Entry Categories

The Exercise Industry Awards have a number of categories, for individuals and facilities that operate in and around the exercise industry. Winners in the past have come from a range of backgrounds, from all over Aotearoa and each define excellence and success in their own unique way- we invite you to enter yourself or nominate a business or professional you think are contributing in valuable ways.

The Awards continue to grow each year, just like the industry itself. With an ever-expanding range of entrants and an impressive calibre of winners, the exercise industry is clearly thriving. Many past Awards entrants have shared that the process itself was incredibly valuable, with feedback such as: “Even just completing the application made us reflect on our offering and how we stand out from others.”

As the industry evolves, so do the awards processes. Categories, processes and criteria (see more here) have been refined over time to better represent the diversity of facilities, trainers, and services, both large and small, all across Aotearoa.

Facility Categories

Chain/Group – Open to any chain or group facility with central ownership, and support from a head office

Franchise – Open to any facility part of a franchised group operating in NZ. Eg. Management and control is independent but has the support/runs under guidance from a national/head office.

Independent – Open to stand alone businesses, where all systems come from within the facility with no external support

Studio – Open to independent or stand-alone businesses, not operating as part of a chain or franchise or supported group eg: Mindbody, Allied health. Membership based cap = 500 customers 

Supreme Club of the Year – Selected from the winners of the 4 facility categories.  Winning a facility category puts you in the running to win supreme club of the year!

Community Awards

Community Award#– Open to organisations/facilities/individuals – emphasis is on exercise participation in a population that would normally find access difficult (may include no/low cost options, service for groups with special requirements or outcomes) must have been in operation for minimum 12 months at time of entry.  This award can only be won once – Groups can not enter different branches with the same programme in the future.

Te Piki Oranga Award – Open to an individual or organisation integrating kaupapa Māori into their places and spaces. Me mahi tahi tātou mō te oranga o te katoa – Let’s work together for the well-being of all.  Entrants will display a uniquely indigenous perspective; which makes, not just Māori, but all cultures feel included while creating an engaging environment to train in.

Individual Categories

Personal Trainer – Open to any personal trainer working as either a contractor or an employee.

Up and Coming PT – Open to any personal trainer working as either a contractor or employee, for less than 2 years at the time of the closing date of Stage 1.

Group Trainer – Open to any trainer providing group training style sessions where the trainer gives instructions, not training alongside the group. Suitable for larger groups if ratios are well managed.

Leadership* – Open for anyone in the exercise industry showing leadership and driving growth through professional development, education, or industry support. Ideal for team leaders or those behind impactful projects improving lives in Aotearoa.

Group Exercise – Prechoreographed – Open to any group exercise instructor teaching any style of group exercise that is pre-choreographed (i.e. the choreography is pre-set by someone other than the instructor). Eg Les Mills, Mossa etc.

Group Exercise – Own Choreography – Open to any group exercise instructor teaching freestyle group exercise classes based in an exercise business or independently (i.e they are responsible for the structure and choreography of the classes). Includes land and water-based instructors.

Yoga Teacher  – This category acknowledges yoga teachers within exercise facilities, studios and independent settings who integrate both body and mind practices into their sessions, offering students a holistic experience of wellness.

Fitness Pilates Instructor Award (New in 2025!) + – Open to instructors delivering Fitness Pilates within gym settings, group exercise environments, or hybrid fitness spaces. This category highlights professionals who blend Pilates principles with contemporary fitness methodologies to enhance functional movement and overall well-being of healthy people.

Pilates Method Teacher + – Open to Pilates Method Teachers who are comprehensively qualified and demonstrate excellence in delivering the Pilates Method. Candidates must currently be working in exercise facilities, studios, or independent settings, and embody a deep understanding of the Pilates principles. 

Educator^ – Open to any person who supports exercise professionals in either a lecturing, training or mentoring role. The role may be at the qualification level or in ongoing education. Includes non-NZ-based entrants but they must be working in New Zealand, and have made an impact on the NZ Exercise Industry.

Student * – This category is by nomination from a REPs registered initial education provider only – Once nominated, students complete the entry process. Eligibility: Students (part or full time) that have been nominated by the REPs registered initial training provider they are currently enrolled with this calendar year.

Special Awards Categories

All Awards below are awarded based on special merit and chosen by the organisations listed. Note: None of these awards have an entry process, although you can always suggest names to organisations giving out the award.

ExerciseNZ Award – for contribution to the industry

Te Mahi Ako: Te Iti Kahurangi & Manukura Awards – chosen by Te Mahi Ako senior management team. 

Yoga New Zealand Award – chosen by YogaNZ Council for outstanding contribution to the yoga community.

REPs New Zealand Award – for contribution to education and standards.

Pilates Aotearoa Award – chosen by Pilates Aotearoa Council for their outstanding contribution to the Pilates community.

Entry Requirement and General Information

Nominations are not required  – you can enter directly by clicking the Enter Here links (during the entry period).

Note: If an Individual or Facility wins the same award category two years in a row they are not eligable to enter that category in the following year.

Entry into the Awards is a staged process, with judging occurring at each level, information on what is required at each step is listed above. All entrants are notified if they have been selected for the next level with details of any further steps required.

All categories require a formal entry from the individual or person within the facility.

Nominations are to let you know someone thinks you should enter – only actual entries are considered – if you do not enter you will not be able to be considered.

ALL Categories except those indicated with the marks below require Registration with REPs.

# REPs registration may be required depending on who delivers the exercise advice

^ If the entrant runs courses, the course must be a  CPD / Initial training provider. Individual registration is required if they  prescribes exercise to the public (e.g. the entrant is a PT as well as an educator).

* REPs Registration is not required for this category

+ Pilates Aotearoa registration required