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 Matthew Blair
Matthew Blair has a master’s degree in Physical Education, an undergraduate degree in 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, Matthew has worked as Physical Conditioning Coach for both the Otago Rugby Union (ORU) and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU). Matthew now runs Thyme for Change NZ Ltd, working as Physical Conditioning Coach for the International Rugby Board (IRB), specialising in professional rugby union referees and developing nation’s players. He combines this work with a position as a Senior Lecturer and Programme Manager at the Otago Institute of Sport and Adventure (OISA), Otago Polytechnic, in Dunedin. Matthew Blair has a strong representative background as a rugby player and a wide range of recreational interests.
