Two West Wave staff win New Zealand Fitness Awards

Cindy Stewart and Romina Veseli from Auckland's West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre scooped prizes at the recent 2014 New Zealand Fitness Awards.

Stewart won the Community Excellence Award while Vesli took out the Outstanding Club Support Person title.

The West Wave pair were among four Auckland Council staff who were recognised at the annual awards. The other two were Matt Nash (Marina Fitness) and Barbara Joseph (Otara Pool and Leisure Centre), who were both finalists in the Gym Instructor of the Year category.

Auckland Council Pools and Leisure Manager Rob McGee says to have two winners and two finalists is a "superb achievement" for the Council’s network of aquatic, fitness and receation centres, and shows that they are delivering not only top quality programmes but some ground-breaking initiatives.

One of those initiatives is the West Wave Wellness Long-Term Programme, driven by Stewart.

The senior fitness instructor has been at the Henderson-based centre for 12 years, and for the past eight has worked closely with Health West and the Green Prescription programme opening doors to referrals from the community.

She explains "to achieve our vision of getting people into exercise we needed to illustrate the benefits of physical activity, which has improved our clients’ motivation and self-belief."

Recently Stewart has also been able to deliver hydrotherapy and aqua aerobic classes to help people with health issues such as stroke, arthritis and cardiac problems.

Veseli has worked at West Wave since 2009 and is currently the Fitness Team Leader. She helps run the club’s events and special initiatives such as the weight loss club, running club and the wellness programme.

Auckland Council is committed to increasing individual and community wellbeing through participation in recreation and sport.

Now in their 10th year and coordinated by industry association the Exercise Association of New Zealand, the New Zealand Fitness Industry Awards celebrate the dedication and success of the country’s world-class fitness leaders and the important role they play in the health of New Zealand society.

The 2014 Awards had 19 categories, looking at both individuals and facilities that operate across the fitness/exercise industry.  

24th November 2014 - LES MILLS CHRISTCHURCH AGAIN NAMED NEW ZEALAND’S BEST FITNESS CLUB

15th November 2014 - NEW ZEALAND FITNESS AWARDS SET FOR LIVE JUDGING EVENT

10th November 2009 - WEST WAVE AQUATIC CENTRE NAMED WAITAKERE’S BEST LARGE BUSINESS 

27th May 2009 - NOT ENOUGH POOLS TO STAY AFLOAT  

19th September 2008 - NZRA AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

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