Karla Brodie, faculty at Contemporary Yoga Teacher Training

200-hour Yoga Teacher Training

Donna Farhi, Evolving Towards Simplicity, Auckland 2026

Donna Farhi, Evolving Towards Simplicity, Auckland, April 2026

Haidee Stairmand, faculty at Contemporary Yoga Teacher Training

Experienced Passionate Faculty

Neal Ghoshal, Director and Senior Tutor at Contemporary Yoga Teacher Training

Professional Development Trainings

Karla Brodie, Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, Auckland, New Zealand - Supported, Reclined, Bound Angle Pose

Restorative Yoga Training

Pregnancy Yoga Training with Contemporary Yoga and Opti-mum

Pregnancy Yoga Training

Sam Loe, Contemporary Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga History and Philosophy

Navel Radiation Flowers. FAQ - Yoga in Auckland with Contemporary Yoga

Your Questions Answered

Sandy Farquhar - Supporting Our Students

Supporting Our Students

We believe in excellence in Yoga teacher training.

For us and our students, this is far beyond teaching asana.

Contemporary Yoga is a truly holistic programme that offers a transformational experience for students that explores deep into the Yoga tradition and modern movement theory to build skills that support and enhance a life of Yoga practice and Yoga teaching.

The amount of knowledge and understanding, experience and love that has gone into the teacher training is truly epic and has enabled such a deep and rich learning experience.
Caroline Bindon

Diverse, enlightening and empowering. The course exceeded my highest expectations and has equipped me with a toolbox of yoga teachings that I could apply in many circumstances to a wide variety of students.
Cam McLeay

Our next 200-hour course:

Immersion & 200 hour Training 2026
Part 1: 11th - 19th July (break day 15th)
Part 2: July - September (40 hours self-study)
Part 3: 26th September - 4th October (break day 30th Sept)

Venue: Meadowbank, Auckland

Course Investment: $4,895
Deposit: $1000

Inquiries and expressions of interest welcome: info@yogateachertraining.nz

Are you interested in deepening your understanding and experience of Yoga practice and teaching?

Contemporary Yoga Teacher Training is in its 12th year of offering teacher trainings. We have a passionate and experienced faculty and a curriculum that encompasses the many facets of practice and teaching Yoga here in Aotearoa and beyond.

Many of our students join us to deepen their understanding of all aspects of Yoga not necessarily to teach. Although, often through the process of training, students change their mind and want to teach - sometimes beginning with their family, friends and then community.

A number of our graduates have gone on to open Yoga centres or to further specialise in movement, meditation and therapeutic disciplines.

Enrolment numbers

There will be a maximum of eight participants on training and a minimum of six.

Who this training is for?

Community of any age and agility with a passion for Yoga and learning in an in-depth, co-created, supportive environment. It is also for those committed to developing and sustaining a life-long everyday Yoga practice, and those with a keen interest in developing a teaching practice.

The 200 hour training includes in-person training blocks, supported online learning, an inquiry project, one-on-one mentorship, and opportunities to understudy core faculty classes.

Certification

To obtain your Contemporary Yoga Teaching 200 hour certificate you must successfully complete ALL components of the training including all in-person hours, the online history and philosophy module and the inquiry project as well as practicum to the satisfaction of the faculty. This training certificate is recognised by both YogaNZ and Yoga Alliance.

Part One: Diving into Practice
11th - 19th July 2026
(break day 15th)

Part Two: Philosophy, History and Inquiry
July - September 2026
(40 hours self-study, including online modules and inquiry project)

Part Three: Emerging to Teach
26th September - 4th October 2026
(break day 30th Sept)

Course Investment: $4,895

Deposit: $1000
(paid on registration – holds your place on training)

The first block of in-person training - Diving into Practice – is where you will be immersed in the principles and practices of Yoga including essential anatomy and guidance on developing a personalised self practice.

It will introduce you to elements of yogic philosophy, pranayama, and pedagogy. These are all the ingredients to develop and enhance understanding and experience of Yoga as a sustaining and deepening life practice.

