Network Magazine autumn 2016 | Page 67

NEWS News and views from the New Zealand fitness industry. We’ve done the ‘boring but necessary’ stuff, so you don’t have to! Health and safety compliance is right up there with doing your taxes when it comes to how appealing it is to most in the exercise industry. However, it’s absolutely necessary for exercise professionals and facilities in New Zealand – and only growing in its importance. This April, new health and safety laws will come into effect and, with them, significantly increased liability for facility directors and management. There are also new liabilities and considerations for PTs and group exercise instructors that are contractors (our research indicates this is around three quarters of all PTs in New Zealand). For many small business owners this is yet another legislative/compliance issue that can easily end up in the ‘too hard’ basket. This approach, however, is a disaster waiting to happen – not only for the individual or business concerned, but also for the wider industry. To avoid this happening, ExerciseNZ has developed a new health and safety resource for both facilities and independent contractors. The aim of the resource is to go beyond just identifying what to do, and to provide Klub Kiwi Drinks reminder simple and effective ‘how to do it’ guides and checklists, as well as sample templates for common activities. This is an excellent example of ExerciseNZ putting into action its mantra to ‘Focus on the big things that affect everyone so that facilities and trainers can focus on their own business.’ Facility members of ExerciseNZ will receive their guide within the next two months, and exercise professionals registered with REPs will receive an update at the same time, through their complimentary Exercise Professional associate membership with ExerciseNZ. Richard Beddie CEO, ExerciseNZ [email protected] 2016 Roadshow dates announced A reminder that all Kiwis travelling to the FILEX Convention in Melbourne this April are invited to attend the Kiwi social event being held on Friday 29 April from 5:30pm. As always, those attending FILEX for a massive dose of training, nutrition and business inspiration will be emailed details directly by ExerciseNZ – so make sure you register now at filex.com.au if you haven’t done so already! ExerciseNZ’s 2016 Roadshow dates have recently been announced, with the travelling event starting on 7 June and running until 17 June. Based on delegate feedback from previous Roadshows, this year ExerciseNZ is exploring different delivery options, including a new breakfast forum, while still focusing on the industry’s hot topics. For more details about where we will be, and when, go to exercisenz.org.nz NETWORK AUTUMN 2016 | 67