• Ko Ngāti Raukawa me Muaupoko ōku iwi. I whānau mai au i Hanana, ā, e noho ana i Porirua mai i te tau 2008.

    I am a mum of 3 girls and a Nunna to 5 mokopuna.

    I discovered my love for CrossFit in 2013/2014 and became a coach in 2015, starting with wāhine classes on Sundays, which eventually led to taking WOD classes. I achieved my CFL1 certification that same year.

    My mahi has always been about lifting people, building confidence, and creating opportunities where they don’t always exist.

    I have dedicated countless hours of voluntary mahi supporting others in exercise, sports, and personal growth. I am committed to instilling confidence in our Pasifika and Māori communities to keep our people active where opportunities are limited.

    Favourite workouts, DT, Diane and chippers.

    I am excited to lead our KOA whānau into this next chapter, I am committed to instilling the kaupapa that will guide us through years of growth and success.

BERTA HURUNUI | OWNER & COACH

  • Kia orana, I’m Pata. I’m proud to be a co-owner of KOA HQ while continuing my full-time mahi in the health sector, where I’ve worked for more than 24 years. Most of that time has been in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and Primary Mental Health services, supporting people and their whānau through some of the toughest moments of their lives. This mahi has grounded me and shaped the way I show up for my community.

    I’m Kuki Airani, and I live by my favourite whakatauākī, “Ka oho te wairua”, awaken the spirit. I have a huge passion for waka ama and fitness. My go-to motivation track will always be “Wake Up” by Rage Against the Machine.

    Outside of mahi and training, I’m a proud partner, father and a very involved papa to our five mokopuna, who keep me active and remind me what’s most important.

    At KOA, I’ll be more behind the scenes, but I’m fully committed to supporting our kaupapa and helping build a space grounded in culture. I’m excited for this new challenge and grateful to contribute to something meaningful for my whānau and our community.

ROPATA SEFESI | OWNER

  • PJ (aka Coach Peej)

    Proudly repping the villages of Leauva’a and Puipa’a, and born and raised in Porirua, I’ve been moving since day one, the kid who played every sport, tried every challenge, and lived for any excuse to stay active.

    Now at KOA, I’m stepping in as the Lead Performance Coach, bringing structured, intentional training with a vibe that pushes you to show up stronger than yesterday. I’m all about building power, sharpening athletic performance, and helping people move with purpose, but more than that, I love watching someone realise, “damn, I can actually do this.” That moment is everything.

    I’m big on standards, and doing things properly, KOA is the perfect chance to set the tone for something fresh, consistent, and built on real kaupapa.

    I come with PT Level 3 & 4 and Exercise Science Level 5 under my belt, plus years of living and breathing this lifestyle. If there’s a barbell or rig involved, I’m locked in, the heavier or more technical, the better.

    Throw on some 90s throwback beats and the energy is guaranteed to go up.

    I’m excited for KOA because it’s a new chapter, a clean slate, and the chance to help shape a community that works hard, lifts each other up, and moves with confidence and pride.

PJ IOSEFO | LEAD PERFORMANCE COACH

  • Baba (pronounced Bubbah)

    My passion for CrossFit started when I was struggling with my own fitness after my babies were born.

    I fell in love with the variety and challenge and more than anything with the supportive community! It completely transformed my life by showing me what I was truly capable of with consistency and hard work.

    Now, as a certified CrossFit coach, personal trainer and nutritionist I'm dedicated to help people build a strong, healthy, and balanced lifestyle, focusing on proper movement, sustainable nutrition and the importance of rest and recovery. 

    You’ll find me at KOA mostly coaching the lunchtime & Koa Fitness classes, as well as our Teina and Tuakana classes.

    I love watching people coming out of their shells, getting more confident and discovering what they’re capable of. I believe in the power of our community and aim to create environment where everyone feels supported, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, 5 years old or 100 years old.

    When I'm not coaching, you can find me in my garden creating a haven for wildlife, including my children.

BABA VARY | COACH

  • Kipo!