The second block of training – Philosophy, History and Inquiry – is self-paced and with support. You will complete an online module on the history and philosophy of Yoga with lots of rich resources to engage with.

You will also develop your own inquiry project on a topic of choice – guidance and support will be provided. This feeds into your practicum work and the final part of training. This block of training is designed to be consolidating, enriching and thought-provoking.

The third block is your second in-person training called Emerging to Teach.

This is a practical, in-depth immersion into Yoga pedagogy, the ethics of teaching, developing effective and inspiring class plans, anatomy and physiology, teaching skills, te ao Māori principles and Contemporary Yoga principles.

You will also learn about creating a brand, undertake safe and supportive teaching practicums, and you will be introduced to somatics, iRest Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga and more.

The 200+ hours of Yoga teaching training is truly to an exceptional high quality standard of teaching. The guidance and support during my training with you all has been a once in a lifetime experience.
Vicki Beatty

Everyone should take this course! It is such a unique course and experience that you will not find anywhere else.
Ruru Yang

Contemporary Yoga …

Go Beyond Asana

Understand and experience the very foundation of natural, functional movement. 

Each posture, transition and philosophy is a process that you’re lovingly and personally guided through to discover ease, stability, clarity and joy.

You’ll take profound life skills away with you, along with a personal resilience to support every part of your life.

Passionate Teachers

It’s our greatest joy to offer you the decades of experience between us.

We honour and encourage the process of curiosity, enquiry and discovery, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Each of us brings a highly specialist background and a whole lot of soul.

And we can’t wait to meet you!

Be Moved

We’ll take you deep into essential anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and postural analysis, and uncover how our natural developmental movement patterns grow into naturally aligned and easeful asana.

Get ready to go inward.

You’ll rediscover how you were meant to move and breathe in the most balanced and enjoyable way.

Live Well

Feel into the true depth of the Yoga tradition to develop skills that support and enhance your wellness as a human, and as a teacher.

This is a sustainable and nourishing training, designed to put you deeply in touch with inner resources that help you flourish on and off the mat.

Grow Your Yoga

Our vision is for you to leave confident to begin teaching safely and skillfully out in the community with a passionate sense of your own unique offering.

We’re registered with two major yoga communities - Yoga Alliance, and Yoga New Zealand.

Plus our specialised training programmes and mentorships are there to help advance you on your path.

Affordable and Flexible

This comprehensive Yoga training is designed to be within reach for students of all levels.

Choose from three formats of our 200 hour yoga teacher training throughout each year, and modules of your choice within our ongoing and specialised 300 hour training.

Payment plans are on offer for all programmes.

Advanced Yoga Teacher Training, Retreats and Events

Reclined Bound Angle Pose with Karla Brodie

Restorative Yoga Teacher Training 2026
Seven days of training over two extended weekends.
Part 1: 1st - 3rd May
Part 2: 21st - 24th May

The Nature of Rest, Restorative Yoga Retreat with Neal Ghoshal and Karla Brodie

Restorative Yoga Retreat
Mana Retreat, Coromandel
with Karla Brodie and Neal Ghoshal
12-14th June 2026

Donna Farhi, Evolving Towards Simplicity for CY

Evolving Towards Simplicity
A Yoga Intensive with Donna Farhi
10th - 14th April 2026
Herne Bay, Auckland

What Our Graduates Say
(read more here)

My teacher training has empowered me. It has given me a wealth of knowledge while allowing me the freedom to explore. The beauty of the course was the balance between structure and self development.

The respect my teachers give to yoga, and the generosity to share their knowledge in a gentle safe environment, was humbling.

Michelle Watson

I can truly say that this training would benefit any yoga teacher - in fact, any person with a yoga practice. I not only gained a more compassionate perspective to yoga, but also toward myself.

Simply fantastical.

Summer Knight

Contemporary Yoga has changed the way I move - through life!

Karla, Neal and Haidee’s passion is contagious and this course is a real journey to embrace.

