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Fun, fitness and friendship are the motto of the Kaipara Marches leisure marching women’s team, and they are looking for new members who want to be part of this growing sport.
Kaipara Marches recently joined 83 other leisure marching teams from around the country in Rangiora, Canterbury, for the 33rd Leisure Marching Nationals.
Based in Maungatūroto, Kaipara Marches has been together for eleven years, with members aged 45 to 80. The team currently has eight members but would like to add some fresh faces, bringing its total to 11 or more.
“We perform at various events around the country, as well as local community events, and participate in Christmas parades. At these events, our display is not judged; it’s more about getting out there and being active,” Kaipara Marches member Barbara Lee says.
The group is affiliated with the Leisure Marching New Zealand Association and meets on Wednesdays at the Maungatūroto Centennial Hall. Barbara says no experience is necessary, as the coach takes each person through the moves until the display is learned.
“Marching is not only good for fitness of the body but also the brain, which is so important as we age,” Barbara says.
Leisure marching is a sport unique to New Zealand. It started as a popular competitive sport for women and girls more than 100 years ago and, despite falling out of favour in the 1970s and 1980s, has been revived in recent years. Many women who enjoyed marching in their youth are returning to the sport, drawn by its non-competitive nature and benefits.
