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For nearly fifty years, The Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre has been a place of refuge for those wishing to study the teachings of wisdom, compassion, and non-clinging awareness. It sits on 150 acres of land at the foothills of the Southern Alps, at the edge of Kahurangi National park, and overlooks the Wangapeka River. Inspired by the universal teachings of Namgyal Rinpoche, a group of dharma practitioners from around the world bought the land in 1975, and it has been a place of retreat and exploration ever since. 

In 2025, the Wangapeka will turn fifty. Over the years, many beings have woven their energies through this beloved site, and the present-day centre is a testament to decades of creativity, hard work, and ingenuity. In acknowledgement of the efforts of so many, a small group have gathered to collect and archive the stories associated with the centre, for the benefit of all those who love the place, and for those who will carry it into the future. 

We chose not to tell the story through a single voice or author, but rather to invite the Sangha, with its wide range of perspectives and experiences, to contribute in their own voices and words. Our job is to facilitate this process, to inspire contributions, and to build a bridge of connection between past and future.