OUR TEAM
Skilled. Kind. Effective.
Pick three.
We aim to inspire, motivate and encourage all of our patients on their individual pathways to getting where they want to go and achieving their goals - from injury recovery to running a marathon, and everything in between!
Come on in and experience the difference... Your body and mind will both thank you for it!
Brendon Hooker
Founder
Managing Director
Acupuncturist / Herbalist
Brendon was the first person in New Zealand to hold both a Western Natural Medicine double diploma and an Eastern Oriental Medicine degree. He integrates the best of both these worlds, blending the Eastern tradition with Western Natural Medicine know-how.
Brendon has been involved in Women’s Health for years, including clinical trials for period pain and the use of acupuncture with IVF. He heads up the TBW Women’s Health team.
Brendon’s underlying treatment principle is ‘finding balance’ and aims to not just help people feel better, but help them understand the reasons why they have arrived at their current health issue.
Brendon makes up one half of The Body Workshop Italian Motorcycle Club & Italian Coffee Machine Appreciation Society and has a love for music: from Deep House to Japanese Taiko drumming.
Julian Cloete
Director
Physiotherapist / Martial Arts Instructor
Author
Julian Cloete is a passionate physiotherapist, martial artist, and advocate for holistic healing with over two decades of expertise in both physiotherapy and the art of mindful movement.
Trained in traditional physiotherapy with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Pretoria and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mind-Body Healthcare from Auckland University of Technology, Julian combines evidence-based practices with Eastern philosophies to guide individuals toward wellness from the inside out.
His unique approach embraces both body and mind, aiming not just to alleviate physical pain but to address deeper layers of health, resilience, and self-discovery.
Julian’s personal mission is to:
- holistically treat patients as individuals with respect and understanding of their beliefs and needs
- manage symptoms whilst seeking to correct the root of the problem and restoring balance
- empower patients with the understanding and knowledge of self-management
- guide patients to the path of enjoying health and a better quality of life!
For more information about his work, including his book, please visit juliancloete.com
Jake Griffiths
Physiotherapist
Jake has been heavily involved in sports from a young age, excelling at both Rugby and Lacrosse, where he represented New Zealand!
After a significant back injury, he decided to play it safe and instead became involved with helping and treating sports people; from the seasoned athlete to the weekend warrior, Jake can help you recover from injury or improve your game and fitness!
His excellent assessment techniques and ability to get a quick overview of where you are at, help to speed your treatment progress and recovery!
Jake is also a very proud father of his beautiful son, Manawanui!
Pong Chau
Physiotherapist
Pong originally hails from Hong Kong, and came to New Zealand to study Physiotherapy in Auckland, where he fell in love with the NZ environment, atmosphere, and the friendly nature of the people, and lucky for us, he decided to stay!
Pong loves adventuring across NZ and has been taken to several different places over the last four years, as he is also a competitive athlete in Muay-Thai Kickboxing!
Having grown up playing basketball, football, rugby, and also dragon boating, Pong knows all about injuries, and these have helped to grow his passion for Physiotherapy and being able to return to the sports that he loves, stronger and fitter.
Pong's competitive sporting background has helped him develop a great understanding of strength and biomechanics, which he utilises within his assessment and treatment to get people back to where they need to be and beyond!
David Oh
Acupuncturist / Herbalist
David arrived from Korea in 2017, and is loving being in New Zealand with his Wife and children!
David studied both Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for 5 years in Henan TCM University in ZhengZhou, China. And then had an internship at their affiliated hospital for 2 years after that - needless to say, he has been very well taught!
While in Korea, he completed 2 years compulsory military service, operating as a Border Soldier to the DMZ. David also has an extensive background in Martial Arts, practicing both Tae Kwon Do and Kendo to 1st Dan Black Belt level! The skills and dexterity learned are applied to his Acupuncture and Herbal treatments and enable him to offer you refined and in-depth treatment.
