CHRIS ROBERTS

Chris is an experienced Sports Physiotherapist and the founder of Koha Fitness and Health Club. He first qualified in 1988 and went on to completed post graduate studies in Sports Physiotherapy over in Perth a couple of years later, he has been involved with numerous sports teams from Rugby league / Union, swimming and Basketball with time spent with the Harvey Norman Breakers Basket Ball Team among others.

In his younger years his sports of choice were Swimming and Waterpolo, representing his province on many occasions. Originally from England he was brought up in South Auckland, spent many years working in West Auckland and moved down to Christchurch some 15 years ago with three beautiful daughters.

Growing up, he had a unique journey that shaped who he is today. Born in England, the family moved to New Zealand when he was just 7 years old. it was a hard transition. His father faced hostility from some locals who felt threatened by outsiders taking their jobs. This tension lingered in the background, adding layers of complexity to his childhood.

Bullies made his days challenging, and he turned to food as a coping mechanism. He wanted to build a physical shield against the taunts and jeers, but it only deepened his struggle with weight and body image. As he grew older, the bullying didn’t stop; it evolved, following him into adulthood. Despite this, he managed to establish a successful physiotherapy center in Auckland. However, life threw more challenges his way. When he moved to Christchurch. The earthquakes shook not only the ground but also his personal life. His marriage had fell apart, leaving him grappling with uncertainty and the safety of his family. The weight of these losses plunged him into a dark period of depression and anxiety.

Yet, from that darkness, he found resilience, therapy, introspection, and the support of understanding individuals and his family all helped him navigate his way back to stability. He realised that his struggles weren’t unique; they were shared by many silently battling similar demons.

With newfound empathy and determination, he is transforming Koha Health and Fitness center into a sanctuary for mental and physical well-being. It isn’t just about fitness; it’s about creating a community where people, dealing with depression and anxiety, can find support and understanding.

He plans to expand my vision beyond the gym, dreaming of health retreats where healing isn’t just about fitness but about shedding emotional burdens. Through workshops, counseling, and holistic approaches, he aims to provide a safe space for others to rebuild and rediscover their inner strength.

His journey has taught him that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about growing stronger from adversity. Today, as he works towards expanding his center and hosting health retreats, His not just building a business; His building bridges of empathy and compassion, helping others find their path to healing and hope.