Meet the STEPPERS
Zoë Batten
I live in Pauanui with my husband Doug and our sons Matt (23) and Josh (22). We all fly so Pauanui is the perfect spot as we have a runway on our front doorstep. We have been here for over 20 years! I was born and raised in Kenya and Tanzania (where I met Doug) before moving to NZ in 1994.
Judy Mckensie
I’m a 71 year old woman, mum of 4 and “ Nan” of 7. A former Physical Education teacher and dairy farmer, in the Waikato. I loved the outdoors, the physical nature of farming and being self employed. I need to be active, and once the kids were at school, I had time to play lots of golf.
KIM & JOHN KELLY
Tairua has been our home since 2020 after John retired from NZ Police. We have had a connection since buying a bach 23 years ago. Since settling here with retirement, we have discovered the fabulous community that makes Tairua, and we value the friends we have made.
KAY VAN LUBECK
I've lived in this beautiful part of the world after falling in love with it when we came here to work at Puka Park in Pauanui in 1986! Had 3 years there went off and looked after other lodges and came back to live in Tairua in 2005 buying ourselves Shells restaurant so we could live here!
Barb Paulsen
I am Barb Paulsen. I have always loved dancing. "Back in the day", the country dances in the local halls were always popular events. Often whole families would go, the young children would watch their parents dance, and later learn to dance too. And of course, it was where teenage boy met teenage girl. And Yes, that was where I met Peter, the love of my life.
JAN HEPI
Hi, my name is Jan Hepi and after holidaying in beautiful Whangamata for over fifty years, we made the decision to move down here from Auckland to live permanently. We, my husband Chris and myself have two children, nine grandchildren and five greats.
Reggie Widmer
I'm 72 originally from Switzerland and moved to New Zealand in 1980. Dancing was always a passion of mine especially Rock'n'Roll. Seven years ago we moved from Auckland to Pauanui and never looked back.
Tina Aitken
I am 52 years old and live in the amazing town of Whangamata. I grew up here, moved away at 17 years old, have been away for 30 years and came back 5 years ago, I feel like I have come back home.
LeeAnne Macready
Pauanui has been my home for the past 15 years. My husband, our two young daughters and I moved up from Christchurch, seeking firmer ground following the devastating earthquakes. Arriving here felt like we’d landed in paradise, especially with the beautiful beaches and amazing hikes on our back door step.
Claire Fairweather
I am 63 and came to New Zealand in 2009 from England. I first started line dancing when I lived in Auckland, about 15 years ago, then after a gap of about 8 years, I restarted when I moved to Whangamata in 2020. Line dancing is my exercise and gets me out of the house.
Kath Patten
I'm Kath Patten, I've been coming to Pauanui for 27 years and 5 years ago my husband and I were lucky enough to be able to move our businesses to work remotely and moved permanently to Pauadise! I am a jack of all trades, yoga teacher, health and nutrition coach all rolled into one.
Colleen Rumney
I was born in Hamilton & lived there for 53 years. I have 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 4 & 3/4 great grandsons. I have lived in Whangamata for 28 years. Became very good friends with a girl who came to work at the Rest home with me. One day she was 'vining' down the hallway & when I asked what she was doing she said 'Line Dancing'...
LEONIE MOSEN
I am coming up 72, been living in beautiful Tairua for nearly 10 yrs.
I have always enjoyed dancing and music, then saw Donna was starting up some line dancing lessons, and thought I’ve got to give this a go. I really look forward to the days it’s on. Love dancing and enjoy the music to Texas Time and Penny Arcade.
SUE POWERS
I’m nearly 62 in years age but definitely not in spirit! Originally from Auckland, I’ve happily called beautiful Pauanui home for the past five years. I’m a bit of a fitness fanatic who loves keeping active, but I’m just as happy chatting with people - I’m definitely a people person!