Pride of NZ: Mentor puts locals on track to fitness

Manaia Fitness owner Steve Kirby trains Isaac Graham at the Parua Bay gym. Photo / John Stone

A sport-mad Northland man took it upon himself to get people in his close-knit community active and healthy.

Steve Kirby, 43, has been nominated in the community spirit category for the Pride of New Zealand Awards after opening Manaia Fitness.

He opened the Parua Bay gym three years ago after spotting a gap in the market.

"The gym came about because I've always been into sports and fitness," Mr Kirby said. "There was nothing being done to keep people active."

The goal was to provide the community with fun, affordable fitness, he said.

Mr Kirby even runs a free fitness class on Sunday mornings at Parua Bay School to give back to the community.

"I try and encourage as many people as possible to take part."

While the gym operates in the usual way- people pay to be members- Mr Kirby goes out of his way to help. He spent one year giving a woman personal training for free.

"I was just desperate for her to make a change in her life," he said. "She's done phenomenal."

While the business paid for itself, Mr Kirby and his partner Lynfa did not make any money off it. In fact, they had to borrow $70,000 against their mortgage just to start it up.

Between the gym and working as a factory manager at Foreno Tapware life was "pretty busy", Mr Kirby said and meant a working week of about 65 hours.

There was no excuse for not being active, Mr Kirby said.

"A lot of people are in the mindset that they don't have time. Everybody has time."

English-born Mr Kirby moved to Parua Bay 10 years ago after meeting his Kiwi partner in London three years earlier. Growing up he was always into sports doing cross country, athletics, volleyball, football, swimming and rugby.

"I do love people and I know how good it feels when you work out," Mr Kirby said. "Just from keeping active you can change your life."

The nomination in the Pride of New Zealand awards was a complete surprise, he said.

"I'm very humbled and, sort of, embarrassed about it."

-Nominations can be made until June 14 at www.prideofnzawards.co.nz.