Marika Berney

This training has awakened in me the huge possibility that awaits. Moving away from the scripted style of teaching a new found freedom has been found an an excitement and what awaits. Thank you.

Sophie Hartnell

I was amazed by the depth and breadth of yoga on the human mind and body that the teachers of this course have.

Sarah Diskin

This training is carefully considered, expansive and practical. It goes deeper and beyond asanas as the poster shapes of yoga and provides an incredible grounding and insight into yoga as a morphing, ongoing inquiry into life itself.

Alice Rich

There is a richness and depth to this content with its real-life (on and off the mat) applicability. I have been moved by the sincerity and support of the teachers. I am so excited to share these teachings in a way that is accessible and empowering for students and wider community members.

Amy Massey

This training has been an incredible gift for me and I am excited to share the teachings with others.

Stephanie Leighton

Karla and Neal are incredible. They are truly exceptional teachers. They have such care, and hold such safe, honouring spaces, in a way I haven’t experienced with any other Yoga teachers.

Tui Williams

It was an intensive training but it felt like a retreat. There were challenges but we all went through together with support and help from all the teachers. Everything we learned was useful and practical.

This training has everything!

Alicia Jung

More than I could ever have asked for. The teachings were just so insightful. Even with not having English as my first language, it was so easy to follow the material and classes. Thank you for making it so fun and accessible.

Jessica Sterkel

I strongly recommend this training. It’s a life-changing experience. The way I see things, smell, feel and my energy have completely changed throughout the course consistently. Beyond expectation. Absolutely worth the investment after many long years I’ve finally met myself!

Simply, divine! Organic! Full of love!

Monica Yoon

Contemporary Yoga is not so much a style but an approach to movement that combines ancient wisdom and modern research. The depth of knowledge the teachers can give you is immeasurable, and you’ll never look at Yoga in the same way.

Victoria Kvasniak

This training delivered on every level. The teachers, who embody Yoga fully and want to share and guide us. The facility, the students themselves. A wonderful, life-enhancing, entry into the teaching world.

Andrea Fletcher

Karla and Neal have created a course that is completely inclusive and is infused with kindness, curiosity and wisdom. All are welcome in the practice of Contemporary Yoga.

At the end of this course I am more knowledgeable, more able, more confident and more authentic. I have been moved and changed through this journey.

Shelly Fitness

A journey of self discovery, guided by a group of genuinely caring professionals. I leave the course feeling enriched.

Donna Cheyne

The Pregnancy Teacher Training provided me with all the tools necessary to safely and effectively guide women through a Yoga practice during their childbirth journey.

The incredible wisdom and knowledge shared by the facilitators, allowed me to step competently into teaching Pregnancy Yoga with confidence soon after completion of the training.

As an extra bonus I have also been able to weave the learning I absorbed during the teacher training into my role as a midwife.

Julie Edlin

Contemporary yoga training has been the ‘icing on the cake’ and if you are ‘stuck’ or need a nudge in the right direction don’t hesitate and sign up now! You will never regret it!

Fiona Ross

This course changed my understanding of what Yoga is. The holistic and thorough approach has revolutionized my personal practice and teaching aspirations.

Gabrielle Henderson

Meditation practices were brilliant, as were the talks. A wealth of knowledge.

Melissa Gardiner

The amount of knowledge and understanding, experience and love that has gone into the teacher training is truly epic and has enabled such a deep and rich learning experience.

Each teacher’s passion for sharing and facilitating is evident in the generosity of spirit and unique sharing of knowledge.

Caroline Bindon

Thanks for being supportive in all ways. You cared for each us every day. Your knowledge and guidance are outstanding. You created a safe and contained space where we could learn and learn from each other.

Maria Gutman

This Yoga teacher training and experience completely exceeded my expectations. There is so much intentionality from the teachers from the course materials, resources, programming and delivery that the entire experience feels like a Masterclass in unity. Every single topic we learned was applicable and necessary to my journey, learning and development as an aspiring Yoga teacher.

