NZDF launches new app via Saatchi & Saatchi NZ to prepare recruits for the entry level fitness test
To help new recruits get ‘Force-Fit’ in preparation for the entry level fitness test, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Saatchi & Saatchi NZ have come up with an innovative mobile app packed with training expertise from the armed forces.
The app will also be made available to the public as a free download for both Android, iPhone and in PDF form.
The NZDF is by necessity, one of the country’s fittest organisations. Despite excellent fitness levels amongst the active members of the armed forces, recruiters around the country have observed a growing number of young New Zealanders, interested in joining the NZDF, not achieving the entry level fitness test.
Says Tim Keating, chief of Defence Force, lieutenant general (LT Gen): “Fitness is a really important issue for us. On any given day our people might be asked to push themselves and their equipment to their very 
limits as they respond to a crisis or catastrophe at home or abroad. So it’s something we take seriously and we make sure our people have the support they need to help keep them in 
top condition.
“Defence Force personnel are passionate about New Zealand, that’s why they have committed to doing the extraordinary task of serving and working to keep New Zealand secure. We can see that keeping fit and staying healthy is a growing struggle for many New Zealanders, so we felt an obligation to do something that would not only help prepare our recruits, 
but could also inspire the whole country to join us in making fitness their mission.”
The ‘Force Fit’ app’s six week programme will help new NZDF recruit candidates get ready to take their initial fitness tests to join the Navy, Army or Air Force. It will also provide support to anyone wanting to improve their fitness levels and get into a good routine. The app is simple to use and is suitable for any fitness level. Best of all, it doesn’t require any expensive equipment or even a gym membership. It offers a back to basics, simple approach that the NZDF use every day to keep their force fit, and now, it’s accessible to all New Zealanders.
As part of NZDF’s ongoing ‘Force-Fit’ campaign, a launch video clip, bus adshels, outdoor exercise events and ambient signage will also be appearing around the country from today to help encourage the nation to get outdoors and get active, with the support of the app. NZDF Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) will also be on hand at the Fidelity Life Corporate Challenge series of events taking place in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland this month.
New Zealand Defence Force
Commander Wayne Burtton – Director of Defence Recruiting
Xanthe Prentice – Marketing Manager
Elsie Boss – Marketing Coordinator
Chantal Fisher – Marketing Coordinator
Captain Karen Tribbe – Business Projects Officer
Saatchi & Saatchi
Corey Chalmers – Executive Creative Director
Guy Roberts – Executive Creative Director
Slade Gill – Creative Director
Arnya Karaitiana – Senior Art Director
Neill McAlpine – Senior Digital Creative
Dave Sylvester – Senior Copywriter
Ross Davies – Senior Designer
Rob Flynn – Senior Designer
Emily Drake – Art Director
John Paul Twaalfhoven – Copywriter
Lorraine Guerin – Digital Production Director
Ian Hulme – Senior Strategist – Digital
Alexis Mousse – Senior Account Manager
Tim Turner – Digital Producer
Steven Ashby – Flash Developer
Anna Kennedy – Agency Producer
Tomas Cottle – Animation
Tias Somers – Studio Manager
Nick Browne – Retoucher
Pip Reeves – Mac Operator
Wendy Schrijvers – Business Director
Abi Jackson Burks – Senior Account Director
Abigail Skelton – Senior Strategist
Becky Kusel – Account Executive
Fee McLeod – Digital Client Director
Isobel Kerr-Newell – Communications Director
Application Developers – Roam Creative Limited
Ben Morreau – Director
Chris Moore – Director
Zac Adams – Developer
Josh van den Heever – Developer
Starcom
Tamara Robinson – Media Planner
Video Production Company – Gorgeous Films
Edwina Monaghan – Executive Producer
Rowan Webb – Director
Ollie Dale, Kent Belcher, Fabio Oliveira, Zac Blair – Camera Team
Zac Blair – Editor
Video Sound Design – Liquid Studios