BBM Motivation is a community-led organisation dedicated to transforming lives through support, education, and accessible health and fitness. At its core, BBM exists to remove barriers and create a safe, judgement-free environment where people, regardless of circumstance can begin their journey toward better health and wellbeing. With a strong focus on supporting those who are morbidly obese, living with chronic conditions, or facing social challenges, BBM’s kaupapa is grounded in uplifting its community and empowering individuals with the tools to live happier, healthier lives.

A defining feature of BBM Motivation is its commitment to investing in people. Many of its trainers first came through BBM as members themselves, and the organisation recognised both their potential and the importance of supporting them properly. Re-engaging with Te Mahi Ako was a deliberate decision to formalise the skills staff were already using daily, build their confidence, and raise the overall standard of service across the organisation. Ensuring trainers held recognised qualifications was about valuing their mahi and strengthening BBM’s impact.

As BBM’s programmes continued to grow, so too did the need for knowledgeable, qualified trainers who could support members safely and effectively. This led to the enrolment of 12 staff and volunteers in the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise Foundations (Level 3). The decision was both strategic and values-driven — strengthening the foundation of BBM’s delivery, creating consistency across sites, and opening professional pathways for people who were deeply connected to the community they serve.

What makes this journey especially powerful is that many of these learners were once BBM community members themselves. They understand the challenges faced by participants because they have lived them — overcoming obesity, health conditions, and personal hardship. Their transition from members to mentors and trainers embodies the heart of BBM Motivation. They are living examples of what’s possible when people are supported with belief, opportunity, and care.

Weekly in-house training and study sessions have played a key role in the success of this learning journey. These sessions have created accountability, consistency, and a strong support network across BBM sites. Studying together has built confidence, deepened exercise knowledge, and strengthened relationships, while also lifting the professionalism of the entire team. The learning environment has become more than training — it’s a space where people grow as leaders.

The most significant transformation seen in staff has been confidence. Many learners never viewed themselves as “academic” or capable of formal study. Today, they are completing assessments, applying new knowledge in their classes, and stepping into leadership roles with pride. Improvements in communication, planning, and coaching skills are evident, along with a strong sense of empowerment that comes from working toward recognised qualifications.

BBM’s commitment to education directly supports its broader goals for community wellbeing. By developing strong, capable leaders, BBM ensures its programmes are safe, effective, and impactful. At the same time, it creates employment and education pathways for people who may have previously struggled to access training or meaningful work — reinforcing BBM’s role as a catalyst for positive, long-term change.

Winning the Exercise Te Iti Kahurangi Organisational Award is both an honour and a powerful acknowledgement of the mahi happening every day at BBM Motivation. The award recognises not just the organisation, but the individual journeys of its people — many of whom never imagined they would work in the fitness industry. It validates BBM’s commitment to workplace learning and demonstrates that community-led organisations can achieve excellence through genuine care and investment in people.

This recognition has strengthened BBM’s resolve to continue building pathways for staff and the wider community. It provides momentum when seeking partnerships, funding, and further educational opportunities, while reinforcing that the organisation is on the right path. Most importantly, it inspires BBM to keep creating life-changing opportunities for those it serves.

Looking ahead, BBM Motivation is focused on supporting many of its staff to progress into Level 4 qualifications in 2026, with strong mentorship and practical experience alongside their study. Beyond this, BBM aims to explore specialised training in areas such as obesity support, rehabilitation, and youth exercise. A long-term vision is to formalise an internal pathway — from member, to volunteer, to Level 3 trainer, to Level 4 coach — creating sustainable careers within BBM.

For other organisations considering workplace learning, BBM’s message is simple: start where you are and trust the process. Staff don’t need to be perfect — they need support. Creating space for learning, celebrating small wins, and checking in often builds loyalty, capability, and organisational strength. The growth that follows is worth every bit of effort.

At the heart of BBM’s commitment to continuous learning is its people. Staff, volunteers, and community members are the driving force. Leaders like Dave have long encouraged growth and self-belief, embedding a culture where education is seen as a powerful tool for change. BBM is driven by a desire to uplift others, break cycles, and create real opportunity — particularly for Pasifika and Māori communities.

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