THE MEKE INITIATIVE
The M.E.K.E Initiative is a pro-equity intervention developed by Māori for Māori that utilised a holistic, culturecentred community-based approach built on an existing community partnership. The M.E.K.E Initiative aims to bring health and fitness to the people when the
people cannot get to the gym or afford gym fees. The M.E.K.E. Initiative brings together three social enterprises: PATU, the Meke MeterTM, and the Domynis.
PATU
Patu Aotearoa is a Māori-led social enterprise that delivers group exercise, nutrition education, and wellbeing programmes in gyms, schools, marae, workplaces, and prisons. Guided by the principles of Achievable, Affordable, and Accessible, PATU reduces barriers and fosters whānau-centred support. Rooted in tikanga Māori, it combines cultural identity with physical and mental wellbeing, promoting whanaungatanga, resilience, and purpose. From its Hawke’s Bay base, PATU has expanded into other rohe, redefining “patu” as a positive collective movement for healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.
DOMYNIS
The Domynis Gym is New Zealand’s first container-based, beachside fitness facility. Designed as a mobile “urban marae,” it transforms a shipping container into a fully equipped gym, fitted with Olympic bars, weight racks, skipping ropes, and boxing gear. Its purpose is to make health and fitness accessible, affordable, and achievable, especially for rangatahi.
The service is free for community members, breaking down financial barriers that often prevent whānau from engaging in structured exercise.
Beyond physical training, the container gym also serves as a social space that promotes mental wellbeing, connection, and resilience. Its mobility allows it to be relocated to areas of need, ensuring communities without traditional gyms can still access fitness opportunities.
MEKE METER
The Meke Meter is a indigenous wellbeing and engagement tool designed to track the personal growth of whanau across three key areas — mental, physical and social wellbeing. It encourages self-reflection, accountability, and positive change by helping whanau measure where they’re at and identify where they can improve. Used across Meke programmes, the Meke Meter celebrates progress and builds motivation through visual feedback. It’s designed to empower rangatahi to take ownership of their journey, strengthen their hauora, and recognise that every step forward — no matter how small — is MEKE
"Its brought people together with a common interest, to get fit and healthy. There's all difference
ages, weights, and personalities. Some whanau are utilising the Domynis to help them get off
drugs and/or alcohol. To bring some structure and routine into their daily life struggles. This is
a place where together we are strong and we tautoko each other. Whakawhanaungatanga,
kotahitanga, and manaakitangi are all part of what Levi and the Domynis bring to our
community."
EIT Research Partnership
This research aimed to capture the community’s voice about the M.E.K.E Initiative and how it has impacted on the wellbeing of the community. In doing so, the research provided a means by which the community’s voice could be recorded and amplified and their collective health and wellbeing successes and needs acknowledged
with the hope of maintaining, reinforcing, and increasing positive outcomes.
