the remarkable benefits that spinning poi offers for my mental well-being. I’m enthusiastic about spreading the joy and therapeutic advantages of this activity to others. [email protected]
Lapo Botteri
Pelago, Italy
Street artist, circus teacher specialized in functional juggling and special needs, kinesiologist and hospital clown. [email protected]
Amelia Rika
Rotorua, New Zealand
Member of Orange Tinana o Ue with a background in Specialist Education – passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of kuia and kaumātua in Te Arawa while having fun.
Sharnie Riley
Katikati, New Zealand
Fitness instructor, mixed media artist and puppy foster carer. I very much enjoy teaching strength & balance classes to older adults of all fitness levels and abilities. [email protected]
Maria Niedermann
Hätzingen, Switzerland
Physiotherapist specializing in rehabilitation for older adults post surgery or with neurological disease.
Maria Umali
Victoria, Australia
Maria is a teacher at heart; as a previous English & Japanese teacher and Volleyball Coach, she loves giving drills, tips and tricks on how you can achieve any difficult task. [email protected]
Dori Maloney
Texas, U.S.
Dedicated flow artist, relentless problem solver, and empathetic advocate for poi as a fun and therapeutic tool in the wellness journey. [email protected]
Kiara Eldred
Washington, U.S.
Kiara has been spinning poi (and a few other tools) since 2009, and loves to share and teach whenever possible. [email protected]
Sadhana Ravichandran
Kaitaia, New Zealand
Physiotherapist based at Kaitaia hospital, passionate about culturally diversifying her rehabilitation tool kit to improve well-being in older adults within rural communities. [email protected]
Savanna Koteka
Taupō, New Zealand
Tēnā tatou, he uri tēnei nō Te Taitokerau, Ngāti Kahungunu, Waikato Tainui nō Rarotonga hoki. We specialise in facilitating Hauora Wānanga, focussing on transformative practices within Whānau and Hapū.
Teresa Winterburn
Feilding, New Zealand
Program Coordinator at Strive Rehabilitation Manawatu. I support people in their recovery after a brain injury. I am passionate about hand crafting junk journals and creating mixed media art. [email protected]
Jocelyn Watkin
Auckland, New Zealand
Qualified instructor for mind/body flow arts of qigong and tai chi with specialist skills in teaching people who are blind/have low vision. [email protected]
David Bulger
Florida, U.S.
Licensed Massage Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher with experience in fitness, personal training, and flow arts. [email protected]
Rissi Shantel
Illinois, U.S.
Rissi is a certified Breathe for Change yogi, preschool teacher, mindful movement guide and performing artist. With her SpinPoi Certification, she aspires to be a ripple of kindness and healing for her community through flow meditation. [email protected]
Eucaly Izumi
Tokyo, Japan
Originally a fire & led performer in Kaguzuchi, Japan. Through SpinPoi’s activities, she hopes to help people in Japan feel more energetic, where the birthrate is declining and the population is aging. [email protected]
Jesse Moran
Victoria, Australia
Disability Support Worker specialising in children and adults on the Autism Spectrum with a background in Outdoor Leadership. [email protected]
Chris Wolanski
Alberta, Canada
A creative believer who has picked up various skills, all through life. Poi is my favourite past time of all time, and something I wish to spread so it may be appreciated for its transformative effects.
Juliana Flaxman-Hendriks
Auckland, New Zealand
Tai Chi specialist offering a fun and unique fusion of Tai Chi and SpinPoi that is focused on boosting fitness, strength, balance and well-being. [email protected]
Alex Cefalo
Colorado, U.S.
Flow arts changed my life, I intend to change lives with flow arts. Multi talent prop manipulator and life enthusiast. I aim to inspire in all my pursuits, sharing those gifts leaves a lasting impact and is my purpose.
[email protected]
Michelle Stassen
Auckland, New Zealand
Wellness partner at Aria Gardens caring for residents of the Dementia ward and the Rest home in a holistic way. Encouraging independence and assisting with quality of life.
Karanjot Kaur
California, U.S.
Flow artist and research assistant at the Comparative Cognition Lab and Cognitive Science Department at UC San Diego. [email protected]
Heidi Madeira de Carvalho Che
Macau, China
Poi & Arts Workshop Facilitator for children and seniors since 2007, Kintsugi Artist. Love nature, hiking, meditation and playing with children from 0-99.
