Registration is open!
Register Here. Space is limited to 12 participants.
Sessions will be held on:
Sunday 8 Oct 10am – 3pm NZST
Sunday 22 Oct 10am – 2pm NZST
Sunday 5 Nov 10 – 12pm 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 2-day course with 8 hours of hands-on learning.
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 proression
✔︎ 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 $349 USD 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)
✔︎ 11 hours of hands-on training through three Zoom sessions
✔︎ Ongoing support to ensure all coursework is completed and you are confident in your skillset and learnings
✔︎ Upon course completion – a paper copy of your certificate in the mail, access to the Instructor Portal with additional resources, and access to the Certified Instructors facebook group
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 kate@spinpoi.com. 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.
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. kiaora@toutirairaka.com
Shaina Pietersz
Westland, Netherlands
Primary school teacher, poi dance teacher and macrame artist with a speciality in interpersonal relationships in the teaching environment. s.s.pietersz@gmail.com
Joanne Paton
Auckland, New Zealand
Rehabilitation assistant at Middlemore Hospital primarily working with patients rehabbing from stroke or other neurological conditions. joanneduval69@gmail.com
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.
ernesthkota@yahoo.com.hk
Eunice Te Rangiuaia
Auckland, New Zealand
Ko Ngāti Porou, ko Ngāti Kāhu ōku Iwi. Kaikokiri Ratonga Māori, passionate about working with tamariki, Kuia & Kaumātua.
Anja Lohoff
Haag in Oberbayern, Germany
Carer for disabled people, supporting those with Parkinson’s in a geriatric hospital. anja.lohoff@gmx.de
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. info@csimon.nz
Natalie Humphris
Melbourne, Australia
Parent of neurodiverse children and the Founder of Nats Nest. Nat started poi to help her kids with their therapy goals, and now wants to share the benefits and fun of poi with other families. atalie@natsnest.com.au
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.
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. Julie@ropeneurorehab.co.nz
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. gtkthien@gmail.com
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. juliavkennedy@gmail.com
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. sarah.poepjes@summerset.co.nz
Deb Gully
Wellington, New Zealand
Nutrition Coach and Certified Natural Health Practitioner in Energy Kinesiology specializing in chronic health issues. deb.gully@gmail.com
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. sharnie-r@xtra.co.nz
Maria Niedermann
Hätzingen, Switzerland
Physiotherapist specializing in rehabilitation for older adults post surgery or with neurological disease.
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. dori.maloney+spinpoi@gmail.com
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. kiaorataichi@gmail.com
David Bulger
Florida, U.S.
Licensed Massage Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher with experience in fitness, personal training, and flow arts. dbulge90.db@gmail.com
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. rshanti29@gmail.com
Jesse Moran
Victoria, Australia
Disability Support Worker specialising in children and adults on the Autism Spectrum with a background in Outdoor Leadership. jesse.moran91@gmail.com
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. arohataichi@gmail.com
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. karanjot.kaur30@gmail.com
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.
kintsugiarts@gmail.com
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. jodilaurenwoolf@hotmail.com
Janine Warne
NSW, Australia
Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator with 38 years experience working in aged care facilities, 6 of those specializing in disability. janine@spinpoi.com
Kay Spinner
Vancouver, Canada
Circus School Object Manipulation Coach, lifelong poi spinner, and poi performer. spinnerkay0@gmail.com
Matthew Brummett
Missouri, U.S.
With over a decade of poi practice, Matt loves sharing this passion with the world. whatsthepoi@gmail.com
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.
Candace Mok
Hong Kong, China
Veteran educator of different levels. Anything in life can be our learning materials. Stay curious and open. cwfmok@gmail.com
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. karmaflows@outlook.com
Lien Chang Hsu
Taipei, Taiwan
Circus performer, poi teacher, elders counseling therapist, whole brain development rhythm workshop, and writer & international tour guide. firelien@hotmail.com
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. missyfortuneaerial@gmail.com
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. desertmessenger7@gmail.com
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. a.mamet@play-poi.com
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. gtkthien@gmail.com
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. fekonja.nastja@gmail.com
Daria Pejic
London, UK
Aerobic instructor, flow artist, dancer, performer and fashion designer sharing poi with older adults and those with cognitive disabilities. stiklings@gmail.com
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.
caitlin.westney@gmail.com
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. i.am.flora333@gmail.com
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. honorajenkins@gmail.com
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! juee@ropeneurorehab.co.nz
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. wolf@ifritah.com.au
Rebecca Frechtling
Taranaki, New Zealand
Diversional therapist working in aged care with a mix of Resthome, Hospital & Dementia level residents. rebeccaf_753@hotmail.com
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. movegoodnow@gmail.com
Bruno Rubini
Auckland, New Zealand
Tai Chi instructor specializing in mindful movement with additional qualifications in massage therapy and nutrition. wushubruno@gmail.com
Jamie Moore
London, UK
Social arts facilitator specializing in circus and intellectual disability with additional qualifications in community theatre. stiklings@gmail.com
Patricia Tinoco
Panama & Venezuela
Certified yoga teacher FIYI200 and QiGong for yoga teachers. pachyt@gmail.com
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’. stratton.spinja@gmail.com
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. kate@spinpoi.com