We have been going non-stop since we came back from the holiday break. All three gyms are offering classes again, and our social supermarket in Tokoroa is back in service to the community. We just wanted to recap what the end of 2024 was like for us and let you know what we’ve been up to in January. It was BUSY!

Thanks to incredible generosity, our Give-a-Little campaign raised $208,560 in just eight weeks, with major donations from Annette Presley, an anonymous donor, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This support allowed us to spread Christmas joy across the motu, delivering food parcels and toys to Waikato Women’s Refuge, BBM Tokoroa, Te Kuiti Foodbank, and hosting the Kidz First Christmas Party with Middlemore Foundation. The smiles and gratitude we witnessed were priceless. We couldn’t have done it without you—thank you for standing with us to make a real difference!

This free five-day event at Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, from January 15-19, brought joy to families across Auckland. The first day was a special session for kids with disabilities, while the rest were packed with rides, face painting, and non-stop fun. BBM volunteers ran stalls and activities, with proceeds supporting our work. A massive effort to kick off the year with smiles!

Massey University’s three-year research on our From The Couch (FTC) programme, in collaboration with Total Healthcare and Te Whatu Ora, confirms what we’ve long known—FTC is life-changing. Led by Professor Siautu Alefaio-Tugia and the late Professor James H. Liu, the study measured both medical markers and personal experiences, showing significant health improvements and the power of cultural connection. With input from 59 participants and follow-ups with 11, the research highlighted how BBM’s Māori and Pacific values fostered a safe, inclusive space for people to transform their lives. Key findings show FTC’s impact goes beyond physical health—our community-driven approach, peer support, social media engagement, and practical nutrition education empower long-term change. One standout result: severe depressive symptoms dropped from 65% to 20% in just 12 weeks. As researcher Gloria Finau put it, “BBM is more than a gym—it’s a place of belonging.” We’re deeply grateful to everyone involved and excited to take FTC to the next level in 2025!

TVNZ has commissioned another episode of our documentary series, this time on obesity. It will feature BBM members like James, who transformed his life through the program and is now a team leader. Obesity is a global crisis, with rates tripling since 1975. New Zealand ranks third in the OECD and second for childhood obesity. It’s a conversation we need—without judgment. Stay tuned for the air date!