Press Release

About SpinPoi

For use within New Zealand

SpinPoi is a social enterprise dedicated to improving health and wellbeing through poi. They support individuals and organisations in Aotearoa and across the globe, with a focus on utilising poi to improve quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. SpinPoi’s products and services are evidence based and rooted in tikanga Maori, and have been featured in national and international media including BBC World News, ABC News, TVNZ, Radio New Zealand, and Maori Television.

SpinPoi was founded by Dr. Kate Riegle van West, a scientist, artist, and entrepreneur with a passion for play and wellbeing. Kate completed her PhD in the health benefits of poi at the University of Auckland, where she conducted the first study to scientifically investigate the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function. Kate was named one of the University of Aucklands Top 40 Under 40 inspiring alumni in 2021, and was awarded the Future Leader Award from the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Best Doctoral Thesis Award for her work in the poi/health field.

For more information visit www.spinpoi.com

For use internationally

SpinPoi is a social enterprise dedicated to improving health and wellbeing through poi (a ball on a cord swung in circular patterns around the body). SpinPoi supports individuals and organizations across the globe with evidence-based poi programs, specializing in improving quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. SpinPoi has been featured across international media including BBC World News, ABC News, TVNZ 1 News, and Maori Television.

SpinPoi was founded by Dr. Kate Riegle van West, a scientist, artist, and entrepreneur with a passion for play and wellbeing. Kate completed her PhD in the health benefits of poi at the University of Auckland, where she conducted the first study to scientifically investigate the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function.Kate was named one of the University of Aucklands Top 40 Under 40 inspiring alumni in 2021, and was awarded the Future Leader Award from the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Best Doctoral Thesis Award for her work in the poi/health field.

For more information visit www.spinpoi.com