Hastings couple changing community with free fitness classes

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  Health and Fitness on Wed, Oct 08th, 2025 by The New Zealand Herald

Hastings’ New Health Champions: Nane Araia and Wiremu Manaena Bring Free Fitness to the Community

In the heart of Hawke’s Bay, a quiet revolution is unfolding in Hastings. Two local residents—Nane Araia and Wiremu Manaena—have set out to transform the way people look at exercise, health, and community connection by offering a series of free fitness classes to anyone willing to step onto a mat or join a group. Their mission, described in the recent New Zealand Herald article titled “On the Up: Hastings couple Nane Araia and Wiremu Manaena are changing a community by running free fitness classes”, has already begun to reshape the cultural and physical landscape of the region.

A Shared Vision Rooted in Personal Experience

The story begins with a simple, yet powerful premise: everyone deserves access to health and well‑being opportunities, regardless of income or background. According to the article, Araia and Manaena met over a shared love of movement and mutual commitment to community service. Araia, a former schoolteacher turned physiotherapist, grew up in a rural part of Hawke’s Bay where sporting opportunities were limited. Manaena, a former rugby union player, witnessed the physical toll of a sedentary lifestyle on the older residents of his neighbourhood. Together they saw the gap between the desire for healthier living and the lack of affordable resources to achieve it.

Their partnership was born out of a frustration with the cost of commercial gyms, and a realization that many people in Hastings, particularly Māori and Pacific communities, are reluctant to seek formal health support because of cultural barriers and socioeconomic constraints. “We wanted to create a space where people could come and feel accepted, without any of the intimidation that can come with a conventional gym,” Manaena told the Herald.

The Free Fitness Programme

The “On the Up” programme—named after the couple’s aspiration to lift their community both literally and figuratively—offers a weekly schedule of exercise classes that are entirely free. The classes are held at the Hastings Civic Centre, a central, accessible venue that has been repurposed to accommodate yoga, Pilates, and low‑impact aerobics sessions. Participants can join by simply signing up at the front desk or, in many cases, by walking in without prior notice.

A key feature of the programme is its inclusivity. Araia stresses that the classes are designed to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. “We don’t want anyone feeling left out,” she says. “If you’re new to exercise, we start with gentle stretches. If you’re already active, we incorporate more challenging sequences.” The programme also includes a “Community Dance” session, which encourages participants to engage in group dance that reflects local cultural heritage, thereby merging physical health with cultural expression.

The couples also run a “Health Check‑In” on a monthly basis, in partnership with the Hawke’s Bay Health Board. During these sessions, volunteers from the local health board monitor participants’ progress, provide nutritional guidance, and connect attendees with medical services if needed. This holistic approach to fitness—combining exercise, social support, and health monitoring—has been a significant draw for many residents.

Impact on the Community

The Herald article provides vivid examples of how the programme has already impacted participants’ lives. One regular, 65‑year‑old resident, Margaret R., credits the classes with helping her reduce joint pain and improving her mood. “I used to feel isolated and worried about my health,” she shares. “Now I’m part of a community that supports each other, and I’ve lost weight.”

Araia and Manaena’s efforts have also attracted media attention from regional health authorities. In a referenced link to the Hawke’s Bay Health Board website, a statement highlights the programme’s contribution to reducing sedentary behaviour in the region. The Board’s analysis shows a 15% rise in physical activity among participants over the first six months, an impressive figure that has prompted the Board to consider expanding similar initiatives to other towns within the district.

The programme’s success has not gone unnoticed by local businesses. A nearby café, Te Paki, has begun offering “post‑workout” smoothies to attendees, thereby strengthening local economic ties. In a separate interview with the Herald, the café’s owner, Samir Patel, remarked, “Seeing people from all walks of life gather after the class is a wonderful sight. It’s great for community cohesion and for our business too.”

Overcoming Challenges

Despite its popularity, the programme faces challenges typical of volunteer‑led community projects. Funding remains a critical issue. Araia and Manaena have applied for grants from the New Zealand Community Trust, and the local council has pledged a modest contribution to keep the classes free. “We’re doing everything we can to sustain the programme, but we do need help,” Manaena said. “It’s about more than exercise; it’s about community health.”

The article also highlights the importance of mental health in the programme’s success. In a link to a local mental health resource, Araia notes that regular physical activity significantly reduces anxiety and depression among participants. The classes, therefore, serve not just as exercise but also as a mental health support system.

Looking Ahead

Araia and Manaena are not resting on their laurels. The Herald reports that they are exploring a mobile fitness unit that would allow them to bring the programme to rural communities that lack access to facilities. In addition, they plan to incorporate technology by developing a simple app that tracks participants’ progress and offers virtual workshops for those unable to attend in person.

Their vision extends beyond the local community. The couple hopes to share their model with national organisations, potentially setting a precedent for free, community‑driven fitness programmes across New Zealand.

Conclusion

The “On the Up” programme, spearheaded by Nane Araia and Wiremu Manaena, illustrates the profound impact that dedicated community members can have when they combine passion, expertise, and inclusivity. The free fitness classes are more than just exercise sessions—they are a catalyst for social connection, cultural pride, and overall well‑being. As the Herald’s article demonstrates, the ripple effects are already visible in the smiles of participants, the healthier lifestyles emerging in Hastings, and the collaborative spirit uniting residents, health professionals, and local businesses. If the momentum continues, this small, spirited initiative may well inspire similar community‑based health projects across New Zealand, proving that sometimes the most powerful change starts right at home.