Meet our physical conditioning experts
Meet Hugh Biss
Hugh Biss has a Diploma in Exercise Science and is accredited as a Level Two Physical Conditioning Provider through Sport & Exercise Science NZ. He began working in the fitness industry in 1994. Specialising in personal training since 1995, he is currently Irene van Dyk’s physical trainer (since 2004) and also the Shakers Netball franchise team trainer. Hugh Biss runs his own training studio in Silverstream, Wellington where he specialises in working with athletes and others with rehabilitation needs.
Hugh Biss has a strong representative background as a hockey player, playing for Wellington from 1992 to 2000 and for New Zealand in 2000.
Meet Mathew Blair
Mathew Blair has degrees in Physical Education and Nutrition, and a Graduate Diploma in Tourism. He began working in the fitness industry in 1989 as a gym instructor, moving into a career in personal training in 1991. Since then, Mathew Blair has worked as Physical Conditioning Coach for both the Otago Rugby Union (ORU) and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU). Mathew now runs Thyme for Change NZ Ltd, working as Physical Conditioning Coach for the International Rugby Board (IRB) and NZRU, specialising in professional rugby union referees. He combines this work with a position as a Senior Lecturer and Programme Manager at the Otago Institute of Sport and Adventure (OISA) in Dunedin, while also participating in the Master of Physical Education programme at the Otago University School of Physical Education (OUSPE). Mathew Blair has a strong representative background as a rugby player and has recently turned his sporting interests to adventure racing.
