seminars
Voice of Hope Panel
It’s time we start looking after both our physical AND mental health.
Saturday 2:00pm
Join mental health advocate Gen Mora (Voices of Hope) plus guests Geena Pannett (Les Mills Group Fitness Manager), DJ Forbes (NZ All Black Sevens Great) and Patrick Petelo (NZL 7's, rugby player) for a panel on Mental Health!
Exercise is extremely important for our physical health but research is increasingly showing the positive link between physical exercise and mental wellbeing.
For many people, exercise is neglected when mentally ill, however Gen, DJ, Patrick and Geena know how important exercise is when fighting ill mental health.
In this seminar you will hear the experiences of five people who have dealt with ill mental health at some point in their life and how important the role of exercise became in their journey to wellness.
The panel will break down how to use exercise positively, the importance it plays in keeping mentally fit, share their vast experiences and personal battles as well as inspire you all stay mentally fit.
"Taking care of the mind is equally as important as taking care of the body."
THE PANEL
DJ FORBES
DJ Forbes is a former New Zealand rugby union player and former captain of the All Blacks Sevens team. After receiving the captaincy role in 2006, he played in over 80 tournaments, won six Sevens Series titles and received one Gold and one Silver Commonwealth Games medal. During his rugby career he appeared in 512 games in 89 tournaments and won 6 World Series. DJ is currently the Athlete Engagement Manager at the New Zealand Olympic Committee and will be a part of the Athlete Support team at the Tokyo Olympics in July.
GEENA PANNETT
Geena Pannett is a Group Fitness Instructor, Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer. Having found her passion for the fitness industry at 16 and has since dedicated her life to helping others become the healthiest version of themselves. Since gaining a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and Nutrition she has since gone on to work with various gyms, most recently taking up the role of the Les Mills New Lynn Group Fitness Manager. Geena recently began working alongside mental health organisation Voices of Hope to incorporate physical fitness with mental wellbeing while helping change the way we respond to mental health in the fitness industry.
Genevieve Mora
Genevieve Mora, 25, spent most of her teenage years battling mental illness. She is now a proud survivor and has made it her mission to offer hope to those fighting mental illness. Genevieve, along with Jazz Thornton founded Voices of Hope, a registered charity which uses its online platform to promote wellbeing, empowerment and recovery. Genevieve uses her lived experience to show people that recovery is possible and that there is no shame in having a mental illness.
Patrick Petelo
Former NZL 7's, Samoan 7's and Provincial rugby player. Patrick joins our panel to express his views on the link between mental health and exercise. Following his rugby career - Patrick's love for training led him to multiple first placings in bodybuilding and now has turned his hand to Crossfit and has recently become a shared owner in CrossFit Waitakere. We connected with Patrick through his community group Fa'atasi (meaning together) which he leads focusing on community training sessions and charity initiatives which they have kindly supported us in also. Patrick promotes healthy living and well being and sees that exercise can increase our mental alertness and reduce stress and anxiety.
NB. Guests are subject to change.