SESSION Abstract: Staying robust and independent as we age with Maria Pearson
As we get older, our bodies inevitably change. Our balance, strength, speed, power, confidence, and independence can be affected. Navigating stairs, sitting on the floor, travelling, playing with the grandchildren, and keeping up with daily tasks can become a little more difficult.
As a healthy aging advocate, Maria will explain these changes and will explore ways we can keep our bodies strong and able despite the passing years. Her goal is to help people stay robust, independent, and confident in their bodies as they get older. The session will be informative with a bit of fun and laughter thrown in.
Date: Thursday 3rd September
Time & format: The course will start at 10am, with a coffee/tea break followed by a lively facilitated discussion to answer all your curious questions. The course will finish at 12pm.
Location: We are delighted to be hosting at No. 5 Cafe and Larder, 248 State Highway 51, Mangateretere, Hastings, 4180.
About the experts
Maria Pearson
Maria Pearson is a Hawke’s Bay-based personal trainer, life coach and registered exercise specialist with a Master of Physical Education from the University of Otago. An ATG Certified Coach and REPs registered professional, Maria supports people of all ages, with a particular passion for helping older adults build strength, confidence and wellbeing. Her approach combines practical movement, positive mindset coaching and evidence-informed health knowledge. As a podcaster and women’s health advocate, she brings warmth, clarity and encouragement to conversations about ageing well, staying active and navigating life’s changes with resilience, curiosity and optimism every day, at every stage of life.
Christina Tay - Learning Facilitator
Christina is a lifelong learner with a profound passion for exploring diverse cultures and disciplines. Her curiosity has inspired extensive global travel, from teaching English to Buddhist monks in Laos and volunteering at a Thai orphanage to visiting museums across Europe, the UK, and Asia. A highlight of her travels is the Bishop Museum in Hawai'i, which she visits frequently, including during the 2014 World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education.
Her academic journey began with law and politics at Waikato University, where she discovered dispute resolution. She subsequently earned a Master’s in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Strathclyde University, UK. This period included an exchange at the East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai and research in Hong Kong on the ombudsman's role.
Currently a Learning Facilitator for Love Heart Social Learning, Christina also teaches the Restorative Practices microcredential at Victoria University. A fully accredited restorative justice facilitator and assessor, she recently delivered mediation training in Micronesia. Previously, she served as Director of Employee Assistance Resolution Services at Victoria University.
Outside of work, Christina enjoys connecting with loved ones and attending international events, such as the 2025 Restorative Practices conference in Singapore, to continually expand her expertise.
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