A little bit about us
Three founders.
One vision.
John, Freyja and Matt met doing what they love… keeping fit. But it was their combined desire to help others improve their fitness and quality of life, that forged the real connection.
Our Story
John, Freyja and Matt met back in 2018.
They trained together, at the same gym, on and off for four years. It was easy to see from early on that they had very similar views on approaches to training and overall health.
While John was overseas working in Australia in 2023, the three of them hatched a plan... a gym that focussed not on a specific fitness methodology but one with the core principles of Movement, Feeling Great and Longevity.
But as well as the core principles, this gym had to have the best coaches, the best equipment, the best programming, the best space, and of course the best members.
And after about 12 months of looking for the perfect space, Hypha was born.
Our story
John, Freyja and Matt met back in 2018.
They trained together, at the same gym, on and off for four years. It was easy to see from early on that they had very similar views on approaches to training and overall health.
While John was overseas working in Australia in 2023, the three of them hatched a plan... a gym that focussed not on a specific fitness methodology but one with the core principles of Movement, Feeling Great and Longevity.
But as well as the core principles, this gym had to have the best coaches, the best equipment, the best programming, the best space, and of course the best members.
And after about 12 months of looking for the perfect space, Hypha was born.
Our Purpose, Vision & Values
Our purpose is clear...
"to actively enable our community to fulfil life long hauora."
Our vision is simple...
To build a thriving, inclusive community with a passion for an informed approach to fitness and hauora, delivered through the CrossFit methodology.
Our values are meaningful...
Community is our heart — We recognise that our community is our beating heart. We want members to stick around, so we build lasting relationships with each and every one of them.
Passion for progress — We help each other to learn and grow. We bring our passion to everything we do, with a positive energy and growth mindset.
Thriving longevity — We are constantly building the foundations of our members, our community and our business — laying a solid platform now, for the healthiest possible future.
Who are we?
The three founders bring together the perfect combination of fitness, business and customer understanding.
John Jenkins
John is a Physiotherapist by trade and has been practising since graduating in 2012.
John has been working in the fitness industry for the last 10 years. He has Level 2 Crossfit Coaching Certificate. He has experience coaching in gyms both in Wellington (NZ) and London (UK).
He has a gleaning reputation in the health and fitness industry for both his work as a physiotherapist and as a trainer. He is the genius behind our programming.
Freyja Phillips
Freyja started her career in sport and exercise competing as a New Zealand representative artistic roller skater. As well as coaching a number of athletes through to international stages.
Since then Freyja has become a trained Accountant and up until 2022 co-owned a very successful gym in Wellington. She is also Founder of fôrs, Aotearoa's CrossFit & Weightlifting Accessories Brand.
Freyja holds her Level 2 Crossfit Coaching Certificate and is a trained Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach.
Matt Ellingsen
Matt has over 20+ years experience as a business owner in New Zealand and the UK, working all over the world with some of the biggest brands globally and locally, including Sony, Nike, SkyTV and Les Mills, Sharesies, Te Papa, Jucy, Kiwibank, NZX (to name a few).
As a master's athlete, Matt is particularly interested in movement and lonvgevity for older athletes.