About

Performnz IQ, exists to provide a practical, educational, and transformational foundation for athletic performance, empowering athletes of all levels to excel in any sport and surpass the competition. We are more than just a platform—we are a comprehensive journey designed to educate, motivate, and inspire individuals to unlock their full potential.

While we support athletes, our focus extends beyond performance. We use sport as a vehicle to promote health and wellbeing, providing insights into the pivotal role sport plays in fostering physical activity, positive pro-social behaviours, and a sense of belonging through community. By encouraging goal-setting, aspirations, and the development of good habits, routines, and structure, we show how these principles correlate directly to real-life success. Through sport, we help create pathways that empower individuals to achieve their potential, both on and off the field.

PIQ STORY

Performnz IQ is led by Pele and Maraki, a father-son duo who have lived through the highs and lows of high-performance sports. Drawing on their own experiences and a deep network of experts, including sports psychologists, strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, mental fitness coaches, and ex-professional athletes they bring a holistic approach to athlete development. Their goal is to share the lessons learned from their journey while connecting athletes with the best minds in the industry, creating an environment that fosters growth and excellence.

Together, we take athletes, parents, and coaches on a journey toward greatness, helping them achieve their goals and thrive both on and off the field.

Meet the Team

  • PELE AUMUA

    FOUNDER

    Pele is an expert in Strength and Conditioning Coaching with over 16 years of experience in high-performance sport, wellbeing, health, and functional fitness. As a former Functional Fitness Gym Owner, Pele has guided athletes who have advanced to elite levels in the NRL, Super Rugby and Netball. He is dedicated to creating holistic programs that integrate high-performance methodologies, mental fitness, and sport-specific training. His approach focuses on unlocking potential, and developing athletes technically, physically and mentally for long-term success.

  • MARAKI AUMUA

    MANAGING DIRECTOR

    Maraki brings extensive experience in high-performance environments, having represented New Zealand in Rugby League, Touch Rugby, and Basketball. Now focusing on helping young people navigate the sporting world, he shares his lived experience to inspire and mentor the next generation both on and off the field. Passionate about content creation, Maraki plans to share his insights through the Performnz IQ platform and its social channels. Stay connected as he shares his journey, offering inspiration and guidance through his love of sport and creative passions.

  • DR. HAYDEN PRITCHARD

    STRENGTH & POWER COACH

    Hayden Pritchard is a Sports Scientist and Strength and Conditioning Coach with extensive experience in strength development and athletic performance. A former international powerlifter, Hayden broke Oceania records in the squat and total and competed nationally in weightlifting. With a PhD in Exercise Science focused on tapering strategies for maximal strength, Hayden helps athletes optimise their training for peak performance. He also shares his insights through his podcast, making strength training and performance science accessible to all.

  • DR. LUKE ROWE

    SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST

    Luke Rowe has extensive experience with elite teams, including the Māori All Blacks, Hurricanes, and Central Pulse. As a lecturer at Massey University, he bridges academic research and practical application, focusing on hauora and high-performance. A passionate advocate for Te Ao Māori, Luke integrates mātauranga Māori into his work, enriching wellbeing and performance. His approach blends cultural frameworks with modern methodologies, fostering excellence while honoring identity and values. Luke’s commitment to empowering individuals and teams shines through his contributions to the sports sector.

  • DEAN TAIPANA

    PHYSIOTHERAPIST

    Dean is the Founder of Movement IQ, a leading Physiotherapy and Injury Prevention business with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He specializes in helping elite athletes prioritize prehabilitation and rehabilitation to achieve optimal performance and longevity. Dean is passionate about educating athletes on how to maximize their performance by understanding and practicing daily rituals that keep them at their best for longer. His holistic approach emphasises proactivity through Functionality, Mindset, Nutrition, and Sleep, forming the foundation of overall health and wellbeing.