Leanne.

Nineteen years in Piha, three kids raised in the village, twenty years as a personal trainer, and three fitness classes a week down at the Domain.

Lucas.

Leanne and her family moved to Piha in 2007 after years of weekends spent surfing, at the beach, and connecting with friends already living in the village. Nineteen years on, she's been a Personal Trainer at Les Mills New Lynn for two decades and runs three weekly group fitness classes at the Piha Domain — full-body circuits, all levels, good vibes. We asked her five questions.

How long have you lived in Piha, and what first brought you here?

My family and I moved to Piha in 2007. At the time, we found ourselves spending most weekends here — surfing, enjoying the beach, and connecting with friends who were already part of the Piha community. Before long, we realised Piha offered the lifestyle we were looking for and made the decision to call it home.

The combination of surfing, strong friendships, and the unique community spirit made the move an easy one. More than 19 years later, we've never looked back. Piha's natural beauty, active lifestyle, and close-knit community continue to make it a very special place to live and raise a family.

What do you do for work (or how do you spend your days)?

I've been a Personal Trainer for 20 years at Les Mills New Lynn, where I spend my days helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. Whether it's building strength, improving fitness, losing weight, recovering from injury, or supporting pre- and postnatal clients, I love working with a wide range of people and helping them become stronger, healthier, and more confident.

Alongside personal training, I run three group fitness classes each week in Piha. You'll find us down at the Domain, moving through fun and challenging full-body circuit workouts. It's all about good vibes, positive energy, and a supportive community where everyone feels welcome. Whether you're just starting out or have been training for years, all fitness levels are encouraged to join.

What’s something about Piha that surprises people once they actually spend time here?

One thing that often surprises people when they spend time in Piha is the incredible sense of community. There's a real willingness to support one another — whether it's lending a hand, checking in on neighbours, or coming together when someone needs help.

What's also special is the mix of ages and backgrounds. From young families to lifelong locals, everyone seems to connect and get along. There's a strong sense of belonging here that can be hard to find elsewhere.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Piha?

What I love most about living in Piha is raising my family in such a special community. It's been incredible watching my three children grow up here, building lifelong friendships and enjoying the freedom and lifestyle that Piha offers.

Whether it's catching up with friends, spending time at the beach, going for walks, or simply enjoying the outdoors, people naturally come together. I love the friendships I've built through the years, the walks I share with friends, and the opportunity to teach fitness classes that bring people together.

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Leanne runs three group fitness classes each week at the Piha Domain — all levels welcome.