The word 'yoga' comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means 'to join' or 'to yoke'.

Yoga is a practical aid, not a religion. It is an ancient art based on a harmonizing system of development for the body, mind, and spirit. The continued practice of yoga will lead you to a sense of peace and well-being, and also a feeling of being at one with your environment.

The practice of yoga makes the body strong and flexible, it also improves the functioning of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and hormonal systems, and brings about emotional stability and clarity of mind.

In the practice of Yoga the ultimate aim is one of self-development and self-realization.

Taken from http://www.yoga.org.nz/

There is some evidence for the origination of yoga in the Indus Valley Civilization, on the border of modern day Pakistan and India, sometime between 3300 and 1700 BCE.

The history of yoga can be broken up into four periods:

1. Vedic
   Up to 500 BCE
   The practice of yoga is closely assoicated with the creation of the Vedic scriptures of Brahmanism, which form the basis of modern day Hinduism. Yogis practised ascetism and meditation to refine spiritual connection and overcome the limitations of the mind.
   
   
2. Uphanishad
   500 BCE - 200 AD
   Further Brahmanic literature created during this period including the Bhagavad Gita which is devoted entirely to the practice of yoga and firmly established the yogic discipline. Gautama Buddha, who originated the Buddhist religion was a yogi.
   
   
3. Classical
   200 AD - 1400 AD
   The Yoga Sutra practiced and written by Patanjali widely influenced yoga for a millennia. He taught the separation of mind (prakriti) and body (purusha) and focused on yoga as a pursuit for the enlightenment of the mind rather than the betterment of the body.
   
   
4. Post-classical
   1400 AD - modern times
   Swami Swatamarama, a yogic sage of the 15th century in India, who wrote Hatha Yoga Pradipika, created the foundation for yoga techniques since passed onto the West. He lists in great detail all the main asanas, pranayama, mudra and bandha that are familiar to today's yoga student. Over the following centuries, relaxation, exercise (Asana), breathing (Pranayama) and diet all become important and yoga becomes a discipline aimed at improving overall well-being
   
   

For more detail on the history of yoga refer to:

ABC of Yoga

Wikipedia

Following are New Zealand Yoga clinics and organizations

Albany Yoga Room   Learn powerful relaxation and breathing techniques from New Zealand's most sought after yoga instructors.

Ashram Yoga   Running regular workshops and retreats on many different yogic topics from Meditation to Kundalini Yoga. These give you a chance to focus on specific yogic practices which aren't found in general classes.

Bikram Yoga   Information, class schedules for bikram yoga in Mount Maunganui.

Christchurch Yoga School   Classes are set for beginners to join at any time based at 534 Madras Street, Christchurch.

Gaura Yoga Wellington   Gaura Yoga is a center for yoga, lifestyle and spirituality in central Wellington.

Iyengar Yoga Centre   Auckland based yoga classes provided from Monday to Sunday.

New Zealand School Of Yoga   Iyengar Yoga Centre for all levels, based in Auckland.

North Shore Yoga   A dynamic form of Hatha yoga which helps increase strength and flexibility located in North Shore, Auckland.

Northern Yoga   Yoga classes in the northern suburbs of Wellington.

Rosie Holland Yoga   Offering Nelson based yoga retreats and classes.

Sahaja Yoga   Yoga school based in Northcote, Auckland.

Shivjag   Hatha yoga classes in Christchurch, a supplier of uoga products, as well as a range of New Zealand natural honey.

The Astanga Room   Dedicated to teaching Astanga Vinyasa yoga in its original form. Located in Auckland City.

The Quiet Mind Body Shop   School of massage and yoga life sciences in Christchurch. Public yoga, massage and meditation courses for personal use and a career.

Vedic Health   New Zealand's first-ever Ayurvedic Health & Beauty Farm, where you can come and savour the tranquillity and beauty of the Matakana region while being lavished with care and attention in the ancient ways of Ayurveda.

Wellpark College of Natural Therapies   Offering a 1-year Diploma of Yoga course, as well as ayurveda, massage, naturopathy and other fascinating courses. Recognised by the NZQA and many natural therapy bodies.

Yoga Academy   Promotes and teaches the ancient art of Yoga.

Yoga Online   A resource for all interested in yoga, free video and audio downloads.