[email protected]
Jodi Woolf
Melbourne, Australia
In the process of becoming a social worker, and hoping to integrate the art of play and flow arts into her work. Jodi has a passion and love for people, learning and aims to leave a bit of shimmer everywhere she goes. [email protected]
Janine Warne
NSW, Australia
Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator with 38 years experience working in aged care facilities, 6 of those specializing in disability. [email protected]
Melissa Hemi
Papaioea, New Zealand
Ko Ngāti Raukawa ki te tonga, Ko Ngāti Kuia, Ko Rangitāne ki Wairau ōku iwi. Raised by strong Māori wahine has given me a passion for working with kuia and kaumatua in my community. [email protected]
Candis Brunning
Taupo, New Zealand
Ko Ngati Raukawa ki te tonga, Ko Ngai Tuhoe, Ko Te whanau-a-apanui nga iwi. Whānau ora tiwhana or navigator supporting whānau around dreams, goals & aspirations. I am also a youth mentor within Te Korowai Roopu Tautoko, a Tuakana in our rangatahi ropu (Taumata Hiringa), and shareholder within Te Hapori ora. [email protected]
Kay Spinner
Vancouver, Canada
Circus School Object Manipulation Coach, lifelong poi spinner, and poi performer. [email protected]
Sarrisa Curry
Kansas, U.S.
President and Co-Founder of the Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center in Overland Park, KS. My passion is working with the Parkinson’s community to offer beneficial exercise, socialization, and education for self-advocacy. [email protected]
Latasha Emery
Feilding, New Zealand
Mum of two young adults, Latasha has a soft spot for the elderly and is passionate about interacting with them to create magic moments.
Josh Biles
Kansas, U.S.
NCSA-certified Personal Trainer specializing in pre- and post-surgery exercise rehab. Has been serving the Parkinson’s community for ten years and co-founded Rock Steady KC in 2016.
Candace Mok
Hong Kong, China
Veteran educator of different levels. Anything in life can be our learning materials. Stay curious and open. [email protected]
Jamie-Leigh Timoti
Hamilton, New Zealand
Ko Ngai Tai toku iwi. Neurodivergent supporting the disability community in Aotearoa. Founder of Tou Tīrairaka, passionate about Te Ao Māori and the sensory experience it offers. [email protected]
Annemarie Bruin
Southland, New Zealand
Qualified yoga teacher offering Hatha yoga and yoga infused Strength and Balance classes. I am passionate about challenging people and adding fun to my classes
Karma Buckland
NSW, Australia
Flow artist, performer, mental health and disability support worker. Passion for movement, fun and challenges to be found in poi as movement therapy and performance art. [email protected]
Natalie Hull
Kansas, U.S.
Trainer at The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center in Overland Park, KS. Natalie is a life-long health and fitness advocate who enjoys watching and or playing almost any sport. [email protected]
Lien Chang Hsu
Taipei, Taiwan
Circus performer, poi teacher, elders counseling therapist, whole brain development rhythm workshop, and writer & international tour guide. [email protected]
Bronwyn Johnson
Auckland, New Zealand
Wellness partner in charge of outings and special events at Aria Gardens Rest-Home. Life moto “Have a go, you never know you might end up loving it “
Dani Fortune
Belfast, Ireland
Dani is a silver circus & social circus tutor as well as aerial circus performer and tutor based in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. [email protected]
Anja Lohoff
Haag in Oberbayern, Germany
Carer for disabled people, supporting those with Parkinson’s in a geriatric hospital. [email protected]
Alexa Mamet
Cap Malheureux, Mauritius
As a self proclaimed dopamine distributor, I’ve always taken it upon myself to help others find happiness. When poi entered my life in 1999, I knew instantly that I found a treasure, and now it’s time to share that treasure with my community. [email protected]
Maureen Mong Ying Sim
New Zealand & Malaysia
An experienced social worker and a keen cook who enjoys promoting and helping people to eat healthy food for better well-being, and specialises in co-facilitating of poi sessions with her husband. [email protected]
Lindsay Camerik
Hawaii, U.S.
Elementary educator and flow arts practitioner, instructor, and performer with a background in dance, acrobatics, yoga, and fire spinning.
Nastja Fekonja
Radenci, Slovenia
A geographer, pedagogue, and circus person who prefers spin poi. Nastja’s personal mission is to spread the knowledge of poi in her area in Slovenia. [email protected]
Daria Pejic
London, UK
Aerobic instructor, flow artist, dancer, performer and fashion designer sharing poi with older adults and those with cognitive disabilities. [email protected]
Caitlin Westney
Victoria, Australia
A not-for-profit worker with a passion for flow, play, the grounding benefits of mindful movement, and sharing SpinPoi & other mindful movement practices with her local community in Dandenong Ranges, Victoria.
[email protected]
Kim Eriksen-Downs
Taupō, New Zealand
As a qualified indigenous practitioner with a Master’s in applied indigenous knowledge and over 35 years of experience, I am dedicated to empowering whānau wellbeing and fostering resilience within communities through culturally responsive support and collaborative solutions.
Galia Alexander
Alberta, Canada
I am excited for the future of self expression and healthy lifestyles with teaching the principles and joy of poi. I live in a small northern community where the need is great but also see the need for online classes for those who cannot travel outside of the home.
