Press Release

Contact

Dr. Kate Riegle van West
Mobile: +64 (9) 210 200 5965
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.spinpoi.com

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/spinpoi

About SpinPoi

For use within New Zealand

SpinPoi is the global leader in working with poi as a therapeutic tool. We support individuals and organisations in Aotearoa and across the globe with evidence-based poi programs for all ages and abilities. SpinPoi has 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. Her groundbreaking work earned her the University of Auckland’s “Top 40 Under 40” honor, the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Future Leader Award, and the Best Doctoral Thesis Award.

For more information visit www.spinpoi.com

For use internationally

SpinPoi is the global leader in working with poi (a ball on a cord swung in circular patterns around the body) as a therapeutic tool. We support individuals and organizations across the globe with evidence-based poi programs for 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. Her groundbreaking work earned her the University of Auckland’s “Top 40 Under 40” honor, the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Future Leader Award, and the Best Doctoral Thesis Award.

For more information visit www.spinpoi.com

Bio for Dr. Kate Riegle van West

Dr. Kate Riegle van West is the Founder and CEO of SpinPoi, the global leader in using poi as a therapeutic tool. She completed her PhD at the University of Auckland, where she conducted the first scientific study on the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function. Her groundbreaking work earned her the University of Auckland’s “Top 40 Under 40” honor, the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Future Leader Award, and the Best Doctoral Thesis Award. Kate’s work with SpinPoi has been featured by international media outlets including BBC World News, ABC News, TVNZ, Radio New Zealand, and Māori Television. She continues to work full-time in the poi and health field, supporting a global community of Certified SpinPoi Instructors across five continents, and helping people of all ages and abilities improve their wellbeing—one orbit at a time.

Images

Click on an image to open high resolution version, then right click to save. Please note PHOTO CREDIT MUST BE INCLUDED wherever the photo is used. For images of the poi themselves, click here.

Photo credit: James Hirata
Photo credit: SpinPoi
Photo credit: SpinPoi
Photo credit: SpinPoi
Photo credit: SpinPoi
Photo credit: Age Concern Nelson Tasman
Photo credit: SpinPoi

Photo credit: SpinPoi

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Awards

  • 2022  NZ On Air New Music Kids Grant
    2022  Callaghan Innovation Grant
    2021  40 Under 40: The University of Auckland’s Top 40 Inspiring Alumni
    2020  Creative New Zealand Arts Continuity Grant
    2019  Best Doctoral Thesis Award, University of Auckland
    2019  Velocity 100K Challenge winner
    2017 Future Leader Award, The Royal Society of New Zealand
    2016 Three Minute Thesis 1st place winner, International U21 competition
    2016 Three Minute Thesis 1st place winner, University of Auckland competition
    2016 Brain Research New Zealand travel grant recipient
    2015 U.S. Exchange appeal Ambassador, University of Auckland
    2015 Friends of the University of Auckland US/NZ Exchange Award, University of Auckland