Huringa Pai Charitable Trust takes an inclusive, knowledge-based approach to healthy living, enabling their vision for whānau to live healthier and longer.
It was founded in 2016 by Dr Willem Jordaan, who was beginning his own health journey at the time, which has seen him lose 91kg.
The purpose is to support whānau from dying too young due to complications of type 2 diabetes and empower them with the knowledge to enable positive change.
They screen clients for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes and provide them with the knowledge and support to self-manage their health through sustainable lifestyle changes.
The approach is “walking alongside them” on the journey, achieved through group exercise initiatives, shared nutrition programmes and getting out into the community to inspire others.
Dr Jordaan says the impact diabetes has on New Zealand’s health system is tremendous.
“There are 250,000 people with diabetes nationally, which costs about $1.5b annually, and our health system is struggling. We know there are things that can be self-managed through diet and exercise.”
Huringa Pai uses the latest technology to track results for clients. Their Fit3D scanner, based at the Gisborne iSite, determines fat and muscle composition to provide insights into client's progress. It is accessible and affordable, with over 300 people using the scanner last year.
Community fitness activations are one of the core parts of Huringa Pai. As well as their original twice-weekly fitness programme, Huringa Pai co‑ordinates regular ocean swims, Maunga Hikurangi excursions, workplace health initiatives, and supports the Titirangi Everest Challenge.
“It is lovely to see our whānau getting on with it, enjoying themselves and getting healthy. Together, all these initiatives are making a huge difference and we’re looking at continually expanding our services in the community.”
Huringa Pai Charitable Trust received $83.5k in 2022/23 from Trust Tairāwhiti to support their community activities and operational costs.