    I’m Kipo Finau, born and bred in 5024 Creekside, Porirua. Proud Samoan from the villages of Lefaga/Salamumu (Dad) and Vailuutai/Lufilufi (Mum).

    My role at KOA is programming for Koa Fitness in 2026 and coaching WOD classes. I coach to inspire, nothing beats seeing people grow, becoming stronger not just physically, but mentally too. Watching members thrive in spaces they once felt unsure about makes my role worthy.

    I thrive on workouts that push my limits, give me running, wall walks, and anything that tests my grit and endurance. The tougher the challenge, the greater the reward, and nothing beats that rush of conquering it.

    What excites me most at KOA is seeing our community, both new and old, come together, connect, and support each other.

    I love all kinds of music, you’ll catch me dancing mid-WOD, hyping up everyone around me, and just vib’n with the energy of the room. My own breathing keeps me focused and in the zone!

KIPO FINAU | COACH

  • Kia Orana, I'm Mikey. A proud Cook Islander, husband, and father of three. I'm big on family, culture, and leading through my actions.

    The values that shape everything I do. I coach within different group training spaces around Porirua so I can help as many people in our community as possible. I bring a mindset and conditioning style sessions influenced by my own business I've started called "The Trenches".

    Sunday morning Trenches sessions at KOA are where you'll find me coaching. My coaching style is old school - high standards, no BS, direct, honest, and 100% effort. Effort in my classes is non-negotiable.

    I've been coaching for over five years now, with a Certificate 3,4, and last year I completed my Diploma (Cert 5). My mission has always been to help create better humans and support people to change their lives through my lens - to show them what growth actually feels like and help them realise they are capable of far more than they believe.

MIKEY KAURAKA | COACH

  • aka Goliath

    I’m a locally born Porirua boy of Samoan & Tokelauan heritage. I was schooled locally and am a proud public servant. I’m married to a beautiful Tuhoe & Te Atiawa wahine and am a father of two.

    I’m part of the wider coaching team at KOA and also lead weekend classes. Coaching is a fantastic way to give back, helping people grow and change their lives through routine, discipline, and guidance.

    I’m passionate about seeing individuals transform when they commit to their goals. I love guiding people in an environment that lets them grow under their own steam. Years in leadership have taught me the value of patience, listening, and helping people until they no longer need support.

    I believe exercise isn’t just about the body, the mental health benefits that come alongside physical transformation can positively impact every aspect of life.

    I bring over 15 years of leadership experience, helping high-performing teams and individuals grow. I have an eye for detail and a solid understanding of body mechanics for functional fitness.

    My favourite workouts are either Karen or DT. I’m most excited about growing a diverse community grounded in te ao Māori and Pacific principles, putting community at the forefront and encouraging everyone to step into the functional fitness arena.

    And when I need a hype song to get moving, it’s always Let the Bodies Hit the Floor by Drowning Pool.

SAIA BAKER | COACH

  • Coach Kim (aka Timmy)

    Kia Ora! Ko Kim tēnei. I whakapapa to Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Ngāti Raukawa, and I carry my whakapapa proudly in everything I do.

    I’m the eldest of six siblings, which has taught me a lot about leadership, patience, and looking out for those around me. I’m also a Mum of four amazing girls and a wife to one very lucky man. My whānau is my greatest source of inspiration.

    I’ve been coaching since 2019, holding my CrossFit Level 1 certification, and every day I feel lucky to do what I love, helping people push themselves, reach new goals and discover their inner strength.

    I love gymnastics, barbell cleans and competing in CrossFit competitions, this keeps me moving, motivated and always working towards new goals. One of my greatest joys is encouraging new members to step into competitions, helping them discover their own fire and potential.

    I’m especially excited for the new year with KOA, embracing the kaupapa it stands for and connecting with both our current and new members to grow stronger together as a community.

    At the heart of my coaching is a simple goal: to inspire, challenge, and celebrate every person who walks through our doors, helping them become stronger physically, mentally, and as part of our whānau.

    You’ll usually find me, and my little voice, on the weekends, dancing to the beats and running you through a tough partner or team grinder.

