Overview Three key organisations support New Zealand’s exercise-and-fitness industry: the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), Skills Active, and Fitness New Zealand (FitnessNZ).
In a nutshell FitnessNZ is the industry association which exists to help promote the industry and cultivate its growth. Skills Active sets national skills standards and supports workplace training, and REPs operates the industry’s registration system and also serves as the industry’s link to the public. Key relationships
Key roles Fitness New Zealand
• Managers / Owners • Government • Media
• Provides support • Runs such events as conferences • Does research such as industry surveys • Provides resources to support facilities • Lobbies on behalf of the industry
Skills Active • Managers / Owners • Training Co-Coordinators • Employees (Trainees)
• Sets skill standards and qualifications • Arranges the delivery of workplace learning and training • Provides leadership in industry training
NZ Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) • Managers / Owners • Exercise Professionals • The Public • Education Providers • Health Professionals • International Portability Partners
• Operates and promotes the industry’s registration system.
All three are non-profit organisations that promote the industry and support its growth. While each has its specific roles and operate independently of each other, they often work together on projects that include a common interest.
Considering a career in the industry? Those already working in the industry should consider contacting Skills Active for information about workplace training. Those not already in the industry and wanting to work as exercise professionals should ensure the course they undertake has been registered with REPs – you can find a list at www.reps.org.nz under recognised courses. FitnessNZ also has resources to support trainers and facilities starting up in the industry.