Dianne Hollands

This Yoga teacher training has been the perfect grounding and base for springing forward into my teaching and personal practice journey. I am so inspired and invigorated to learn more and continue to explore all the concepts and topics that we have delved into.

Thank you so much to all of the incredible teachers for their wisdom, kindness, professionalism and generosity during this teacher training and beyond.

Dianne Hollands

Not only has this training changed my whole perspective on the practice of yoga, but also within my life itself.

A truly transformational journey supported by wonderful teachers, and I look forward to sharing this knowledge and practice. Thank you to you all.

Charlotte Inglis

Contemporary Yoga is connecting yoga back its roots in a very exciting, stimulating and open minded way.

Michaela Robinson

All the teachers are truly experts in what they do and their passion is infectious. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to do a yoga teachers training. It was much more than that, it was a life-changing, amazing experience.

Anne de Brouwer

The manual is an amazing resource and always will be.

Meghann Stewart

The 300 hour yoga teacher training has surpassed all my expectations. The amazing blend of teachers results in a myriad of deep learning. Each teacher is an expert in their own area and shares their unique wealth of knowledge in a way which is easy to take on board.

Sandra Palmer

I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to do Yoga teacher training. It is so much more than that - a life-changing, amazing experience.

Lutza Szabo

I’ve learnt so much on this course about so many things: Yoga philosophy, anatomy, the body, how we move and how we can maintain or rediscover movement throughout our lives.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn more about yoga with an enquiry based approach in a kind and caring environment.

Glenda Ishmael

I have enjoyed it so much and feel I have taken so much away into my everyday life as well as my Yoga. Karla, Neal and Haidee are all unique and true to their core. I look forward to earning so much more from them.

Abbie Rose

This training surpassed all expectations - challenging, inspiring, and deeply informative. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of yoga!

Bridget McNamara

I feel enriched on many levels… Yoga history, Somatics, anatomy, business aspects, understanding movement much more deeply and absorbing it into my body not just my head.

Excellent value for money. I will be forever grateful and am excited about the future once more.

Helèna Morgan

Neal and Karla are truly committed to this work on such a deep level, and you can tell that from the way they are in the world. I am awed by how ahead of their time they are in this work, and think it is really groundbreaking.

I haven’t found anyone doing it the way they are. I can’t wait for their book to come out!! I highly highly HIGHLY recommend working with them.

Tui Williams

I am a physiotherapist and as well as gaining vital skills to teach yoga I have also gained insight and knowledge that I will apply in my physiotherapy career.

Sarah Diskin

Four generous and vastly different teachers combine to offer something more unique and valuable than expected. It is beyond yoga as I knew it — it was an investment in the rest of my life.

Sarah Hart

I would recommend this course to everyone, even those who are not into yoga or those who have not tried yoga before. This course is for everyone.

Kelly Rijnaarts

The learning environment was so supportive, inclusive and warm. Being able to immerse in this process was so valuable for my learning and development.

Dianne Hollands

… diverse, enlightening and empowering. The course exceeded my highest expectations and has equipped me with a toolbox of yoga teachings that I could apply in many circumstances to a wide variety of students.

I was lucky enough to be part of two different cohorts and in both I was surrounded by a delightful collection of beautiful individuals from very different backgrounds and of vastly different ages.

Cam McLeay 
Cam McLeay

The Contemporary approach to Yoga is so much more than how we move on the mat. It speaks to how we move through life. How we are in relationship to self and in relationship to others.

Thank you for an incredibly potent, immersive and all-round epic training.

Steph Le Gros 
Steph Le Gros

This Yoga teacher training has been the perfect grounding and base for springing forward into my teaching and personal practice journey. I am so inspired and invigorated to learn more and continue to explore all the concepts and topics that we have delved into.

Thank you so much to all of the incredible teachers for their wisdom, kindness, professionalism and generosity during this teacher training and beyond.

Dianne Hollands 
Dianne Hollands

I was amazed by the depth and breadth of yoga on the human mind and body that the teachers of this course have.

