OUR TEAM
The Pilates Aotearoa Council, Senior Leadership & Linked Associations
INTERIM COUNCIL
STEPHAINE HADLEY
Council Chairperson
Stephanie comes from a fitness, Pilates, legal and governance background. Stephanie saw a need within the Pilates industry and wanted to utilise her governance skills and connections to help unite the Pilates industry in New Zealand, improve access to education, and maintain high standards for the profession going forward into a new era. She is a qualified Mat and Reformer Pilates teacher and holds a Diploma of Clinical Pilates.
ABBEY PARSONS
Council Member
Abbey owns Movementor Pilates in Christchurch and is an Educator and Mentor for Polestar Pilates NZ teacher training. Abbey started her Pilates journey at the NZ School of Dance before becoming a nurse in the early 2000s. Abbey holds Polestar Pilates Mat and Comprehensive Pilates qualifications, is a Franklin Method Level 1 educator and studied Myofascial Release with Beth Beauchamp.
“I am passionate about quality education and training for up and coming pilates teachers and hope the Pilates Aotearoa strengthens the community and grows public awareness”.
MARCO DINGEMANS
Council Member
Marco is an authentic Pilates comprehensively certified teacher. Trained in both London and Auckland he owns Contrology Gymnasium, a fully equipped Pilates Studio in Queenstown.
“Creating an inclusive NZ-wide platform for the Pilates industry and establishing a united Pilates voice are the reasons why I became involved in Pilates Aotearoa”.
TANIA HUDDART
Council Member
Tania is a Pilates Teacher Trainer, a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT), and the owner of
Hearts and Bones Pilates® Centre. Tania’s life has always revolved around movement.
“I discovered Pilates in 1995 and it changed the course of my life. I love training teachers to be the best they can be. I am happy to add my knowledge and support to the development of Pilates Aotearoa.” Tania is also a myofascial release therapist and Pilates business coach.”
CLAIRE HEWITT
Council Member
Claire is a Registered Osteopath and Fully Certified Pilates Instructor. Claire has over 15 years experience teaching pilates, completing her first comprehensive certification in 2004 with Pilates International Training Centre (PITC), Australia. She has also worked with Polestar Pilates NZ and completed the BASI Comprehensive Certification.
Claire has mentored many pilates instructors since owning her own studio and is excited to be involved in the inception of an organisation that supports those working within the pilates industry, and works to maintain a high standard of pilates instruction here in New Zealand.
SIMONE WAGENAAR
Council Member
Simone is a BASI Pilates Comprehensively Trained and local Faculty for BASI Pilates in New Zealand. She also owns The Physio Pilates Studio in Auckland.
“I wanted to be involved in Pilates Aotearoa because I am passionate about quality Pilates education and connection matters to my community. Teaching with compassion and striving for excellence is part of our values and we believe in an inclusive Pilates Community representing us all.”
MAREE SEERDEN
Council Member
Maree is director of Polestar Pilates NZ.
“My roots to Pilates started in London back in the late 80s. I now have invested over 30 years of working in the industry, including introducing Pilates to New Zealand back in 1995. My role in Pilates Aotearoa is to guide and ensure we create an inclusive community and to ensure we are drawing all Pilates Professionals together with the same goals and visions of maintaining the standards of our industry.”
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
RICHARD BEDDIE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Richard is the previous owner of fitness centres in Christchurch for 15 years, and has worked in the industry for over 20 years. He has been involved with ExerciseNZ since 1998, and President from 1999-2005.
Richard has a Bachelor of Science in Statistics, and completed a Masters degree (MBA) specialising in the fitness industry. Richard presents internationally on fitness industry trends and has a passion for helping businesses realise their potential.
BEN MANN
CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER
Ben has spent more than a decade engaged in various ownership and senior leadership roles within the health and wellness sector globally.
Ben is responsible for the operational execution of Exercise New Zealand (and the umbrella of organisations within) as Chief Operating Officer, while also directing his marketing and coaching enterprises.
Ben is dedicated to the organisation’s development and expansion, as well as the growth of the New Zealand exercise industry, the exercise professionals within it, and the promotion of exercise to the community.
LINKED ASSOCIATIONS
Our parent organisation, Exercise New Zealand, is the peak body that represents New Zealand’s exercise industry. EXNZ are committed to supporting the industry through advocacy, resources, standards and education.
Our sister organisation, the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), is the quality mark of exercise professionals and facilities in New Zealand. All Pilates Aotearoa individual members will also recieve REPs registration, and the benefits that entitles.