CHAIR

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.

DEPUTY CHAIR

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.

I have been fortunate to have worked in the fitness industry for over 30 years. Every day I feel excited to be a part of this industry knowing that my role has a positive effect on our members and community. A career in fitness is not about the money – you need to truly care about others, be inclusive of every culture, religion and sexual orientation and embrace change.

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.

Physical activity is essential for overall health, wellbeing and happiness. What we do and how we deliver as an industry is fundamental to achieve this. My contribution to the board and health of our industry is over 25 years of experience from ‘grassroots’ as a fitness/group fitness instructor and personal trainer plus management and operational experience managing programmes and services across a portfolio of recreation and sport centres for Christchurch City Council. This includes setting strategic direction, developing business plans, budgets and KPI’s to ensure services remain fit for purpose, maximise utilisation and revenue opportunities at optimal cost. I completed my Masters in Business with Distinction in 2019 with a project focus on fitness service delivery.

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

He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rangi, me Ngāi Tahu. Ko Benjamin Hanara tēnei.

Ben Hanara joined us in 2023 as Kaiwhakahaere Māori, leading our efforts to create a more Representative and culturally inclusive exercise industry.

Located in the culturally rich town of Ōtaki, Ben is deeply connected to a community that lives and breathes its Māori identity. He sees this as both an inspiration and a grounding force in his work.

Ben holds a Bachelor’s and Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, a Master of Science, and a PhD in Indigenous Science from the University of Otago.

His academic journey has combined theoretical research and practical application, allowing him to reconnect with his Māori heritage while cultivating a lifelong passion for physical activity and exercise.

Beyond academia, Ben has achieved both national and international titles in powerlifting, played representative rugby and rugby league, and spends much of his free time in and around the water with his whānau—particularly enjoying diving.

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.

IOC

IOC

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.

ELC

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.

ELC

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.