Lisa O’Farrell
Galway, Ireland
Lead tutor and coordinator for the Early Years and Social Circus Programmes at Galway Community Circus and capoeira teacher, with the purpose to empower. [email protected]
Peter Huhndorf
Halle, Germany
Circus artist, and pedagogue. Uniting and working with inclusive methodology in several circus disciplines. Teaching multipliers to spread the manifold benefits and joys of circus arts. [email protected]
Tamara Binnewitt
NSW, Australia
I am a passionate and flexible spin poi instructor who is able to teach all age groups. [email protected]
Stephanie Goodman
Kansas, U.S.
Occupational therapy assistant and creator of Parkinson’s-Art of Expression, an innovative program which utilizes tools “borrowed from the theatre” to target the non-motor symptoms of PD. Stephanie shares the joys of SpinPoi with 150+ clients at the Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center. [email protected]
Jacqui Esber
Melbourne, Australia
Lover of nature, animals, crystals and now poi! A qualified horticulturalist with a background in management, Jacqui runs her own metaphysical supply shop/event space where she combines her passions and brings people together. [email protected]
Deb Gully
Wellington, New Zealand
Nutrition Coach and Certified Natural Health Practitioner in Energy Kinesiology specializing in chronic health issues. [email protected]
Solenne Vanne
Washington, U.S.
Flow artist, juggler, and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is passionate about providing individualized creative teaching to all levels of learners. [email protected]
Melike Tutuncuoglu
Auckland, New Zealand
PhD candidate in dance studies, researcher, forest school instructor, specialized in creating authentic content on meditative body practices to approach a state of deep rest and unity.
Pura Whakatihi
Taupo, New Zealand
Part of the Te Hapori Ora team. Passionate if you are curious ask, confidence shall lead the way. Ask and you shall receive. [email protected]
Miriam Clark
Nelson, New Zealand
Ko Pākehā te iwi. Facilitates classes at Age Concern Nelson Tasman focused on mobile older adults to promote wellbeing and social connection. [email protected]
Honora Jenkins
NSW, Australia
Creative Play Specialist, Community Artist and Disability Support Worker, using circus as a tool to engage and educate people of all ages and abilities. [email protected]
Yu Chiu Lun (Ernest)
Hong Kong, China
Occupational therapist in the geriatric field, providing cognitive training and rehabilitation to older people & using SpinPoi to enhance cognition, balance and mental wellbeing.
[email protected]
Nura Rosalie
Northern Ireland
With over 20 years experience facilitating circus workshops and tutor training across the globe, Nura (“Nora”) is passionate about the social changes circus is able to instigate and the many ways we can impact on a wide range of communities. [email protected]
Joanie Lawler
Oregon, U.S.
Kapa haka poi student and performer for the past 10 years, with a background in educating others of all ages. [email protected]
Lesley Morrison
Rotorua, New Zealand
Kaiawhina with Dementia Lakes, Rotorua.
Juee Bhide
Auckland, New Zealand
Neurological Physiotherapist working with people with Parkinson’s, passionate about adding fun and challenge to therapy! [email protected]
Kirsten Wolf
NSW, Australia
Director of ifritah, fire and flow dancer & creative spirit. Using circus and poi as a way to engage people in creative play and movement for better health outcomes for humans of all kinds and abilities. [email protected]
Tara Stratton
Saskatchewan, Canada
Inspires and promotes overall wellness through prescribing poi; a coach and educator of life skillz in circus flow art culture with the goal of ‘poi mastery’. [email protected]
Rebecca Frechtling
Taranaki, New Zealand
Diversional therapist working in aged care with a mix of Resthome, Hospital & Dementia level residents. [email protected]
Izabela Nurkowska
Dublin, Ireland
Owner of Flow Studio, fitness instructor, flow artist, and martial artist specializing in Shaolin Kung Fu.
Hilary Williams
Mapua, New Zealand
Fitness instructor at Move Good Now specializing in the physical and neurological benefits of movement and exercise in a group environment. [email protected]
Jamie Moore
London, UK
Social arts facilitator specializing in circus and intellectual disability with additional qualifications in community theatre. [email protected]
Richard Hartnell
Washington, U.S.
International, cross-disciplinary circus artist in the lineage of MacArthur award winner Michael Moschen, a co-founder of the Bellingham Circus Guild in northwest Washington State and a previous resident artist at Flowtoys and Vulcan Studios in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Patricia Tinoco
Panama & Venezuela
Certified yoga teacher FIYI200 and QiGong for yoga teachers. [email protected]
Bruno Rubini
Auckland, New Zealand
Tai Chi instructor specializing in mindful movement with additional qualifications in massage therapy and nutrition. [email protected]
Kate Riegle van West
Auckland, New Zealand
Founder of SpinPoi, with a PhD in the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function for older adults. [email protected]