Network Magazine Winter 2016 | Page 67

NEWS News and views from the New Zealand fitness industry. Sugar – to tax or not to tax, that is the question. The answer is education. Recently there has been pressure put on the New Zealand Government to tax sugar, especially in high sugar drinks, by those who link its increased consumption to New Zealand’s high obesity levels. At the same time, evidence has been presented by a New Zealand-based think tank purporting to show that sugar taxes do not reduce obesity and are little more than a ‘revenue grab’ by governments. While the jury is out on whether or not sugar-based taxes are desirable, or even effective, what is clear is that to change New Zealand’s climbing obesity levels, a combination of dietary changes and increased physical activity levels is necessary. For that reason, the qualifications that New Zealand exercise professionals will be required to undertake to meet the newly developed NZQA New Zealand certificates will have an increased focus on nutrition, and in particular how diet and exercise work together to help clients achieve their goals. The new qualifications are being developed for the NZQA framework through a collaborative process facilitated by Skills Active Aotearoa, which includes input from education providers, employers and employees. REPs Election The New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) recently held its election for the exercise professional elected board member, and has announced Kris Tynan has been re-elected as a board member. The board is made up of three individuals – one appointed by ExerciseNZ, one elected by exercise professionals, and an independent chairperson. For more details on REPs, visit reps.org.nz The new qualifications are likely to be in place by the end of 2016, and delivered soon after that. New Zealand’s registration body for Exercise Professionals, REPs, is supportive of the new qualifications’ direction, as is Exercise New Zealand, the industry body. With the delivery of the new qualifications, exercise professionals will be even better positioned to support New Zealanders and, together with the government, work on ways to reduce obesity, as well as the significant financial burden it is placing on New Zealand’s public health system. So, while sugar taxes are being debated, the exercise industry is doing its bit to educate, motivate and inspire Kiwis to be more active and eat more healthily – and yes, that likely means less sugar! Richard Beddie CEO, ExerciseNZ [email protected] Record applications to present at New Zealand’s Exercise Conference Industry Awards entries open FitEx, NZ’s conference focusing on the science and business of fitness and exercise, has had record applications from both national and international presenters, with almost 100 individuals applying to deliver sessions. Held in late November each year at AUT University in Auckland, this year the schedule is likely to include over 90 sessions ranging from business to yoga, and from exercise trends to nutrition (and everything in between). With last year’s event having over 700 attendees, FitEx in 2016 looks set to be New Zealand’s must-attend event for the collective exercise industry. Entries are now open for the 2016 Exercise Industry Awards. Designed to recognise the great work of those who work in fitness, there are over a dozen categories to reflect the diverse nature of the industry – with everything from mind body instructors through to categories for large facilities receiving acknowledgement. As in previous years, individuals and businesses can self-nominate, and individuals/facilities can be nominated by anyone, which is a great way to recognise your personal trainer or a yoga instructor at your local studio, or any individual or business that is doing extra special work to improve the health and wellness of those in New Zealand. For more information on FitEx, visit fitex.co.nz For full details, or to nominate, visit exerciseindustryawards.co.nz NETWORK WINTER 2016 | 67