Positive Journeys Whangarei

About

About Me

If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stuck on the treadmill of life — giving so much to others that you’ve lost connection with yourself — I see you. I’ve been there too.

I’m Pania, the heart behind Positive Journeys. I’m Northland born and bred, and connection to te ao Māori and te taiao has always been part of who I am. Growing up here, respect for people, place, and nature was woven into everyday life — and that continues to shape how I live and how I work.

For over 20 years, I worked in early childhood education in a variety of roles, including leadership, as well as years of full-time care for elderly whānau. I understand deeply what it means to be in caring roles — to hold responsibility, to put others first, and to quietly carry a lot. There were times in my own life where anxiety and depression became part of my story, and I found myself living in survival mode, disconnected from myself and what I needed.

My journey back to myself began through Te Wheke, the holistic wellbeing model by Dr Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere, and First Light Flower Essences® — discovered side by side while I was part of the committee for a nature education conference for teachers. These two pathways became central to my healing and self-care, helping me reconnect emotionally, spiritually, and practically with who I am.

I’ve now worked with First Light Flower Essences® for over a decade, supporting myself, whānau, friends, and clients. Alongside this, I trained in Life Coaching, Abundance Coaching, NLP, and Health Coaching, completing a Bachelor of Education and my PreKure Health Coach certification, and I’m currently working towards my Master Health Coach.

Beyond coaching, I’m passionate about simple living, connection, reflection, and finding joy in everyday moments. I value whānau, meaningful conversations, te taiao, and creating space to have fun. I love to move my body — whether that’s Zumba, bush walks, or small personal challenges that keep me on my toes.

My life is very goal-led, not from pressure, but from a desire to keep creating a life I love more and more, and to live with quality, vitality, and intention for as long as possible. I have many dreams and ideas I want to explore — and at the same time, one of my greatest joys is simply pottering at home with music, a sense of freedom, and no rush.

I also love cold dipping, time with friends, and being surrounded by people who value honesty, growth, and laughter. Having lived among many different people, cultures, and ways of life, I relate easily, see from many perspectives, and meet people exactly where they’re at.

As a coach, I’m calm, grounded, and deeply supportive — with the ability to be clear and gently challenging when needed. I can sit with big emotions, lived experiences, and hard stories without judgement or overwhelm, creating a safe space for you to be heard, supported, and empowered.

At the heart of my work are empowerment, manaaki, connection, and heart-led action — supporting you to bring more clarity, light, and joy into your life, one meaningful step at a time.

If you’d like to see more of who I am day to day, you’re welcome to follow along on Pania’s Positive Journeys on Facebook, where I share reflections, real life, and moments from my journey.

My husband, Tim, and I feel proud to be coming together as ‘Positive Self’ as we both pursue our dream of helping others to help themselves.

Testimonials

Thanks so much Pania. Our session today was awesome. I also really appreciate this follow-up e-mail. It really helps to bring everything together from the session and give focus for going forward. Your processes are so professional, I love it!

Moana

I've just had my first session with Pania; rich as a fruit cake it was. It was full of interest, surprises, and gentle challenges. It is clear to me that I can accomplish my goals, as I take it small step at a time.

Pania obviously knows her job thoroughly. It appears effortless; it just flows! She's a delight to work with; and seems to really enjoy her role.

I'm looking forward to doing my homeplay, and to our next time together.

Christine, Australia

It is so wonderful to have someone take me through the minutiae that arise on my journey. Pania listens so well; brings me back to something I've previously stated that is important to follow up; and supports me to move slowly, step by step with each scenario.

As a counsellor, who has spent a lot of life listening well to other people, I am in a particularly good position to ascertain someone's skills in this area. For me, Pania is truly top of her field.

You're worth your weight in gold, Pania, the world needs you

Christine

Today got to the guts of the issue. Can't really believe it, but there it was! I've implemented something immediately to support me addressing this, which has brought a couple of deeply significant worlds together for me.

You're awesome Pania!

Jeanine

Session was great, as usual. Supporting me to be more spacious in my endeavours, and take my foot off accelerator with my goals.

Yay! I think we all need coaching!

Carol

I believe that the essences contributed to my second pregnancy as I had previously been told by a doctor that it would be difficult. I think it was the combination of the essence and some Chinese herbs that created magic power together and made my dream come true! Thanks heaps Pania!

Ginny

"I am so thankful I came across your post.. the stars definitely aligned for our paths to cross. Your confidence, energy, love, realness, empathy, kindness, knowledge, experiences and compassion are definitely empowering so many people and that is such a wonderful gift. So thank you for believing in me and empowering me to always strive to be the best version of myself."

Lauren

"I think for me the last session helped me to understand that the whole 'treat others as you wish to be treated' doesn't come into fruition until I learn to respect and love myself first"

Joanne

"I just wanted to thank you for this morning you are helping me to appreciate myself more, pointing out my good points and guiding me to put achievable goals in place week by week so that I can focus on things in small steps"

Bettina

"I am seen.

What I have to say is valid with you.

Life is hard, you give me this space to explore my mind - without judgement, just compassion, kindness, love and understanding."

Anna

"This coaching session has helped me tap into and pull strength from my past and the me I know I am. Coming away from this session, I felt like my head was swirling, but I felt this overpowering sense of calmness and that everything was going to be ok and that I am right where I need to be. The session made me feel empowered and so connected."

Private

"Pania has created a safe space for me to open up and share my thoughts and feelings. Pania gives so much energy and compassion in our sessions and I am seeing the results of our sessions in everyday life"

Emma

"Pania has helped me to reignite the love that I have for myself. To remind me that I am worthy."

Vanessa

"My session this week was purely transformative. I successfully delt with some unconscious stuff I've been holding onto for years. It was done so in an EXTREMELY safe and protected way."