To improve the health outcomes of Aotearoa's Pacific population, we need to bring a "village feel" to community fitness programmes, says Kiwi-Samoan public health researcher and Les Mills instructor Suli Tuitaupe.
"What gets people moving is music that is close to their hearts – the beats of the islands," he tells Susie Ferguson.
Suli Tuitaupe Photo: Tangata Atumotu Trust
Although Suli is super-fit now, his personal experience of carrying too much weight in his 20s is part of the motivation to help others get moving.
While working as an international flight attendant, Suli's weight ballooned until the double blow of needing a seat belt extender belt and ripping his uniform pants made him realise "something's gotta give".
He fell in love with the classes at Les Mills Christchurch, where eventually became an instructor and still teaches today.
Physical activity as a form of illness prevention "really gets his wheels turning", yet illness prevention strategies are severely "underplayed and underrated" among New Zealand's public health decision-makers, Suli says.
Any health campaign that's to be effective within the Pacific community must take into account the "cultural nuances" and specific concepts of healthcare held by people with PI heritage.
"If we can build up relationships with people and then give them the right advice as to how they can [be more active] that's illness prevention [that would save] lots of taxpayers' money."
Better physical fitness in the Pacific community would bring psychological benefits and also strengthen the community itself, he says.
Shared exercise can be a great opportunity for whānau bonding and can be a salvation for people who are isolated.
"I've loved seeing my mum, my siblings and people from the community come together when they would otherwise just be at home - not only physically inactive but also socially isolated."
In Christchurch, Suli leads elderly people in Pacific dance-inspired fitness classes as part of his work with Tangata Atumotu Trust.
"What gets people moving is music that is close to their hearts – the beats of the islands."
Suli's Island Dance Beats workout videos went viral during the Covid-19 lockdown.