Sarah Diskin 
Sarah Diskin

Karla and Neal have created a course that is completely inclusive and is infused with kindness, curiosity and wisdom. All are welcome in the practice of Contemporary Yoga.

At the end of this course I am more knowledgeable, more able, more confident and more authentic. I have been moved and changed through this journey.

Shelly Fitness 
Shelly Fitness

Those who are serious about where to invest their time and money in a Yoga Teacher Training, can rest assured that the Contemporary team deliver a comprehensive training which enables a solid foundation from which to grow. Highly recommended.

KeiShana Coursey 
KeiShana Coursey

The sequence of this course is undeniably strong and grounded. All the teachers bring compassion, ease, knowledge, flavour, enquiry and wholeness to everything they show, do, present and give. Making this course a full embodied experience, exploration and foundation to enliven new thoughts and ideas to take away for our own self-practice and to share with others.

Georgie Collins 
Georgie Collins

A journey of self discovery, guided by a group of genuinely caring professionals. I leave the course feeling enriched.

Donna Cheyne 
Donna Cheyne

Wonderful experience, wonderful people, beautiful outcomes!

Lal Busher 
Lal Busher

Neal and Karla are truly committed to this work on such a deep level, and you can tell that from the way they are in the world. I am awed by how ahead of their time they are in this work, and think it is really groundbreaking.

I haven’t found anyone doing it the way they are. I can’t wait for their book to come out!! I highly highly HIGHLY recommend working with them.

Tui Williams 
Tui Williams

This course opened my eyes to the world of Yoga, deepening my understanding and personal practice.

It has set me up so well to teach, and to continue my journey. Everything I needed and more!

Jess Howse 
Jess Howse

The Pregnancy Teacher Training provided me with all the tools necessary to safely and effectively guide women through a Yoga practice during their childbirth journey.

The incredible wisdom and knowledge shared by the facilitators, allowed me to step competently into teaching Pregnancy Yoga with confidence soon after completion of the training.

As an extra bonus I have also been able to weave the learning I absorbed during the teacher training into my role as a midwife.

Julie Edlin 
Julie Edlin

My Contemporary Yoga Teacher Training not only taught me to deepen my Yoga practice, it taught me to live a better life.

Spending 18 days around these teachers who live and breathe Yoga, exuding loving kindness and care in every moment, not to mention life-long friends I have made with my peers has made for me an experience I will never forget.

This training went above and beyond my expectations.

Leon Campbell 
Leon Campbell

There is a richness and depth to this content with its real-life (on and off the mat) applicability. I have been moved by the sincerity and support of the teachers. I am so excited to share these teachings in a way that is accessible and empowering for students and wider community members.

Amy Massey 
Amy Massey

The training was such an amazing, exploratory journey of movement, anatomy, philosophy and so much more conveyed with enthusiasm, kindness, realness and acceptance.

I learned so much that I didn’t know I wanted to know and am excited to continue my Yoga journey.

Nadia Benton 
Nadia Benton

This training surpassed all expectations – challenging, inspiring, and deeply informative. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of yoga!

Bridget McNamara 
Bridget McNamara

Karla and Neal provide a rich colour palette for the aspiring artist.

Lara McLean 
Lara McLean

Contemporary yoga training has been the ‘icing on the cake’ and if you are ‘stuck’ or need a nudge in the right direction don’t hesitate and sign up now! You will never regret it!

Fiona Ross 
Fiona Ross

Thank you I am inspired, amazed, changed, still learning, moved. I am inspired to keep on learning and exploring and this course has totally changed my view and perception of yoga in a profound way.

Anne de Brouwer 
Anne de Brouwer

Karla and Neal are incredible. They are truly exceptional teachers. They have such care, and hold such safe, honouring spaces, in a way I haven’t experienced with any other Yoga teachers.

Tui Williams 
Tui Williams

This course will really make you think about Yoga. It’s full of creative, fun and innovative thinking that will enhance your own practice and enliven your own classes.

