Free Zumba classes a good fit
Instructor wants to offer exercise opportunities for families in the area doing it tough
Raymond Foster has been shaking up the local Zumba community with free classes, alongside some of his fellow instructors. Foster returned home after growing up in South Auckland to support Ripia Marae being reopened and with the goal of raising his children where his family are. Having his licence to teach Zumba for just over a year, he has been making contributions to the Dargaville community in the form of free classes on Thursdays at the community hall on Hokianga Rd.
“I feel very deeply that the economy is hard on a lot of families, which can really impact on health and wellbeing. I know a lot of people who would choose feeding their children over doing exercise, let alone exercise that cost money. So, I relish the idea of helping those families in any way possible.”
Foster discovered the exercise when his weight became an issue and his sisters took him to a class. He found that even though Zumba was strongly female, it was something he enjoyed despite initially struggling with good co-ordination.
He finds it helps people like him get moving and motivated.
“The Zumba environment is very contagious. Everyone is happy, sore, positive, motivating, besides many other attributes.”
Foster works with two other Zumba instructors in the area. He is confident their teamwork meets most people’s needs through the different styles of dance, music and available times.
Free classes are on Thursday mornings or evenings, with e additional classes on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Lots on at weekend
Labour Weekend is hectic in the Kaipara with activities to suit all tastes.
Tangiteroria School is hosting its 35km country bike trail at 544 Pukehuia Rd on Sunday between 9am and 2.30pm with the 35km of country track to enjoy for motorbikers. There is an additional 2.7km for juniors and even a paddock for the little kids.
The Allan Jessop Memorial Race will be held again this year, marking the loss of a local supporter who died
in October 2016. The commemorative race is limited to 50 participants, with first place receiving a trophy and $100. Entry fees are $30 for adults and $15 for children, with funds raised going to the school.
More information can be found on their Facebook page.
If it’s too hot for motorbikes, then perhaps a cool-off in the swimming pool might be more suitable at the reopening of the Kauri Coast Community Pool. Assistant manager James Taoho say it is likely to be a more low-key event than it has been in previous years because of the colder weather. A fun day is also being planned for later in the season.
The pool is due to open for summer on Saturday, from noon.
For a more relaxing offering, the Anzac Theatre showcasing an assortment of short films from New Zealand and around the world.
More details can be found more details about the Show Me Shorts NZ International Short Film Festival.
Little Theatre’s next show
Charlie’s Christmas Adventure is Dargaville Little Theatre’s next production due out in early December. Auditions were held last weekend and resulted in all 19 children who attended being cast.
The story, written by local resident Eryn Wilson-Collins, is about a young girl who is disenchanted with Christmas and learns some lessons while on a Christmas adventure.
The children who have been cast are aged from six to 14 years old and will have to attend rehearsals three times each week to meet the obligations of the show.
Wilson-Collins, who is also the director, explains the difference between working with adults and children: “It is very different, but I don’t think it is harder. Doing the kids’ show is like a condensed version of doing a full show, so rehearsal lengths are shorter, the show is shorter, and the season is only over one weekend.”
She says it is rewarding being involved in productions particularly with children because they often return year after year, to the point where they then become engaged in the adult productions.
The play runs at the Dargaville Little Theatre in early December. Visit the theatre Facebook page for details.
People’s Panel established
Kaipara District Council is giving people the chance to provide feedback on issues important to them such as services or policies. Residents can take part in several surveys throughout the year with results shared, so they can see how their involvement shapes the running of the district. This new initiative has been named the “People’s Panel”.
Kaipara Mayor Dr Jason Smith said this would allow the council to better hear the voices of participants. The idea was based on similar initiatives elsewhere in New Zealand.
“The more of us who join the People’s Panel the better it will be. I’m hoping for at least 1000 members from across Kaipara.”
Contact the council for more information or sign up by visiting kaipara.govt.nz/panel.
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