Grant Rix

Grant Rix has been a dedicated student and teacher of meditation for over two decades. He trained extensively under Tarchin Hearn, completing a three-year study and retreat programme at the Wangapeka Retreat Centre in the mid-2000s. He has also studied with teachers including Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche, Lama Mark Webber, and Sonia Moriceau. More recently, he has received Dzogchen and Longchen Nyingthig transmissions from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

Grant is the creator of Pause Breathe Smile, New Zealand’s own curriculum-aligned and secular mindfulness in schools programme, which has now reached over 550 schools, 10,000 educators, and 170,000 children nationwide. He currently serves as Chair of the Pause Breathe Smile Trust and as its Director of Mindfulness Training and Development.

Grant has a clear understanding of the distinctions between secular and Buddhist approaches to mindfulness. He values both, recognising that each can be beneficial depending on a person’s background, beliefs, and needs. Known for his grounded, open teaching style, Grant creates a welcoming atmosphere free of pressure or expectation. His approach helps people from all walks of life connect with timeless wisdom in ways that feel natural and accessible.

He has presented at conferences nationally and internationally and contributed to multiple research publications* on mindfulness in education. Grant is also the resident teacher at the Queenstown Dharma Centre, offering weekly classes.