Rosie Bremner
Physiotherapist
Rosie was born and raised in Tauranga, moving to Auckland to pursue Physiotherapy. She developed her interest in the human body through her love for sport and exercise.
Rosie has taken part in competitive rowing for the past nine years, winning national titles and representing New Zealand in the Women's trans-tasman team in 2019 - winning gold in the Women's eight!
When she isn't training, she enjoys spending time at the beach, exploring the New Zealand outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.
With a passion for helping people achieve their full potential, Rosie is dedicated to providing high quality, holistic care and really enjoys learning and applying her knowledge for her patients!
Hiro Kanzaki
Acupuncturist
Hiro comes from Nagasaki, Japan and brings with him a keen intellect to his practice of traditional Acupuncture. In addition to his skill in treating musculoskeletal conditions Hiro has a strong interest in helping treat the psychological factors like stress that often slow healing and recovery.
He enjoys many parts of New Zealand and would love to take a motorbike trip and ride around the country taking photos of the stunning landscapes and the beautiful nature!
Sarah Qian
Acupuncturist / Herbalist
Sarah comes from Hubei, China, and after getting her master's degree in TCM, she worked as a TCM practitioner in Wuhan where she started to put what she learnt into practice. During this time, she also got to know how to be a practitioner in a better way.
She always had a dream to go abroad, and after working in China, she got a chance to go to Singapore where she learnt the technique of deep tissue massage, and practiced it alongside what she had learnt via TCM. Now she is really good at combining some of these techniques with both cupping and acupuncture to facilitate pain management in her treatments.
In order to have a work / life balance she decided to leave Singapore and travel to New Zealand, where she loves to explore different places in the country - from the beaches to hiking in the mountains where she can enjoy the view and relax in the nature.
Liv Goodwin
Physiotherapist
Born and raised in Matamata, Olivia moved to Auckland to pursue her dream of becoming a Physiotherapist.
A dedicated athlete, she has competed in competitive volleyball, including winning beach volleyball tournaments and proudly representing New Zealand in the United States.
In her free time, Olivia enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, and soaking up the sun. Her passion lies in helping people improve their quality of life through movement, rehabilitation, and care, driving her commitment to making a positive impact as a Physiotherapist!
Cindy Wilton
Massage Therapist
Cindy has been with The Body Workshop for many years, building connections based on professionalism, trust and solid, measurable results. She has a passion for sports, specialising in pre & post event preparation & recovery, re-programming of postural muscles, and soft tissue injuries. She has treated all kinds of athletes from professionals to weekend warriors and of course desk jockeys!
Cindy is such a wonderful human being, and a Loved member of our Team – always bringing smiles and inspiration with her!
She is sharing her attitude of gratitude with all of her patients & the rest of the Team.
Colin Wrennal
Psychotherapist
Colin is a Counsellor, Family Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist (PBANZ) working from The Body Workshop on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Colin has been in practice since 1990 and works with individuals, groups and organisations in both the public and private health systems. For more information and to contact Colin please click the link here.
Susan
Receptionist / Admin Assistant
Susan is a 'can-do' person with a mature, healthy sense of humour and a passion for ensuring everyone experiences exceptional service and manaakitanga.
With a background in Holistic Healing and now a Rongoa practicioner, Susan brings a calm and soothing presence to every interaction.
But that's not all! Susan's early years were filled with athletic achievements, including representing her region in Touch Rugby, where she won Gold at the World Masters, and competing at a high level in Basketball.
"Mahia i runga i te rangimarie me te ngakau mahaki - with a peaceful mind and a respectful heart, we will always get the best results."
Jaimee
Receptionist
With a background in community work and holistic healing through Rongoā Māori, Jaimee is passionate about supporting the wellbeing of others.
Deeply connected to te ao Māori and a creative soul with a curious mind, she is always eager to learn, explore, and grow - valuing helping people and forming meaningful connection in all its forms!
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