Sport Hawke’s Bays Kiwi Senior’s programme is set to celebrate its 25thanniversary on Wednesday 10th August. The active recreation programme has benefitted many people since its inception in 1991, with over 17,000 visits over the past year by Hawke’s Bay residents throughout the region.

Originally Kiwi Seniors was introduced by Sport Hawke’s Bay as an incentive to those aged 50 and over to keep fit.  Gradually extra programmes have been added, including variations of Zumba, Line Dancing, Tai Chi along with sports such as badminton and table tennis.

Bev Brown is one of the volunteers who has been helping organise Kiwi Seniors since the beginning. “In 1992 we headed to the South Island and were billeted in Invercargill by fellow Kiwi Seniors. We then headed on to Stewart Island for 2 nights – back to Queenstown and that special bungee jump of Ernie Watson” Bev says.

The programmes continues to go from strength to strength with the Napier Kiwi Seniors venue alone, having over 200 members, all of whom still enjoy the basic aerobics and badminton under the direction of Margaret Hardgrave, Sport Hawke’s Bays Kiwi Seniors Coordinator.

“I can recount so many special outings – Sunrise Hut with the Central Hawke’s Bay group, Adeanes Bush and museum visit” Bev says. “The many lunches enjoyed and Birthday Bashes are highlights over the years”.

Eana Young, Sport Hawke’s Bays Recreation Team Leader adds, “There are so many people that work behind the scenes to keep these programmes going like the dedicated instructors from Sport Hawke’s Bay, volunteers and of course the beautiful, vibrant people that keep coming back to support a true belief of what keeping active is all about.”

Due to the success of programmes such as the Napier Kiwi Seniors programme, Kiwi Seniors can now be seen throughout the region including Wairoa, Bay View, Taradale, Hastings, Havelock North and Central Hawke’s Bay.

The anniversary function will take place at the Rodney Green Centennial Events Centre, Napier from 9am. All past and current members are welcome to attend; morning tea and entertainment will be provided as well as an opportunity to take part in some gentle group exercise.

If you would like to know more about the upcoming anniversary or our programmes please contact Margaret Hardgrave on 06 8459336 ext. 774 or Eana Young 06 8459336 ext. 708