The Story of Solaria
Founded by Amanda Sears on 21 September 2025, emerging from the Sears family home in Richmond, Tasman, Aotearoa New Zealand, with the love and support of her husband John and daughter Emma.
Although the project itself is new, the vision for Solaria has been quietly taking shape throughout Amanda's life. Drawn to observing the subtle patterns, relationships and interconnected systems that shape our world, her curiosity has led her along many different paths — gradually crystallising into the vision that is now Solaria.
For Amanda, Solaria is both a life's work and an ongoing practice of observation — a journey of exploring the patterns that connect the Earth, the stars, nature and humanity. It is an invitation to rediscover the beauty, wisdom and interconnectedness of the world around us, with the mineral kingdom serving as the tangible thread woven through it all, offering a doorway into a deeper understanding, appreciation and remembrance of the living world—and our place within it.
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Solaria Today
Although the vision for Solaria is expansive, its roots are intentionally being cultivated one thoughtful step at a time. Today, Solaria exists in two interconnected ways
The first is as a growing online portal, where people from across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world can explore the Living Mineral Library, read articles, discover educational resources, follow field adventures, experience creative projects and become part of the growing Solaria community.
The second is as a physical seed within the Sears family home in Tasman, where collections are carefully catalogued, photographed, researched and shared. It is here that ideas are explored, publications are created, workshops are developed and the foundations of the wider vision continue to grow.
Although only in 'seed' form, Solaria already cares for thousands of mineral specimens, each being thoughtfully catalogued, photographed and preserved as part of the Living Mineral Library.
Private behind-the-scenes collection visits are available by appointment for individuals and small groups of up to four people. Lasting approximately 90 minutes, these donation-based experiences offer a unique opportunity to explore the growing collection up close, hear the stories behind the specimens, and experience Solaria in its earliest living form. While many specimens are currently housed in archival drawers and storage rather than public displays, this working collection provides a rare glimpse into the foundations of the future sanctuary. Appointments can be arranged by contacting Amanda directly, with all donations helping to support the continued growth of Solaria and its collections.
Our Philosophy
Wonder Begins with Curiosity
At its heart, Solaria is a place of curiosity. A place where science and soul, observation and imagination, ancient wisdom and modern understanding are welcomed into conversation. Here, questions are valued as deeply as answers.
Careful observation sits comfortably alongside personal experience.
Wonder becomes the beginning of understanding.
The mineral kingdom is the tangible thread woven through it all.
Born within stars, shaped by the Earth and discovered by human hands, minerals remind us that we are part of a story far greater than ourselves. They become a doorway into deeper conversations about nature, beauty, creativity, stewardship and our place within the living world.
Everyone is welcome to explore Solaria in their own way. Whether your curiosity is scientific, artistic, educational, ecological, reflective or spiritual, there is space for your own questions and your own journey.
What You Will Find
A Growing World to Explore
Solaria is continually growing through projects, collections and experiences that invite people to explore the Earth in new and meaningful ways. Current projects include:
MINERAL COLLECTIONS
A growing collection of minerals, crystals, rocks, fossils and microminerals that not only celebrates their geological significance, but also their beauty and uniqueness, and the remarkable stories they carry through time.
ARTICLES & RESOURCES
Books, articles and educational resources exploring the relationships between minerals, consciousness, humanity and the living world through both scientific understanding, cultural experience and thoughtful observation.
FIELD NOTES & ADVENTURES
Rockhounding journeys, geological exploration, museum visits and behind-the-scenes adventures discovering the remarkable mineral stories woven throughout Aotearoa New Zealand
EVENTS & COMMUNITY
Bringing people together through a shared interest in minerals, rocks, conscious living and the natural world. From quiet outdoor gatherings beneath the trees to workshops, pop-up shop days, and learning experiences, these events are designed to be accessible and welcoming.
SOLARIA MINERAL ORACLE
A beautifully illustrated oracle deck exploring the science, symbolism and unique qualities of minerals through story, reflection and observation.
CREATIVE COLLECTIONS
Thoughtfully designed art apparel, creative pieces and original music inspired by the beauty of minerals, landscapes, personal experience and the natural world.
Experience Solaria
However You Choose to Explore
As Solaria continues to grow, there are already many ways to experience the journey today:
EVENTS
Join a Coherence Gathering or future workshop.
EXPLORE >
JOIN US
Follow the unfolding journey on social media.
@SolariaNewZealand
BOOK A VISIT
Experience Solaria today through a private behind-the-scenes collection visit at the Sears family home in Richmond, Tasman. By appointment for up to four people, these 90-minute donation-based experiences offer a unique glimpse into the growing world of Solaria. Contact Amanda to book.
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
Curious about where Solaria is growing next? Explore the complete Solaria Vision Guide and discover the future sanctuary, the living philosophy and the long-term vision that continues to unfold.
COMING SOON >
Meet The Sears Family
A Family Cultivating Wonder
Solaria is lovingly stewarded by the Sears family from their home in Tasman, Aotearoa New Zealand.
AMANDA
Bringing together her lifelong curiosity, creative practice, multi-disciplinary experience and deep appreciation for all of life, Amanda weaves her these experiences and skills together to bring the Solaria vision to life.
JOHN
A talented musician and grounding presence, John has always had a love for the Earth. He has held a quiet joy for the rocks and crystals found on his outdoor adventures and loves seeing the Solaria collections grow.
EMMA
Joyful and curious, Emma loves rocks and crystals and knows many by name. She loves being out in nature and going on rockhounding adventures. Her personal rock and crystal collection is growing steadily.
Together they are cultivating Solaria as both a family project and a lifelong offering to the wider community—one thoughtful step at a time.
Join The Journey
Join our enewsletter to receive the latest stories, news, inspiration and updates from Solaria. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for regular updates, or visit our YouTube Channel for adventures, music and behind the scenes videos.
@SolariaNewZealand
