CONNECTING EXERCISE PROFESSIONALS
Led by volunteer ambassadors representing 9 regions across the country, the Exercise Professionals Network of Aotearoa (EPNA) is about connecting NZ Exercise Professionals.
WHAT WE DO
→ Assistance & support from your local EPNA ambassador
→ Local meet ups
→ Facebook communities/hubs
→ Post about courses you offer
→ Market job vacancies to a great audience
→ Discuss relevant issues/wins you may have in your business
→ Monthly presentations from industry professionals
→ Personal development courses/webinars/presentations
→ Network with like-minded exercise professionals
Our success is measured by the success of our exercise professionals, who engage with the community hubs and utilise our resources
YOUR REGIONAL AMBASSADORS
Marja Captijn
Co-Lead Ambassador
OTAGO/SOUTHLAND
Marja has been a REPs registered Personal Trainer since 2016. Having a background in nursing has helped tremendously in her observation skills, as well as verbal and non-verbal communication with clients.
She is married and has four children.
She is currently working in West Otago as well as in Dunedin as a menopause practitioner and educator, as well as a PT in the Otago area.
A holistic approach while coaching her clients through their fitness and health journeys, doubled by her engagement in her community, is what makes her boat float. Marja has also done her 200-hour yoga teacher training, which she includes in her PT sessions when needed.
She is excited to be on board the EPNA team and is looking forward to connecting with anyone who needs support, a chat or a friendly face to talk to.
Brooke Sheperd-Wright
Co-Lead Ambassador
WAIKATO
Brooke is a REPs registered Personal Trainer and has been immersed in the exercise industry for nearly 20 years, running her own pre & postnatal fitness business since 2020 and was awarded Group Trainer of the Year – ExerciseNZ Awards 2024.
While having children of her own, Brooke developed a great passion for training pregnant and postnatal women safely and effectively during all stages of motherhood. Brooke loves connecting with allied health professionals, and trainers, to collaborate and refer, so that women are looked after and supported throughout their motherhood journey and beyond.
Brooke is very excited to be jumping into the co-lead ambassador role with Marja, working with the other ambassadors, to continue the work they are doing within their hubs, and as a nation.
ABBY Strong
BAY OF PLENTY
Abby is REPs Registered Personal Trainer and multi-award winner.
- Studio of the Year winner (Studio Glow) at the 2018 ExerciseNZ Awards.
- Exercise NZ Leadership Award in 2023 for her dedication and excellence in leading the EPNA.
- In 2024, Abby was awarded the ExerciseNZ Award for her resilience, respect, and visionary approach to fostering positive change.
Abby is very enthusiastic about being an Ambassador for the Bay of Plenty EPNA to help support brand-new exercise professionals and welcome them into a friendly, encouraging community. She aims to build a solid following and an exciting environment to experience and feel part of, allowing a warm and friendly hub of learning and connecting.
Carol Pirika
Wellington
Carol is a REPs Registered Movement Coach with 16 years of experience in the industry, and her business, CP Movement, currently operates from Queen Street Fitness in Upper Hutt.
Starting her career in Melbourne, Carol left the corporate world to retrain as a Personal Trainer to pursue her passion for helping people. This came from her own experience of having a great coach who helped recondition her body from chronic pain and adrenal fatigue following a car accident. Establishing her business as a Movement Coach, Mentor and Group Fitness Instructor at Fitness First in Bourke Street, Melbourne, Carol has always loved guiding students and new graduates into the industry. She continues this work after moving her business back home to Aotearoa. Her passion is guiding clients through challenging injuries and movement, working closely with physiotherapists and medical practitioners to create a team approach to improve the quality of life of her clients.
Carol is married to Roger and is a mother of two children, Matehaere and Mahia and two fur babies (Moe and Toffee). She spends her spare time renovating her house and restoring furniture when not at her marae in Ohau, where she spends most weekends.
GARY SZABO
TARANAKI/MANAWATU
Gary is a REPs registered Personal Trainer and Martial Arts Instructor and runs a club called Tribe Fitness and Martial Arts.
His gym, “the hub,” is home to high-intensity circuits, kettlebells, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, kids’ school/holiday programs, and the list goes on.
He is an EPNA Ambassador because he is truly passionate about getting regular people off their couches and getting them fitter and moving better than they ever imagined. He believes if exercise professionals work together, we can make a massive difference in the shape of NZ.
KIRSTYN CAMPBELL
AUCKLAND
Kirstyn is a REPs registered personal trainer, fitness instructor, and educator specialising in women’s health, encompassing pregnancy, postpartum, pelvic floor, hormones, and menopause. She was honoured with the Educator of the Year award in 2024 and the REPs Award in 2023.
Operating from a small country town in Northwest Auckland, Kirstyn has established a strong community, empowering women to achieve their fitness goals safely amidst life’s challenges.
As an EPNA Ambassador, she is dedicated to supporting exercise professionals in what can often be an isolating industry. Kirstyn aims to raise awareness of nationwide support networks and connect trainers with their communities, fostering a sense of belonging within the industry. Through her role, she seeks to positively impact the longevity of personal trainers’ careers by promoting collaboration and shared growth.
EBANN MALAE
WHANGAREI
Ebann is a REPs Registered Personal Trainer with 8 years of experience in the fitness industry.
He runs his business, ‘Victory Bodies Fitness,’ at City Fitness Whangarei.
Ebann loves helping his clients feel strong and confident by coaching them on nutrition and fitness fundamentals in and out of the gym.
As an EPNA Ambassador, he is passionate about serving his community and helping local fitness stars up-skill and grow in the industry.
DANIELLE PAKI
HAWKES BAY
Dani has been a REPs Registered Personal Trainer for over 10 years, Level 2 Holistic Movement Coach, Stress and Management Exercise Endorsed Provider, Adaptive and Inclusive Certified Trainer, Certified Pelvic Floor Specialist and Prostate Cancer Exercise Certified.
Danielle Paki – Active Movement Coach stands out in Hawkes Bay as a leading Woman Small Group Trainer in the New Zealand Fitness Industry and was named New Zealand’s 2016 and 2019 Top 5 Finalist for Personal Trainer of Small Group Training.
Matt Howard
Christchurch/Tasman
Matt has nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry across several roles (Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer). For the past 10 years, he has taken up leadership roles and is currently the Fitness Manager of the Christchurch City Council.
Matt is passionate about sharing his industry knowledge and helping trainers grow and develop their careers in the fitness industry. He is looking forward to doing this with the Exercise Professional Network in the Canterbury and Tasman region.
CONTACT US
Contact EPNA
Exercise Professionals Network of Aotearoa
PO Box 22-114
Christchurch 8140