UNLEVEL PLAYING FIELD

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults do at least two and a half hours of aerobic activity per week as well as muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. However, a new study has found only 37% of young adults (18-to 24-yearolds) in Aotearoa are achieving both these targets. It also found that women living in disadvantaged areas were 32% less likely to meet the recommendations than women in affluent areas. No differences based on socio-economic status were found for men.

The number of young people joining swimming clubs has taken a nosedive in the past 15 years, dropping by a third. Wellington’s population on the other hand has grown by 21% in that same period. Suggested explanations are that children aren’t learning the basic skills required for them to join clubs, specific distances are set by clubs eg. 50m or one km. And a lack of swimming pools in schools – only 28% of Wellington schools have pools, compared to 58% nationwide.

Wellington’s FTN Motion has created an e-motorcycle with a bike body made from hemp. The special material weighs less than fibreglass, is durable, and can absorb impact. FTN co-founder Luke Sinclair says the idea for the hemp fibre and epoxy resin blend originally came from his surfboard. “I have a board from a Lyall Bay local, which is made from hemp, looks great and performs brilliantly.” The first release of 100 bikes has sold out and there is a waiting list for the next production run in August.

Punk legend Henry Rollins brings his Good To See You spoken word show to historic Old St Paul’s for one night only. “Punk Rock icon. Spoken word poet. Actor. Author. DJ. Is there anything this guy can’t do?” – Entertainment Weekly. Tickets at Plus1.co.nz

Saturday 8 July

Old St Paul’s 34 Mulgrave St, Thorndon Wellington. plus1.co.nz

The New Zealand School of Dance presents the 2023 Choreographic Season, Axis – a collection of short works that will take the audience on a journey through the many diverse influences of the student choreographers. Axis focuses on exploration and experimentation, celebrating the creative process itself.

23–29 June

Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown Wellington. nzschoolofdance.ac.nz

Walrus Gallery specialises in regular exhibitions from NZ and international artists working in fine art, ceramics, jewellery and objets d’art. On show currently Ben Farrant; pen and ink drawings, Soal Fonos; mixed media on canvas, Jade Valour; ceramics & jewellery, Jon Benge; ceramics.

111 Taranaki St (Cnr Jessie & Taranaki Sts) Wellington. walrusgallery.co.nz