This is Yoga for life!

Clare Leitch 
Clare Leitch

This training has awakened in me the huge possibility that awaits. Moving away from the scripted style of teaching a new found freedom has been found an an excitement and what awaits. Thank you.

Sophie Hartnell 
Sophie Hartnell

Thank you! I feel so much gratitude to have participated in this teacher training. The teachers are so generous and open in their teaching and transmission of knowledge. A life-changing experience 🙂

Kay John 
Kay John

Contemporary Yoga has given me more than what I’d expect from a teacher training course. All the teachers are truly experts in what they do and their passion is infectious.

Alana Chao 
Alana Chao

Just completed the 200 hour teacher training … a very empowering experience.

The teachers were outstanding: each teach from their own unique perspective inside a carefully crafted, well-designed programme of studies … a great combination of practice and theory.

Sandy Farquhar 
Sandy Farquhar

I feel exceptionally honoured to have spent time with Karla and Neal. Their passion and curiosity for movement and the authentic experience of self is inspiring and encouraging.

Jessica Dziwulska 
Jessica Dziwulska

I am a physiotherapist and as well as gaining vital skills to teach yoga I have also gained insight and knowledge that I will apply in my physiotherapy career.

Sarah Diskin 
Sarah Diskin

Contemporary Yoga is not so much a style but an approach to movement that combines ancient wisdom and modern research. The depth of knowledge the teachers can give you is immeasurable, and you’ll never look at Yoga in the same way.

Victoria Kvasniak 
Victoria Kvasniak

All teachers bring to this amazing training a vast experience, each one of them with their own identity and authenticity. 

The Contemporary Yoga approach is to truly explore Yoga as a discipline which includes movement principles, patterns, Yoga traditions, anatomy, physiology, and much more.

This is the training that you really need – it will change your everyday life.

Valentina Piantoni 
Valentina Piantoni

This training delivered on every level. The teachers, who embody Yoga fully and want to share and guide us. The facility, the students themselves. A wonderful, life-enhancing, entry into the teaching world.

Andrea Fletcher 
Andrea Fletcher

Karla, Neal, Sam and Haidee offer such rich tools and concepts within this course. There’s a real consideration around feelings of safety and support which I appreciated so very much.

You will be offered the juiciest of fruits and from their it’s your turn to squeeze the juice out and into your palms. An incredibly self-empowering training offering an alternate approach to traditional forms of Yoga.

Holly Hepburn 
Holly Hepburn

The learning environment was so supportive, inclusive and warm. Being able to immerse in this process was so valuable for my learning and development.

Dianne Hollands 
Dianne Hollands

Words can hardly express how grateful I am for what I learned with their guidance in just three weeks, the most important of which was connecting with myself and others in a truly authentic, supportive, caring and sustainable way that I can’t wait to pay forward as a teacher. Thank you!

Sarah Hart 
Sarah Hart

Meditation practices were brilliant, as were the talks. A wealth of knowledge.

Melissa Gardiner 
Melissa Gardiner

Contemporary Yoga is connecting yoga back its roots in a very exciting, stimulating and open minded way.

Michaela Robinson 
Michaela Robinson

I can truly say that this training would benefit any yoga teacher – in fact, any person with a yoga practice. I not only gained a more compassionate perspective to yoga, but also toward myself.

Simply fantastical.

Summer Knight 
Summer Knight

My teacher training has empowered me. It has given me a wealth of knowledge while allowing me the freedom to explore. The beauty of the course was the balance between structure and self development.

The respect my teachers give to yoga, and the generosity to share their knowledge in a gentle safe environment, was humbling.

Michelle Watson 
Michelle Watson

I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to do Yoga teacher training. It is so much more than that – a life-changing, amazing experience.

Lutza Szabo 
Lutza Szabo

This course changed my understanding of what Yoga is. The holistic and thorough approach has revolutionized my personal practice and teaching aspirations.

Gabrielle Henderson 
Gabrielle Henderson

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