NAERA JOHNSON
I've had the privilege of being part of the WFF family since its inception in New Zealand back in 2010.
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My competitive journey began in 2001, with my first national and international competitions. One of my most recent achievements was competing in the 2022 WFF Universe in Lombok, Bali.
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What brings me the most joy, however, is knowing that I've inspired many athletes to take the stage. I'm proud to be associated with WFFNZ, an organization that values kindness, respect, and fairness towards all its athletes.
LISA TAIAPA
I joined WFF New Zealand in 2016 and competed until 2018 we just started focusing on judging.
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I think getting on stage in a bikini and pair of killer heels is an achievement in itself however I think my journey as a judge has given me the greatest sense of achievement.
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As cliche as it sounds, it’s the people who are a part of our federation. Watching and celebrating their growth and journey in this challenging sport is constant inspiration.
Committee and judges
CHRIS BRINE
I joined WFF New Zealand in 2014. I have since competed internationally and also hold the WFF New Zealand superbody champion title.
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My greatest achievement has been Coaching multiple athletes to national and international success, including WFF Pro and Universe titles. One of my proudest achievements was coaching the first female athlete in New Zealand history to win a WFF Pro Universe title. Beyond competition results, I'm proud to help develop athletes and coaches, grow the sport of bodybuilding in New Zealand, and contribute through coaching, judging, event organisation.
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I started competing in bodybuilding around 12 years ago and competed in several bodybuilding federations before joining WFFNZ. What stood out about WFF was the atmosphere. It felt welcoming, supportive and genuinely enjoyable to be part of. The athletes, officials, judges and organisers created an environment where competitors came first. That athlete-focused culture is what drew me to WFF and is still what inspires me today. Being able to give back through coaching, judging, mentoring and helping grow the federation so more athletes have the same positive experience is something I'm passionate about.
SHANE MURRAY
I joined WFFNZ around 2012 and have been a WFFNZ judge since 2018.
I am based in Canterbury and competed primarily in South Island competitions, placing second on several occasions before eventually winning the South Island Men's Overall title. Winning that title was a personal highlight and an achievement I'm proud of.
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Off the stage, becoming a WFFNZ judge has been just as rewarding. It allows me to stay involved in the sport I enjoy and to give something back to the federation and its athletes. Without a doubt, it's the people that inspire me. Over the years I've met some fantastic competitors, judges, and lifelong friends through WFFNZ. The sense of community and the opportunity to support athletes throughout their journey is what continues to inspire me to be part of the federation.
PAUL MCSWEENEY
I have been the photographer for WFF NZ since 2014 and have been taking bodybuilding stage photos since around 2001.
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I am from Wellington and enjoy traveling the country and the world meeting new people and catching up with friends at the shows.
I love capturing the peak of the athletes hard work when they step on stage and following their progress as they compete over the years.
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What inspired me to move to the WFF was the more relaxed, family atmosphere at the shows and a an athlete-first focus.
KIERAN GENGE
I've been part of WFFNZ since 2021, representing Hawke's Bay as a committee member and judge.
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Standing on the Universe stage will always be a highlight, but the achievement I'm proudest of happened off it. I arrived in a new country at 23 with nothing, and at 29 I founded The Shredded Kitchen, bootstrapping the whole company from $1,600 in savings, and never borrowed a penny. Building it has demanded the same things the sport does consistency when no one's watching, resilience when it would be easier to stop and betting on YOURSELF ALWAYS. PERIOD. Do so much volume it because undeniable.
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I've always believed service is the greatest calling in life, and that serving people is its greatest honour. I want to give back more than I take. This sport has given me a great deal, and this federation is how I repay that debt.
TIM SMIT
I started my WFF journey in 2016.
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I've competed in 10 WFF shows since my debut in 2016. I began in the Junior Bodybuilding division before transitioning into Sports Model and Beach Model, where I found the categories that suited me best.
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Representing New Zealand at the WFF World Championships in Indonesia in 2022 is something I'll always be proud of. Winning the 2019 WFF New Zealand Beach Model National Title is another achievement that means a lot to me.
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For me, it's the incredible family atmosphere. The friendships I've built and the chance to catch up with people from all around New Zealand at each show are what make the WFF so special. The federation gave me so much throughout my competing journey, and that's why I'm proud to give back now as a judge and Christchurch Show Organiser.
GAURAV TANEJA
I competed for the first time under WFF NZ in 2016 and never turned back! I won the WFF Mr New Zealand title in 2016 and went onto receive my PRO card in 2018. The highlight of my career was representing New Zealand at the 2019 WFF Universe Contest in Korea, where I secured a top 10 finish in the open PRO bodybuilding lineup. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved with the WFF New Zealand committee and the judging panel.
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What drew me to WFF was its friendly and fair athlete-focused environment. I’m passionate about sharing my enthusiasm for this incredible sport and giving back to the Federation and all its athletes. Witnessing athletes achieve their goals, both personal and physical, is a truly rewarding experience.
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WFF is an incredible organisation, hosting over 25 international shows annually including the prestigious worlds and universe championships. Kiwis love both fitness and travel, and WFF provides them with the opportunity to experience these aspects both nationally and internationally. New Zealand is fortunate to have many dedicated and talented athletes and an amazing committee to back them. These devoted volunteers generously give their time year after year to promote the sport and fulfil our athletes dreams. It is indeed a privilege to have been part of the WFF family for the past decade and I’m so excited to see it’s growth in the future.