Group inspire fitness fever

Erin Thompson, Nataria Rolleston and Leanne Haverkamp-White with the trophy awarded to their group Flavazum at last year's IRONMAORI in Napier. Photo / Ben Fraser

Three Rotorua women are keeping peoples' lives full of flavour through health and fitness.

Erin Thompson (Waikato, Ngati Rangiwewehi and Ngai Tamanuhiri), Nataria Rolleston (Ngati Whakaue and Tuhoe) and Leanne Haverkamp-White ( Ngati Porou, Taranaki and Ngati Rangiwewehi) are the driving forces behind the roopu (group) Flavazum Health & Fitness Rotorua.

The three women are Zumba instructors and are passionate about health and fitness as well as their Maori culture.

Ms Haverkamp-White said the group used health and fitness to help inspire their members to get fit which in turn improved self esteem, confidence and an overall sense of worth and whanaungatanga (kindship).

The group comprises all ages, sizes and fitness levels and their main ethos is to "pay if forward", as well as "never leave anyone behind".

Anyone can join the group hence their name Flavazum, Ms Haverkamp-White said.

"In 2009, we started Zumba classes and then in 2011 Flavazum come about through our Mardi Gras performance.

"Before we had to go on stage we needed a name and we're all different instructors, we all have different flavours, so it just seemed appropriate for us."

Ms Rolleston said that same year Flavazum trained a group of youngsters to take part in children's division of the IRONMAORI, a half and quarter ironman event held annually in Napier.

The group stayed on to watch the adults' section and were inspired Ms Rolleston said.

"There were all shapes and sizes taking part in the event so we decided we wanted to get as many people as possible to get involved with IRONMAORI because we knew it was a good kaupapa and it would change their lives.

"It would change their health and how they would work with their whanau and so we called it Iron Maori and Beyond.

"We didn't know what we were doing ... we set up swim squads, cycle squads and workshops and held our own events to simulate a race."

The following year Flavazum showed up with more than 100 participants. Some took part in the half ironman and the others in the quarter ironman.

Flavasum's effort was recognised with the Inspirational Award, something Ms Thompson was proud of.

The trophy is now being used to store messages from the next group of Flavazum participants taking part in this year's event, Ms Thompson said.

"After they complete, we will give each person their message to read back to themselves."

She said the group also had another kaupapa which was to get 50 people who hadn't taken part in a marathon to enter and complete next year's Rotorua Marathon.

"The group is known as the 50/50 Whanau. It stands for 50 first-timers walking the 50th Rotorua Marathon."

Just as they do for the IRONMAORI event, Flavazum meet regularly to help each other train.

Ms Thompson said the focus was on participation rather than competing and especially about getting other whanau members involved and having fun.

The group are still looking for numbers to make up the 50 and the trio say "it's never too late to start".

If you want to join the 50/50 Whanau, contact Leanne on (027) 5253 826 or email sendit2lee@hotmail.com.