A South Auckland dance programme is helping tamariki and parents build confidence, strengthen relationships and get active together.
Whānau in Motion, delivered by Express Yourself at the Manurewa Leisure Centre, was supported through Healthy Families South Auckland and brought families together for 10 weeks of free hip hop dance sessions.
The Active NZ survey shows that while many Aucklanders are physically active, participation rates vary by age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation and disability. It found that those Aucklanders who identify as female, 15–17-years of age, Māori and reside in high deprivation areas faced the greatest challenges.
Whānau in Motion supports the delivery of a diverse range of play, sport and recreation opportunities for whānau that may not typically choose to engage with mainstream field orientated sports.
The programme was designed to create a space where tamariki and their parents could take part side-by-side, building healthy habits and stronger connections through movement.
It attracted 45 participants, including 25 tamariki and rangatahi and 20 parents and caregivers.
Feedback from participating whānau highlighted a range of positive outcomes, including increased confidence, more physical activity, stronger social connections and improved emotional wellbeing.
A key factor was its focus on family participation. Rather than watching from the sidelines, parents joined their children on the dance floor, creating shared experiences and opportunities to learn together. Families reported practising routines at home, extending the benefits of Whānau in Motion beyond its sessions.
Jordan Ikitule, founder and director of Express Yourself, said the programme created a safe and welcoming environment where participants could express themselves, connect with others and celebrate their cultural identity through dance.
“Hip hop dance provided an accessible and culturally meaningful platform for many Māori and Pacific families,” he says.
“It’s helping rangatahi develop confidence while fostering a strong sense of belonging. Probably the best result is that everyone we surveyed after the programme said they would enrol again.”
Healthy Families South Auckland Lead Systems Innovator Ray Tuala says the programme shows what’s possible when local organisations are supported to lead community-based initiatives.
“Whānau in Motion is a great example of Jordan and the team at Express Yourself creating something that genuinely connected with local families,” Ray says. “They were able to reach whānau who could benefit most and create an environment where parents and children could learn, move and have fun together.”
“This programme also aligns closely with the Auckland Plan 2050 outcomes of improving health and wellbeing and creating more equitable opportunities for Aucklanders. It shows how investing in local leadership and strong community relationships can help create opportunities for healthier, more connected communities.”