CoastFit35 is using fitness as a vehicle for hauora, confidence and opportunity on the East Coast.
After returning home to Tikitiki in 2025, experienced CrossFit athlete Tina-Mei Harrison saw a growing demand for CrossFit classes in the community.
“People kept asking me to start classes because there wasn’t really anything like that up here,” says Tina.
“I thought, who am I to keep people from something if I can give it to them?”
Despite limited facilities and resources, Tina launched CoastFit35, providing coaching and programming in her own time. The programme began in a converted shed gym in Tikitiki and has since expanded to the Ngata Memorial College gymnasium.
Access to suitable training spaces and resources remains one of the programme’s biggest challenges.
“I can only offer two days a week for classes. With better facilities, people could train more and train better.”
Members range from rangatahi to people in their 50s, with participants reporting improvements in their physical fitness, confidence, commitment and overall wellbeing.
“People often see CrossFit and feel intimidated. However, most of our members started from a similar place, so they’ve been able to learn and grow together.
“Some of our strongest and fittest members are women in their late 40s and 50s who have completely changed their lifestyles since joining.”
Rangatahi have also embraced the sport. Recently, two 16-year-old members placed third in a Gisborne CrossFit competition after only a short period of training.
Tina is working towards official CrossFit affiliation, which would make CoastFit35 the first formally recognised CrossFit gym on the East Coast.
“I want our little place here on the Coast to be strong and fit. I thrive on seeing people succeed. Creating more opportunities for our people is what this is really about.”
CoastFit35 is a free programme, ensuring it’s fully accessible for anyone who would like to attend.
Trust Tairāwhiti supported CoastFit35 with $15k to buy equipment and resources needed to deliver its community fitness programmes.