As a board member for ExerciseNZ, I will bring a multifaceted skill set that aligns to the right personal attributes—starting with a robust academic history completing an MBA, achieving top Strategic Student for my year. A 30-year career in Fitness, Club Management and Ownership, National Training Manager for Les Mills New Zealand, and International Master Trainer for Les Mills. More recently, I have founded four successful startups and currently Chair two boards, Rotary Hutt Valley and Women of Worth. My skills and experience are only equalled by my rich and deep passion for developing those in the fitness industry.

Reece has been in the fitness industry for more than 30 years. He currently works largely as a consultant to the industry with clients in New Zealand, Australia and China.

Prior to consulting, Reece was the CEO of Les Mills New Zealand for some 11 years. Reece has operational experience ranging from being a group fitness teacher, PT, gym floor staff, management, owner operator of a small club and large gym general manager.

He is an accomplished communicator and keynote speaker and presents internationally in areas of Leadership, Fitness strategy, Personal Training and Sales. Ish has an innovative approach to doing things ‘outside the box’ and has developed paradigm shifts around the way Les Mills runs its fitness departments.

I started my career in a community gym and then moved to Les Mills and spent over 8 years managing the Auckland City Club. I then moved to open Les Mills in New Lynn and have spent over 18 years managing this club which ranks no 1 on ROI, staff satisfaction, NPS and membership growth in the Les Mills group. I have worked in all areas of the gym and therefore have a deep understanding of the procedures and culture needed to be successful. I will commit my experience, passion and energy to Exercise NZ as it works to improve our amazing industry.

CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER

Ben has spent more than a decade engaged in various ownership and senior leadership roles within the health and fitness industry globally.

Ben is dedicated to the organisation’s development and expansion, as well as the growth of the New Zealand exercise industry, the exercise professionals within it, and the promotion of exercise to the community.

KAIWHAKAHAERE – Māori Partnerships and Capability

Ko Kahuranaki ko Ruapehu ōku maunga tupuna.  Ko Ngaruroro ko Whangaehu ōku awa. Ko Omahu ko Marangai ōku marae. Ko Takitimu ko Aotea ōku waka. Ko Ngāti Kahungunu ko Ngāti Rangi ōku iwi. Ko Kahungunu rāua ko Te Mātenga Taiaroa ōku tūpuna. Ko Benjamin Hanara tōku ingoa.

Ben joins us as Kaiwhakahaere to lead the crucial mission of getting more Māori exercising in Aotearoa. After gaining both a Bachelor and Postgraduate Diploma of Physical Education Sport & Exercise science, a Master of Science, to a recently submitted PhD thesis in Indigenous studies, Ben brings a fresh perspective into the Exercise New Zealand team through a Kaupapa Māori lens.

With a strong passion for his people and his culture, Ben has honed robust research and praxis skills over an extensive period of involvement in Kaupapa Māori research. His goal is to leverage these skills to elevate Māori cultural capability within the Exercise Industry in Aotearoa.

Ben has gained both national and international titles in powerlifting, played representative rugby and rugby league, enjoys diving for kaimoana and continues to engage in any sport that crosses his path. Ben now lives in Ōtaki Beach with his partner Terina Raureti and their 2-year old son Taiaroa.  

REPS MANAGER

Starting with REPs in 2008, Charlie has worked in various roles within the organisation, including both REPs Registrations in the beginning and Projects Manager for sister organisation Exercise New Zealand.

It is with that past experience that Charlie has moved into the role of REPs manager, now overseeing the register of REPs, its growth and its development.

Charlie first started in the industry in 2005 as a Sales Manager for two successful facilities in Ōtautahi, which after a short break away he came back to manage.

In his spare time Charlie enjoys the outdoors, being in the garden or geeking out.

EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR

Lydia has joined Exercise New Zealand after a lengthy tenure as a team supervisor and administrator at Alpine Ice Sports Centre.

While studying for the New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) – Level 3, she was recognised as one of the Top Performing Business Students at Ara Institute of Canterbury.

With an abundance of customer service experience and strong communication skills, Lydia brings a passionate, organized, and proactive approach to her role as Event Coordinator and Administrator.
Residing in Ōtautahi with her husband and two cats, Lydia finds joy in live music, morning yoga, and the art of a well-timed pun or dad joke.

EXECUTIVE & OPERATIONS LEAD 

Nathan has been with ExerciseNZ since 2000 where he worked part-time, while studying towards his BA and Graduate Diploma in Teaching.

After completion of study, he became a full-time employee and has held many different roles in both REPs and ExerciseNZ over the past twenty four years with the organisation.

Nathan’s main roles are around Supporting the CE and Board, Training the team, Finance, Special projects and supporting the team do deliver our events, and Awards.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Nikki has worked around the world in the fitness industry for nearly 30 years as a group exercise instructor, personal training, studio co-ordinator and small business owner and landed in NZ in 2007. Since then Nikki has contracted to many NZ facilities and enjoys a large exercise network.

She started in her Auckland based role with ExerciseNZ in October 2018. As Nikki loves talking exercise, her aim is to connect as many facilities and independent exercise providers as she can, she looks forward to meeting you soon.

Moana began her fitness journey at 17 and, with 31 years in the industry, her passion is unwavering. Based in Christchurch, she leads Bodyfix, a haven established in 2011 to make exercise accessible and inviting for all.

Moana believes in exercise as a pathway to a vibrant, happy life. Bodyfix, born from this belief, is more than a gym—it’s a community where members are empowered, supported, and celebrated. With a team of 20 dedicated professionals, Bodyfix is a testament to Moana’s vision of making fitness a joyful, communal experience, echoing her lifelong commitment to fostering health, happiness, and connection.

After completing her Bachelor’s studies in Sport and Exercise Science and Nutrition at AUT, Geena ventured into the fitness industry, taking on roles as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Nutrition Coach in commercial gyms. Fueled by her passion for high-performance team sports and community health, she directed her career towards Les Mills Group Fitness Management. Geena presently serves as the National Group Fitness Manager at Les Mills New Zealand, steering the group fitness strategy and overseeing a high-performing team of Group Fitness Managers, the National Trainer, Assessor and Presenter Squad, and the nationwide Group Fitness Instructor community.

My passion for driving and supporting physical activity throughout multiple communities arose while completing my Masters degree in Health Science in which I majored in Community Health.

I have previously worked at Sport Canterbury in the Green Prescription team to support a range of individuals and whānau throughout Ōtautahi to flourish through physical activity. I am now fortunate enough to be working at Christchurch City Council as an Active Communities Coordinator in the Recreation and Sports Unit. This involves supporting the engagement of communities to develop, co-design, implement and promote accessible, inclusive/diverse programmes, with the aim to improve physical activity, health and wellbeing outcomes.