A friend of the young - and parents

Healthy recreation is in Manuera's Rewai's blood. He has owned and operated Kaitaia's 103 Gym Central for the last seven years, but before moving to the Far North more than 15 years ago he was involved with the Manukau City Council's sport and recreation division.

And now that passion has earned him a Pride of New Zealand Award nomination, in the community spirit category.

"I've always been involved with sport and recreation," the father of five and trained youth advocate said, adding that his major passion was working with youth.

"I like to help youth, especially at-risk youth. Sport keeps them occupied, teaches them discipline, and the gym is a safe place for them to come to," he said.

"We want to support the parents as much as anything."

Mr Rewai also works with male groups (older men and fathers), and was instrumental in the establishment of the Tane Tryathlon, but there were never going to be instant results.

"The proof is in the pudding. We won't know what difference we have made for another few years yet," he added.

Meanwhile being nominated for an award had come as a "bit of a shock," but it was nice to be regarded as being involved within the community.

"Kaitaia and the Far North is a great community to live in. I hope I am making a positive contribution," he said.

Mr Rewai's nominator described him, his wife Karen, daughter Freda and son Josh as 'frontline community people,' who, via their gym, promoted health and nutrition, and gave memberships to those who most needed but could least afford them.

"They awhi and support mental unwellness organisations by charging low low fees, or no fees, for their clients to join the gym," the nomination added.

"Manuera and Freda also have an afternoon programme for the children of Kaitaia, where they give of their own time and resources to take basketball to the youth of Kaitaia free.

"Karen is a keen promoter of nutrition and health for all in the community. Both have to work at other jobs so they can afford to do the things they do for this community. Manuera goes out of his way to travel 30 kilometres one way to pick up youth who are unable to get to town daily for their programmes, free of charge ...

"I believe this should be a group award for their combined effort as a family, not forgetting that Josh has a disability, but his beautiful bright smile and high fives to everyone when we come into the gym add to the warmth and spirit that is felt (there)."