Soul Sisters KomBucha

There comes a point in life where you realise you can deeply love a space, a community, and a kaupapa… while also recognising you no longer belong within the dynamic surrounding it.

That’s where I find myself now.

I gave my heart, creativity, energy, and presence into spaces that meant so much to me. I stood on the whenua of Hinakura with love, loyalty, and deep commitment. I helped create spaces of connection, music, expression, healing, and belonging while carrying my own growth, and transformation alongside it all.

And while there is sadness in endings, there is also clarity and growth. You stand back and think wow I achieved a lot in that time and this is where I stand now. Whole and enlightened to what’s coming.

I now understand that I cannot continue placing myself in spaces where my voice, energy, and contribution are not fully met with the same level of respect, reciprocity, and care that I give so freely to others.

This is not bitterness.
This is alignment.

I hold no hatred in my heart. In many ways I feel peaceful, because I know this chapter has completed exactly as it was meant to. Some journeys are only meant to carry us to the next doorway.

What I do know is this.
I will never stop believing in the power of music, creativity, healing, and community to transform lives.

I believe our people deserve pathways that move us away from sadness and isolation and into spaces where we can create, connect, express, heal, and truly be seen.

I believe our minorities across Aotearoa deserve spaces where their voices matter.

And I believe my next chapter is asking me to step fully into creating that.

Te Ara o Waylon — The Path of Waylon — is now beginning to unfold💙A kaupapa born from love, remembrance, resilience, creativity, and community. A journey that honours both grief and growth while creating spaces where people can come together authentically through music, connection, and wellness.

I walk forward now with clarity.
Not under anyone’s shadow.
Not needing permission to lead with heart.
Just trusting the path unfolding before me🐉

Kia Ora Whānau❤️

After 7 years of holding space while creating, supporting, and showing up on the whenua of Hinakura, I have made the decision to step away from Taniwha’s Den and will no longer be taking part in any capacity moving forward.

Over the last 7 years I gave a great deal of myself to these spaces and did what was asked of me with commitment, care, and intention. There were so many profound and beautiful moments, connections, and memories created along the way that I will always carry with me.

The last Den in 2025 will remain particularly memorable and close to my heart, as it was the final Den shared with my son Waylon present beside me❤️ We shared many memories here and I will always hold those close to me forever.

My connection to Hinakura extends far beyond the Den itself, and with deep respect and love I will continue to honour her wherever I go🐉

As life continues to shift and unfold, so too do we. I now move forward with clarity, gratitude, and deep respect for the journey that has been.

I now have my own journey of creation to move into. I am deeply passionate about creating spaces where the minorities of Aotearoa can be seen, heard, and empowered through creativity, connection, and music.

We need to continue acknowledging and creating pathways that encourage our people to move away from spaces of sadness and into spaces of creativity, healing, wellness, and expression. I believe music, connection, and community are powerful tools for transformation and growth.

From this space, Te Ara o Waylon — The Path of Waylon — is now being created❤️ A journey grounded in love, remembrance, creativity, healing, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and connected through music and community.

I wish Grant and the entire Den community all the very best moving into 2027 and beyond. May the journey ahead continue to bring growth, connection, music, and meaningful experiences for all involved.

Ngā mihi to everyone who shared space and supported Soul Sisters Kombucha, while also creating music, kōrero, laughter, and unforgettable moments across the years.

The memories will live on forever in my heart❤️

Arohanui
Renee & Waylon 🐉☮️🎼💫

Happiest of Mama’s day to you My Bubby❤️ .claire🌸💫🩷

You have sacrificed, struggled, loved deeply, and overcome so much, all while making sure Dante feels safe, loved, supported, and cherished. The bond you two share is beautiful and I am so incredibly proud of the mother you have become❤️

No matter how hard life has been, you never gave up. You kept pushing forward with courage and love in your heart, and that makes you an amazing mum. We aren’t perfect mothers but we do our best❤️

I celebrate you, your strength, your resilience, and the incredible wahine and mother you are❤️

Love you so much my Bubby & my Nums❤️💙❤️

❤️