Diana Amundsen’s struggle to improve her fitness had been fruitless until she discovered a transformative solution in the heart of her community. After her physician recommended lifestyle changes and weight loss for her health, traditional activities like zumba and badminton, suggested via a green prescription, failed to resonate with her. However, everything changed when she discovered Hā Ora, a complimentary early morning fitness programme at the Pop-up Park in Gate Pā, a stone’s throw away from her home.
The concept of Hā Ora was brought to life by Roha Dalton-Reedy (Ngati Kahungunu, Rangitane, Ngai Tahu) and Tamati Robens (Ngati Porou, Ngapuhi). The duo conducts group classes at Pop-Up Park, attracting an inclusive community of diverse ages and fitness levels. This inclusivity was a selling point for Amundsen, who felt instantly at ease in the non-judgmental environment.
Hā Ora, which began nearly a year ago with limited sessions each week, has now evolved into daily weekday classes. Initially, Amundsen was hesitant about the frequency, but now, she wouldn’t prefer it any other way.
Dalton-Reedy emphasised that the programme’s genesis was rooted in the understanding that many people couldn’t afford regular gym memberships. Alongside this, the duo wanted to establish a space to support and educate their whānau to reach their fitness goals. They also provide free meals for children in the morning sessions.
However, the programme is not solely about physical fitness. It also aims to instil cultural values like respecting elders and fosters an environment of support and love. Dalton-Reedy finds joy in witnessing the wider impact of Hā Ora on individuals, including a noticeable difference in people’s mental health and positive changes in children’s behaviour at home and school.
During adverse weather conditions, the programme is relocated from the park to the nearby Gate Pā School hall. School principal Rochelle Jensen appreciates the initiative and supports it wholeheartedly, citing Dalton-Reedy and Robens as excellent trainers and role models for the community and children.
Dalton-Reedy and Robens, who also work in the school’s Māori immersion unit, Kaiārahi i te Reo, effectively implement what they teach in the classroom. “Their skillset has been very great and to see them take it out there, it’s transformed our community,” Jensen commented.
Gate Pā resident Martinis Van Den Anker, a regular at the Hā Ora training sessions since the start of the year, praised the programme for its transformative impact on his fitness levels. Van Den Anker commended the trainers for their motivational and inspiring approach, which turned exercise, previously not part of his lifestyle, into a routine.
Hā Ora offers free community sessions from 7am-8am, Monday to Friday at the Pop-Up Park in Gate Pā. Dalton-Reedy and Robens have been progressively growing the programme and now aim to introduce evening sessions as the warmer and longer days approach over spring and summer.
