Suzi Carson
DIRECTOR
Suzi is the director and principal teacher at Four Winds Yoga. A certified Iyengar yoga teacher, Suzi has been practicing yoga since 1988, she started teaching in 1991 and started Ponsonby Yoga (now Four Winds Yoga) in 1996.
'“The first yoga class I went to was an Iyengar Yoga class, in a community hall. I was 20 years old and expected it to be easy; I can still remember how much it challenged me, and how easy the other students made it look. I had no idea, at the time, how significant this first class was.”
Suzi emphasises the importance of a systematic approach to yoga - developing a clear foundation for sustainable practice that can be practiced by all ages and levels.
Deb Mann
certified iyengar yoga teacher
Deb Man discovered the transformative power of yoga after overcoming a back injury and experienced first-hand the many benefits of this practice. Her passion has developed into teaching yoga to encourage others to explore the practice at their own pace and uncover its life-changing benefits for themselves.
Her inclusive, supportive, pragmatic style enables students to develop a deeper understanding of asana practice and tap into a greater sense of well-being and resilience to tackle life's challenges.
“I love teaching. It’s so rewarding to watch students develop their skill and learn about themselves in the process.”
Ella James
certified iyengar yoga teacher
Ella has spent her life as a determined and disciplined practitioner. Before discovering yoga, the Gisborne-born teacher was a student of Aikido, a Japanese self-defence martial art.
Ella was introduced to yoga and the Four Winds Yoga community by Deb. She found that developing a regular practice supported not only her physicality, but also her focus.
As a highly experienced professional facilitator and training consultant for McDonald’s, she was easily able to transfer that skillset to yoga teaching.
Known for her dynamic, passionate, fun style, she has an uncanny ability to work her students hard while keeping them laughing!
“I love teaching yoga because it empowers people – it’s a tool we can use to get to know our bodies and support ourselves.”
Kylie Bailey
certified iyengar YOGA teacher
Kylie is a journalist who spent 15 years dedicated to working in the crazy, deadline-driven world of women’s magazines. Experiencing a sea change at the age of 34, she has since devoted herself to practice, teach and write about yoga and healthy living.
Kylie’s fascination with yoga first began at a class in her local hall at the age of 15. Born and raised on the wild, black sands of Piha and Karekare Beach, Kylie teaches online for Four Winds Yoga and runs a yoga school in the Piha Schoolhouse.
“Yoga is my everything. I live it, breath it and, if I could eat it, I would! There is nothing more satisfying than helping another human discover a love of practice.”
Ron Fox
YOGA teacher
Ron was introduced to Four Winds Yoga by another yoga student. Ron is a long term yoga practitioner, father, architect and a qualified Hatha Yoga Teacher.
Ron has been practicing yoga for the last 20 years, trained as a yoga teacher and has been teaching since 2016.
Ron recently established his own architectural firm, Studio Fox. Understanding the demands of work and family he knows firsthand how important a daily yoga practice is.
He is a welcome addition to the Four Winds Yoga teaching group.
“Iyengar yoga has transformed the way yoga has influenced my life, as an ardent practitioner for many years I relish every opportunity to ‘get on the mat’. Teaching yoga with its inherent structure and clarity and the wisdom of my teachers allows me to give back, inspiring and empowering my students regardless of age, ability, or experience.”
Ting Ting Lee
Ting-Ting is originally from Taiwan and has called New Zealand home since 2006. Being a percussionist in music bands has featured throughout most of her life, along with the study and practice of jazz drumming has been just one of her passions.
After the birth of her baby girl, and an unfortunate sacroiliac injury that soon followed afterwards, she was introduced to Iyengar Yoga in 2014 and was enthralled and stimulated ever since.
“I was introduced to the Four Winds Yoga community in 2017 as a teacher trainee. Iyengar yoga has assisted and supported me to be able to stand behind my instruments throughout my performance, knowing that I can focus and help my fellow musicians to do the same as well. With my desire and heart, I decided to dedicate my life to yoga and yoga teaching.”
Ting-Ting also teaches online for Chinese community and runs a Chinese yoga class in her home in Glen Eden.
Principal Teacher - Peter Thomson
Senior Australian Iyengar yoga Teacher
Peter Thomson is Four Winds Yoga Principal teacher.
Suzi met Peter in 1995 at RIMYI - Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune India. Suzi invited Peter to teach in NZ in 1996; initially through the NZ Iyengar Yoga Association (IYNZ), then bi-annually at Four Wind Yoga up until Feb 2020, coming to an end due to the pandemic.
Suzi continues to study under the guidance of Peter Thomson, and is immensely grateful to Peter for the teachings and inspiration.