While their families are at work or school, older Pasifika people are relaxing in Oakland.
At midday on any weekday, 100 people gather in Mangere town centre, don colourful hats and shirts and take part in an hour-long dance class led by an instructor on stage.
The free Zumba classes began in 2013 as part of a plan to encourage older people to exercise and prevent diabetes, and are still going strong.
Combining exercise and dance classes not only helps you stay healthy, but also helps prevent feelings of loneliness.
“I come here because it makes me happy and I can see my friends,” one dancer said.
“We have a wide variety of people here, including diabetics and people who are concerned about their blood pressure. When you come here, you get just the right amount of atmosphere with a variety of people.”
Zumba in Mangere, Auckland.
photograph: Malika Habbaj/RNZ
The music has a Pacific vibe, the beats are played loud and the workout has an island feel.
The oldest member of the group is 89 years old and is not getting any older.
“We’re from Niue, my daughter is too, we’re all here for exercise,” she said.
Rashni Kahou has been attending free Zumba classes for seven years.
“[It makes me] I feel happy and I go out of the house. It’s better than sitting at home and making my husband angry. I go out and come here and meet the people here every day, Monday through Saturday. I don’t go on Sundays. I go to church on Sundays.”
Kahou says Zumba classes keep him healthy and fit, and he doesn’t care about the bakery or fried chicken joint nearby.
“I’m not that sick, I’m healthy, I’m in and out, and I see different people every day, so it helps a lot.”
Zumba in Mangere, Auckland.
photograph: Malika Habbaj/RNZ
Mangere Otahuhu has the largest Pacific Islander population in Auckland.
The classes are free and funded by the local council. Caroline Thom coordinates the classes, with her husband as the instructor and her son as the DJ. She said she enjoys encouraging people to keep exercising and eat healthy – Pacific Islanders have the highest rates of diabetes among New Zealanders.
“They want to get out of the house, not babysit, sit, eat and watch TV. They want to come here to exercise and meet other people,” Tom said.
“We’re Tongans but we meet Samoans, Cook Islanders, Niueans – everyone. It’s nice to see that everyone loves it.”
They look out for each other, she said.
“My oldest child was a boy and he died two months ago. [at] 94. They really want to get out of the house and come here, so they get up, take a little break when they get tired, and keep going.”
Zumba in Mangere, Auckland.
photograph: Malika Habbaj/RNZ
