Zumba for Wellbeing - Moving, Learning, and Thriving Together

Held at Alfriston College, 16 June 2025

On a chilly June evening, Village Collective teamed up with local legend and certified Zumba instructor, Jenniene Fleming, and Alfriston College to host a special event: Zumba Community Event. This vibrant night brought together whanau, students, and community members for a celebration of movement, health and connection.

Jenniene, who runs regular zumba classes at Alfriston College every Monday and Wednesday, led the session with her trademark energy and joy. Alfriston College's student leaders also joined in, creating a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere as they danced alongside participants and encouraged everyone to get moving. 

While the evening was originally planned to include a formal health talk, the program pivoted to provide personalized health education woven directly into the health checks and immunization stations. In partnership with SouthPoint Family Doctors, an immunization drive was offered, with HPV, Boostrix, MMR, Meningococcal, and Flu vaccines available. Alongside this, our Pasifika Care Team - Rubashnee and Unaisi - provided free health checks, including diabetes screening and general wellbeing support, ensuring every attendee left with knowledge to strengthen their health journey. 

To keep spirits high in the midst of the winter chill, Village Collective provided warm koko alisa and a sausage sizzle, served throughout the evening - a simple but heartfelt way to nourish both body and soul. As an extra encouragement to prioritize health, every person who took part in a health check, updated their vaccination status, or received diabetes screening was entered into a draw to win one of three Pak'nSave grocery vouchers. 

Amazingly, the draw found it's way to three wonderful mothers - each walking away with a voucher to support their families in the coming weeks. It was a heartwarming reminder that when we invest in community wellbeing, the rewards ripple out to where they are needed most. 

This event was more than just a zumba class - it was a reminder that wellbeing is holistic. When we move together, share food together, and take care of our health together, we strengthen the bonds that keep our community thriving.