ABOUT TOPSHAPE
“Small boutique gym rooted in history with a big heart and a bigger than life attitude”
Sisi and Mann Short moved to Rarotonga from Auckland in 1992 with the intention of starting a new business in the hospitality, health, and fitness sector. Mann, a certified carpenter, and Sisi experienced in running her own salon business in Auckland as well as an aerobics instructor for many years, but their plans into motion with Felix Enoka, a close friend and business partner.
In 1993 Topshape Gym, Topshape Hair and Beauty Salon, and Staircase Restaurant and Bar opened for business, located on the waterfront close to Avarua harbour. The gym and salon were positioned on the ground floor of the building and the restaurant on the first floor.
Topshape Gym was the first gym to open in Rarotonga and has provided health and wellbeing to many locals and visitors over the years. Felix Enoka and Avera Hunter (Mann and Sisi’s daughter) managed the gym and led the way, running various group fitness classes, weight loss challenges, and nutrition workshops.
Staircase restaurant started off initially with an a-la-carte menu, renowned for their big juicy grilled steaks topped with creamy mushroom sauce, chips, and a garden salad. It was a popular dining spot for locals and visitors, occasionally entertained by Mann Short, known to many as the Barry Manilow of Rarotonga. Sisi and Mann were the first to introduce Island Night to Avarua township, held at Staircase on Thursday nights featuring the Korero Maori Dance Troupe. Dinner included a spread of local island favourites such as ika mata, rukau, taro, kumara, chop-suey, mainaise, chicken and fish. Over the years, Staircase hosted many events, including Raro idol, string band, singing and dancing competitions, karaoke, and stage shows by local and overseas artists. Staircase earned the reputation for being the best nightspot in Rarotonga to boogie and dance the night away, listening to a great mix of old and new school music.
In 2017, having worked for Mann and Sisi for over ten years in the gym and restaurant, Tekao Herrmann took over ownership of Topshape Gym and Staircase Restaurant. Tekao’s vision was to build upon the reputation and grow the business into the future. He set out to remodel and renovate the premises with the help of his brother Tuainekore and on 20 October 2017, Topshape Health and Fitness was launched.
