Hawke’s Bay Fitness Pod Offers Free Classes, Builds Community
A community fitness initiative in Camberley, Hawke’s Bay, is providing free exercise classes to residents from a converted shipping container, fostering both physical health and a stronger sense of belonging.
The “pod,” established in 2020 by cousins Levi Armstrong and Whare Timu, is now run by Araia and Manaena, who completed their Exercise Industry Training (EIT) in 2024 and sought to give back to the area where they grew up. Each weekday, Araia and Manaena lead sessions at 9:10 am and 5:00 pm at Kirkpatrick Park, offering approximately 30-minute workouts to anyone who attends. “For me and my partner, giving back to a community that we love and we grew up in means everything to us,” Araia said. The program has drawn participants from across the wider Hawke’s Bay region, including Havelock North, Maraenui, Flaxmere, Mahora, and Raureka.
Yesterday, approximately 35 people participated in an afternoon workout led by Araia and Manaena, with Araia expressing a desire to challenge herself further. “Give me 100 people each session, I want to be challenged,” she stated. The classes cater to diverse needs, with Manaena providing assistance to individuals with injuries or disabilities. Participants like Shanaea Sanders, a mother of five who recently moved to Hastings, have reported significant positive impacts on their mental and physical wellbeing. Sanders shared, “I’m waking up with a better mindset…It’s actually helped my mental health push boundaries.” Access to affordable fitness options is increasingly recognized as a key component of public health initiatives, and programs like this can help bridge gaps in access.
The initiative’s success highlights the power of grassroots efforts in promoting community wellness. Araia emphasized the importance of reciprocity, stating, “If they show up for me, I’ll show up for them.” EIT offers a range of health and fitness qualifications, and similar community-led programs are gaining traction nationwide, according to Sport New Zealand.
Araia and Manaena plan to continue offering free classes daily, with hopes of expanding the program as participation grows.
