Bright Side: Kete Kōrero
Kete Kōrero is a monthly series of 50-minute group health coaching sessions led by our Bright Side health coaches at the City and South campuses.
These sessions are discussion-based, interactive, safe spaces where themes of physical and mental well-being are discussed in an inclusive, holistic and respectful manner.
How does Kete Kōrero work?
Monthly themes and topics for discussion will be published near the beginning of each semester. AUT students will be able to register for these sessions, which are capped at 12 people. Previous topics have included ‘The Seven Types of Rest’, Te Whare Tapa Whā (Māori public health model) and Canvas Painting.
Student groups may also request tailored Kete Kōrero sessions for students during the year by emailing brightside@aut.ac.nz.
Meet your Kete Kōrero guide – City Campus
Dr Dana Toogood
Our health coach Dr Dana Toogood is passionate about guiding people to find connection, purpose and meaning so they can begin to lead a healthy and balanced life. Grounded in her East African roots and international upbringing, Dana combines a spiritual element with an opportunity to explore cultural identity in her health coaching sessions. She takes a holistic, culturally appropriate and supportive approach to helping others reach their personal health goals, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Dana is professionally trained in a vast range of progressive and holistic mind/body healing therapies, which gives her a unique perspective to help others. She has run her own private practice in Melbourne for over 4 years, which contributes to more than a decade of professional experience. Her expertise and dedication extends to group settings, having conducted wellness workshops in New Zealand, Australia and Sudan.
Book a free health coaching appointment with Dana, email brightside@aut.ac.nz.
Meet your Kete Kōrero guide – South Campus
Lama Saga
Lama Saga is dedicated to students’ wellbeing and helping them reach their full potential. He takes a holistic, culturally appropriate, and supportive approach to health goals.
Lama is of Samoan decent, and has a deep connection with his Pasifika roots, having recently received the tatau, the traditional Samoan tattoo. Lama recently worked with Otara Health Charitable Trust helping families navigate their way to a healthy lifestyle. He is entrepreneurial, owning Alexander café and Empire Training Box in Otara. In 2022, his gym was crowned ‘Second Fittest Gym’ in New Zealand.
He has a BA in Sports with a major in Physical Education and has 15 years of experience in the public health sector.
Book a free health coaching appointment with Lama, email brightside@aut.ac.nz.
My wellbeing
Being well has a significant and positive impact on your studies. We encourage you to take a holistic approach to your health and understand how your physical, mental, spiritual and social health form the cornerstones of your wellbeing.
Contact us
Want to find out more about how we can help you reach your potential?
Email the Bright Side team at:
brightside@aut.ac.nz