Ora Toa Partners with Brown Buttabean Motivation to Launch From the Couch in Porirua
On Monday 25 August, Ora Toa Health will proudly welcome Dave Letele, founder of Brown Buttabean Motivation (BBM), and Kylie Norton, General Manager of BBM’s From the Couch programme, to Porirua. Their visit marks the start of a new partnership to bring this life-changing initiative to whānau in our rohe.
What is BBM?
BBM is a trusted grassroots movement founded by Dave Letele, dedicated to transforming lives through accessible exercise, nutrition, and mindset support. With a compassionate, no-excuses approach, BBM has supported thousands across Aotearoa to take control of their hauora.
Well-known across the motu, Dave has built a strong and loyal following, particularly among Māori and Pacific communities. His lived experience, straight-up style, and unwavering commitment have made BBM one of the most recognised and respected health movements in Aotearoa.
What is From the Couch?
From the Couch is BBM’s free 12-week lifestyle programme designed for people living with long-term health conditions, mobility challenges, or those just beginning their hauora journey.
The programme helps participants build strength, confidence, and healthier habits — starting literally from the couch.
In Porirua, From the Couch will be led by trained Ora Toa kaimahi and BBM-aligned coaches, including Roberta Hurunui and Kipo Finau. Sessions will run three times per week, with nutrition workshops delivered at Puna Ora.
Each intake runs for 12 weeks, with six cohorts planned over two years.
“This kaupapa goes beyond fitness and is about building resilience, creating real change, and showing our whānau that it’s never too late to start,” says Ora Toa Community Health Manager, Mel Haerewa.
“BBM From the Couch should be right around the country and given access to everyone. We’ve shown that it works, we launched in Whangarei earlier this year and now we are so excited to reach whānau in Porirua” says Dave Letele, Founder of BBM.
The collaboration between Ora Toa and BBM reflects a shared commitment to improving community wellbeing and building long-term resilience across Porirua.