by Ronja Landeck
Hi, I'm Ronja.
I am passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves and communicate with compassion. Beyond that, I’m simply human, too - I love hiking, learning about gardening in the community garden, and getting creative about cooking with whatever is in season. I also enjoy connecting with friends over sports or board game nights, and volunteering at events supporting a sustainable, green future.
Did you know?
My name (pronounced Ronya) comes from the Swedish children's book Ronia, the Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren. Her books are beloved in Germany, where I grew up. I enjoy carrying this character's name, as Ronia loves being in the nature, is adventurous and stands up for herself and others.
Qualification & Expertise
I am a PREKURE qualified Health Coach and certified trainer through the German Chamber of Commerce, holding a BSc in Molecular Life Science and a BA in Political Science.
My professional background spans humanitarian aid, advising exchange students, outdoor tourism, and hospitality management. In both my career and volunteer work, I have taken on a variety of leadership roles that strengthened my ability to guide and support others.
Originally from Germany, I have lived and worked in France, Spain, Morocco, and Australia. Now, I call the mountain town Wanaka on the South Island of Aotearoa - New Zealand my home.
Alongside my professional journey, I have attended multiple workshops and courses focused on personal growth, and I am committed to continuously evolving - both for myself and the communities I support.
My multicultural experiences, academic foundation, and dedication to ongoing development equip me to help people and groups connect authentically, communicate with compassion, and thrive.
“Ronja was so helpful in getting me to see more clearly some of my patterns of behaviour and to move towards fixing them. Her gentle manner was very supportive."
Joanna L.
My Story
I wish I could say I’ve always been passionate about communication and authentic connections. The truth is, for a long time, I didn’t even know how to be authentic.
I thought love and good intentions were enough to make relationships work - they weren’t.
I struggled to express my needs and often suppressed my emotions until they erupted, leaving both me and those around me feeling confused and hurt. I adapted constantly, trying to be the “easy” one, the “strong” one, but I was deeply disconnected from myself.
With my closest friend we joined a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) course. A few sessions in, I had a realization that changed everything:
“I have needs. They matter.
I can learn to express them.”
That moment was the beginning of a journey toward self-understanding, compassion, and authentic connection. It hasn’t always been easy, but learning to acknowledge and express my needs has allowed me to truly connect - with myself and with others.
This has led me to found Open Heart Connections where I now support others on their journey. My vision is to help build resilient communities where connections are rooted in trust and authenticity, and where people speak to each other with compassion. I believe that when we can connect deeply and communicate honestly, we can create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
