1545 days ago

South Auckland gym owner wins $50,000, offers free fitness classes to 100 people

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbours,

A south Auckland gym owner has started an initiative to promote health and wellbeing in his community after winning $50,000.

Papatoetoe resident Alan Leuluai, 56, owns the Anytime Fitness gym in Manukau, and is one of the ten nationwide recipients of the AIA Vitality Business and Community Grant Initiative.

The initiative offers grants to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities.

Leuluai has created a 12-week fitness programme targeted at Māori and Pasifika people.

The programme includes free access to the gym for 12 weeks, access to a personal trainer, three fitness classes and a workshop on nutrition.

It will be offered to 100 people, who will also receive a 50 percent gym membership discount if they refuse to give up and “show grit and determination” over the 12 weeks.

The standard membership fee is $17 a week.

Leuluai said costs are a big barrier that prevent people from getting into fitness.

“We want to tackle obesity because it is the root cause of many problems in our community, like diabetes and high blood pressure,” he said.

“If we get some families into a healthy routine of exercising that can have a ripple effect in the rest of the community.”

The grants competition is run by AIA New Zealand, a leading life insurance specialist.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

Image
Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84.5% Yes
    84.5% Complete
  • 14.3% No
    14.3% Complete
  • 1.3% Other - I'll share below
    1.3% Complete
1036 votes
19 hours ago

Got a Minute? Prove You’re the Smartest Neighbour!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is it that when given one, you’ll have either two or none?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image
11 hours ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

Image