KIM BROSNAHAN | COACH

  • Kate (aka Morten, Morty, Coach Kiki)

    I’m Kate, though around the gym you’ll probably hear members yelling Morten, Morty, or Coach Kiki. I grew up in Wellington and made the move out to Tītahi Bay in early 2021.

    I’m a qualified, classically-trained Intermediate Mat Pilates instructor and have been teaching since 2018. I started coaching WOD classes this year, bringing a blend of technical knowledge, calm energy, and a good dose of sass.

    At KOA, I’ll be keeping you flexible and helping you build a strong core at my mat Pilates classes. They’re a hybrid between classical Pilates, an ab circuit and a glute burner, so you’re guaranteed to feel it all over the next day. I’ll also be coaching WOD classes.

    I’m passionate about fitness classes being for everyone, regardless of their fitness level or experience. Nobody should ever feel whakamā about giving something a go.

    Love a workout with rig gymnastics, running and a box to jump over. I’m a cardio girl, so if there’s barbell in a workout, I’m gunning for an overhead squat or a squat snatch.

    I’m excited to keep backing the community I love, to welcome new members and to watch our members celebrate each other’s wins and support our KOA whānau.

KATE MORTEN | PILATES INSTRUCTOR & COACH

  • Shania (aka Nia – pronounced Ni-yah)

    Ko Ngāti Raukawa me Muaupoko ōku iwi. I whānau mai au i Shannon, ā, e noho ana i Porirua inaianei.

    I’m a coach at KOA, and while I never imagined myself in this role, being an introvert growing up, I’ve been surprised at how naturally coaching has come to me. My passion began from leading my teams to nationals, guiding other teams to competitions and discovering how much I love helping people grow and unlocking new skills.

    My lived experience has shown me how far hard mahi and dedication can take us. I’ve pushed past my own limits, and now I’m driven to support our members to grow their confidence and discover that they, too, are capable of incredible things!

    I love a good heavy barbell workout, but over the past 12 months I’ve fallen in love with the rig.

    What excites me most about KOA is growing our community alongside these amazing coaches, creating that community vibe where KOA becomes your happy place.

SHANIA HURUNUI | COACH

  • Coach Kris (aka Hamilton)

    Tēnā koutou katoa, Ko Kris Hamilton tōku ingoa .Nō Scotland, Ireland me Aotearoa ōku tīpuna. Kei te noho au ki Whitby, Porirua

    I am a WODfit coach, I enjoy helping members push past their limits of what they think they can achieve!

    My passion lies in two key areas; barbell tech and movement efficiency. I love to teach members the mechanics of movements and watch how everything clicks for them. When the penny drops, it’s a really amazing moment!

    People think this is weird, but I love burpee box overs. On a completely different wave length, I love playing music (guitar, drums, bass) and I released an album on Spotify 12 years ago.

    My favourite workouts are DT (12-9-6 of Deadlift, Hang Clean and S2OH) and Death Race (5 round sprint of 10 cal bike and 10 burpees).

    The start of a new gym is an exciting prospect and to be part of the coaching staff is awesome. I can’t wait to help shape the culture.

    Songs that get me hyped are anything heavy rock! Think 2000’s rock/metal.

KRIS HAMILTON | COACH

  • Kia ora team! I’m Ray (aka Rayzor)

    a born-and-bred Kiwi who loves coaching, connecting with people, and helping others become stronger through hard work and consistency. Coaching has always been something I enjoy because of the laughs, the banter, and the buzz of watching people improve week after week.

    I became a CrossFit Level 1 Coach in 2015 and have spent time working with local youth, coaching strength and conditioning programmes that help build confidence, resilience, and good movement foundations. I have a passion for helping people grow both physically and mentally.

    My favourite style of workout is definitely chippers and AMRAP, the grindy ones that challenge your engine and mindset.
    And if you ever hear “Eye of the Tiger” blasting, you’ll know I’m in my hype zone.

    I’m excited to be part of KOA and to see this new space come to life. Can’t wait to meet you all and train alongside our awesome community.

RAY TRANGMAR | COACH