Hokianga Community Gym (HCG), based in Rawene is up and running. The gym has recently received equipment grants of $4,000 from the FNDC Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board, and $11,700 from Pub Charity, which will enable it to be restocked with a great mix of new and good quality second-hand equipment. The focus for these purchases will be on weight and cardio machines.

HCG has had a small and active membership since it was established in 2016. It now has a new governing body, the Manāki Tinana Trust, and new set of aspirations for its involvement in the Hokianga community.

The new trust members, a dedicated group of local residents, have been meeting every week this year to re-establish the gym with a new vision. One of the Trust’s key goals is to make the gym accessible in the community, in alignment with its key principle which is to inspire people to reach their full potential, regardless of age, gender, income or level of ability.

Surprisingly, the biggest group of users is the Women’s over 60’s Class who not only enjoy the exercise component but also as a social gathering for ladies in Rawene. Three times a week they participate in yoga, swiss ball, aerobics and gym circuits. Janet Nixon, a recent arrival in the community says “this group of active, interesting and able women have very quickly formed part of my new community in Rawene, and I leap out of bed several mornings a week to join them.”

If you are younger, and maybe a little fitter, there is also Dallon August’s “Short Circuit” group, who also meets three times a week to do a slightly more challenging fitness training.

Membership of these classes is included along with 24/7 individual access to the gym for $100 sub per year.

Manāki Tinana Trust have also been progressive and for anyone who is inactive and/or has a health problem that can be improved by physical activity, can be referred by their health provider to Green Prescription. They can then access Green Prescription (GRx) for free and it comes with support and motivation to get active, with Sport Northland's Healthy Lifestyle team. The Trust really wanted to support this opportunity for community members and will now provide free access to the gym for anyone accessing GRx Support with Healthy Lifestyle support person Jo Naera.  Jo will introduce the gym to those accessing GRx and who are keen to attend the gym environment. After 3 sessions with Jo, GRx clients can join the gym for their first 3 months at a special rate of $30.

For further information on GRx please call 0800 ACTIVE (228384), email

grx@sportnorth.co.nz or visit www.sportnorthland.co.nz

For Hokianga Community Gym membership please contact Dallon August 0210738669

Class times

Over 60’s group - Mon/Wed/Fri at 8am.  Please contact Janet Nixon 0211692494

Short Circuit – Tues and Thurs at 5.15pm and Sundays at 8am. Please contact Dallon August 0210738669