What is Heart Politics?

A diverse community of people who have been gathering together since 1989 to explore what’s most important to them. Each of the hundreds of people who have attended one, some, or many of these gatherings over the years are individuals who will each have their own story to share of what Heart Politics means to them.

One person might define Heart Politicians as a growing, ever-changing, diverse, non-aligned group of individuals who each work in their own field, in their own way, for personal, political, environmental, social or economic development in this country and beyond. A second may say that, what ever work they do, each Heart Politician holds a sense of working for the common good. Yet another might explain that each is working to slowly transform the world from the inside out; or that each Heart Politician, whether they work in an institution, in the community, in the family, whether they are employed, self employed, unemployed, or studying, has wisdom to share and questions to ask about creating change. Another may talk about working from the personal to the political; and that each can learn from the rich experiences of others.

Heart Politics gatherings have evolved over the years from the early ‘conference and speaker format’ to being an open space where diverse people can come together in the spirit of dialogue and share with each other their knowledge, wisdom, experiences, questions, frustrations, ideas, inspirations, explorations; where they can be affirmed, be challenged, learn from others, grow, have fun, celebrate, and gather strength to go back into the world where they do their work.

We have chosen to meet at the Tauhara Retreat Centre near Taupo, because we align with the centre’s vision of being a meeting place for people of differing viewpoints but united in their search for truth, goodwill and understanding. Heart Politics as a 'way of being in the world' has also been celebrated at other locations.

Interested in Heart Politics? You’re welcome to make contact, or join us at a gathering - we meet nationally every January. Local meet ups and gatherings are happening throughout the year.