A Queenstown health and fitness instructor has been named as a finalist in the New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards.
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) personal training programme manager Ed Baranowski was nominated by his students for Educator of the Year in the Education, Initiative and Community Awards category.
Mr Baranowski is the second SIT tutor in the past two years to be named as a finalist. Last year, Richard Greer, from the Christchurch campus, won the same award for his commitment, course content and delivery style.
Designed to recognise those making a contribution to the health and wellness of New Zealanders, the Exercise Industry Awards have become an annual event since their inception in 2005.
Mr Baranowski said his career had followed his passion for fitness, going from a personal trainer working in gyms to co-owning and operating three fitness centres.
He became a tutor because he wanted to pass on his knowledge and experience.
Mr Baranowski had worked as a high performance strength and fitness conditioner with professional sports teams, including 20 years within top English premier league football teams.
After arriving in New Zealand in 2007, he had worked for the Wellington Phoenix, Mainland Football, the New Zealand Men's U21 national football team and had tutored part-time within tertiary institutions, including SIT.
Winners will be announced at an awards dinner on November 21.
