Aiga Pouoa, or AJ, is an accomplished health and fitness professional, entrepreneur, and community contributor, despite being a T3 paraplegic. She was born in Christchurch and spent some time in Australia with her family before returning to Aotearoa. Before her accident in 2016, AJ was a talented rugby and rugby league player, as well as a skilled boxer. Unfortunately, her accident resulted in a broken back, broken ribs, and punctured lungs.

 

AJ's passion for promoting health and wellbeing has earned accolades including the Pacific Futures Pasifika Award for Health & Wellbeing 2018 and Attitude Trust Entrepreneur nominee 2019.

 

In addition to owning her business, Ryze Fitness, AJ serves as a board member of Tōfā Mamao Collective, the Tangaroa Collective and the Pacific Health Board. Her ultimate goal is to create an inclusive fitness facility for people of all abilities and to inspire those who lack confidence to uplift themselves.