For one year Lotu Moui Jazzercize classes at EFKS Manuwera have run every Thursday evening and every Saturday morning without fail. It is a commitment to healthy mind, healthy bodies and healthy spirit that the congregation of EFKS know is worth celebrating.

All of the thirteen Church Committee members are regularly seen at jazzercize and with a congregation of 400 people, young, old and in between, up to 60% of them are regularly involved in the classes.

“The Church hall is small,” says the secretary, Meresieni Tapaleao, “and sometimes we have had so many people turn up we have had to hold the Jazzacize outside, in the dark at six o’clock in the morning. But we don’t mind because it’s awesome and we enjoy it!”

Throughout the year the Church has compiled a video diary of the progress they’ve made and the fun and laughs they’ve had.

An added celebration at the Jazzercize anniversary is the presentation of First Aid and Coaching Certificates to five of the women who completed training during the year to support the Church classes by the Minister, Reverend Talia Tapaleao. It is great recognition of their commitment to making the programme sustainable in the future as well as recognition of their own new skills.

EFKS Manurewa Jazzercize is supported by the Lotu Moui Programme.

Lotu Moui is the name given to the DHB’s programme with Pacific Churches in Counties Manukau.   Lotu’ means ‘church’ or ‘prayer’ in most Pacific languages, while ‘ Moui’ is Tongan and Niuean term that generally means good health that encompasses mind, body and soul.

Counties Manukau District Health Board currently partners with Pacific churches throughout South Auckland as part of the Lotu Moui Programme to disseminate information and resources aimed at supporting healthier lifestyle choices for congregations.