Cosplay comes to Warkworth

Visitors to the old cement works at Warkworth may have thought yet another movie was being filmed there on Saturday, March 4, as the grounds were filled with all sorts of bizarre and interesting characters. However, the dozen or so people wearing weird and wonderful costumes were actually there for fun, not filming, as they were attending the annual Warkworth cosplay picnic. For those who don’t know, cosplayers create and dress in the outfits and accessories of favourite characters from films, books or video games.

Gaming Festival and Wellington Cosplay

PhotoFest, this is our primary socialising style of event and it also tests our costume wearability, durability and comfort.

“We get to see how they photograph and learn what parts need improving before a whole day at a convention, or decide to go with something different.”

Thackray said attendees often came from as far afield as Tauranga and Napier, but numbers were a little down this year after complications caused by the recent storm events, adding that covid had affected the picnic in recent years as well.

10% discount available to gold card holders (proof to be shown to the electrician while on site)

Attention sparkies!

Keen to take your trades career to the next level? Get in contact today!

10%

Warkworth-based Sephiroth Thackray realised a few years ago the old cement works was a great spot, not only for socialising with like-minded cosplayers, but for getting great photos using the ruins as a backdrop.

After spending several hours at the cement works, this year’s gathering moved on to the Wairere Scenic Reserve in Falls Road for more photos in and around the river and ford.

P: 09 422 3226

P: 09 422 3226

E: warkworth@laserelectrical.co.nz | W: www.laserelectrical.co.nz

E: warkworth@laserelectrical.co.nz | W: www.laserelectrical.co.nz

“I started the event in 2016 to increase the number of regular cosplay picnics and also to extend the trend north of Auckland, as the majority of these style events are from Auckland south,” he said.

Thackray has been involved in cosplay for 30 years and, when he’s not masked, madeup and wielding replica weapons, he can be found serving behind the bar at the Warkworth RSA.

Unit 1, 3 Morrison Drive, Warkworth P: 09 422 3226

Unit 1, 3 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

“Outside of major conventions like Armageddon Expos, Overload, Great Games With Pals, Anime Kpop and

E: warkworth@laserelectrical.co.nz | W: www.laserelectrical.co.nz

Unit 1, 3 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

He advises anyone interested in finding out more about cosplay to check out Cosplay New Zealand on Facebook.

Frost Fitness

Warkworth’s most established fitness centre, Warkworth Gym in Glenmore Drive, is changing its name to Frost Fitness.

This follows the sale of the business to Danny and Fiona Frost, who previously ran Frost Fitness in Morrison Drive, which has closed.

“The two businesses were a good fit because they were both focused on being friendly and community focused,” Danny says. After the difficult covid years, he is excited to be launching the new gym in a much more positive environment.

“We have some exciting plans for the gym but will take it one step at a time. Most of the Warkworth Gym staff have been retained, so this will help transition members to the gym’s new look and feel, including a new colour scheme and logo.”

Danny says the Glenmore Drive site is twice the size of his former premises, which allows for more flexibility in the types of sessions and facilities the 24-hour gym can offer. He plans to develop a more holistic approach to wellness by offering a range of services that address not only physical fitness through the 25 existing classes, but mental health and nutrition as well. He also hopes to develop stronger links with schools and sports clubs.

Danny’s aim is to be based at the gym fulltime. Currently he is the business development manager for Aspect Blinds and Shutters, and Fiona is a teacher at Snells Beach School.

The gym will soon offer Fit3D scans, which can give a quick and reliable report on a person’s body measurements including posture, lean mass (muscle), fat mass and balance.

“The scans give a much more accurate picture of where a person is on their wellness journey. The information they provide is amazing.”