Mikaere Johnson

Mikaere Johnson

Iwi Health Exercise & Nutrition Practitioner

Age: 26

Iwi: Ngai Te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui - Tauranga Moana Ngati Porou - East Coast

Dependants: None at this stage but enough around me to keep me and my partner busy. I like it when I get to send them home!

What do I do? Myself and a colleague of mine are currently delivering a exercise and nutrition program called ‘Tu Kaha, Tu Maia' which is aimed at reducing the prevalence of Obesity particularly amongst Maori whanau but open to all. My job is to ensure that whanau in the Kirikiriroa communities have a service available which is focussed around improving nutrition and engaging people in some form of regular physical activity. We do this by running group programs such as; Swim for Life program, walking groups and evening exercise classes.

Most of my time consists of meeting people individually and either taking them in the gym or outside for exercises. I work for a organisation that has a profound vision of providing quality care in a unique Maori setting, environment and approach; this adds a sense of cultural identity and value into our services. I am grateful to be working in the field that I have spent a number of years studying in and that I have a strong ambition for promoting and supporting others towards leading healthier and positive lifestyles.

Organisation: Te Kohao Health - Kiririroa Marae, 180 Dey Street, Hamilton

Education/Experience: Previous to this I was studying for my B.A at the University of Waikato majoring in Sports & Leisure studies and Te Reo Maori. After 3 gruelling years, I was fortunate enough and relieved to have completed last year B semester.

Interests: Basically I am a ‘ol fashioned' outdoors' type of fulla. I was bought up near the salty waters of Tauranga Moana and when I wasn't mowing lawns and doing odd jobs around the homestead most of my leisure time would've been spent in the water. From diving to swimming and surfing and sports like rugby ,basketball, rugby league then going home to a nice home cooked meal with family, this briefly sums up my past time interests.