West Harbour's Dorrie van Roij talks to North Harbour News

Amy Baker Reporter from North Harbour News

Dorrie van Roij is a holistic lifestyle coach, who lives in West Harbour and is mother to two teenagers.

How long have you lived here?
I'm from the Netherlands and immigrated to New Zealand ten years ago. For the past three years, my family and I have lived in the West Harbour area.

What are the best things about about living in Upper Harbour?
I love the fact that everything is so conveniently close by: shops, schools, the city is at our doorstep and in no time you are in nature - a little bit of everything!

Tell us about your job.
I am a holistic lifestyle coach trained in many areas, however, I now focus solely on teaching Yuan Gong - a new and modernised version of the ancient art of Qigong. I really love my job. I connect with all kinds of people of all different ages and walks of life and feel privileged that I am able to help others feel balanced and complete within.

Who is the person you admire the most and why?
My father, who lives in the Netherlands. I think it is amazing how he took care of my mother for 27 years after she was disabled due to a stroke when she turned 50. Every day he was there to help her with so many things and was still able to run his own company. I admire the fact he can be so selfless.

What is one project you'd like to see done in the area?
I would love to see a project where we can support the people who are on their own in the neighbourhood, so they would be able to connect and communicate with others, so that they can feel reconnected with others.

Where's the best local place for a bite or coffee?
Gosh, there are so many places... From a nice coffee at the farmers market in Hobsonville to the Goode Brothers at NorthWest, we love Tank salads, and of course, don't forget to go to Tony's Takeaway for the best fries in West Harbour.

What do you like to do when you have free time?
Lots of walking with the dog, go to the beach and do lots of Qigong - moving mindfulness method.

What would you recommend to Kiwis or tourists this summer?
I would recommend a visit to Bethells Beach and Lake Wainamu in the Waitākere Ranges - two places close to each other, but both completely different and really exiting.

What fact about yourself would your colleagues be surprised to know?
I used to ride an off-road motorbike back in the Netherlands.

Learn more about mindfulness at Dorrie's 'A stress-free life - the holistic way', Hobsonville Point Secondary School, 70 Hobsonville Point Rd, March 1 at 7pm. Free event. Contact 021 517 197 to book.