Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Education & Support roles | Healthcare
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Entry type
General entry
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Under training
$68,103
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Location
Varied
Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) play a key role in developing and maintaining the health, fitness and well-being of our airmen. In the Air Force, physical fitness is absolutely essential in maintaining good health.
As a PTI you are responsible for ensuring that personnel are physically capable to conduct their operational duties their careers. PTI’s also contribute to our airmen’s mental health and resilience, and support well-being and leadership development through team based activities.
Accepting Applications
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Recruit 3/25, starts 22 Sep 2025 Apply by 26 May 2025
Apply Now
Requirements
Basics
- Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
- Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
- Pass the Physical Training Instructor Selection Board.
Education
NCEA Level 2 certificate.
Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements
Fitness & Medical
As a PTI you must hold an extremely high level of fitness and self motivation. More information on the minimum fitness requirements of the PTI Selection Board can be provided by a Defence Careers staff member.
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
Period of Service
There may be a return of service period for this trade.
Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.
We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.
The role of the PTI in NZDF
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Job on base
In your daily role on base, you will conduct regular group physical training sessions with Air Force personnel, organise and conduct a variety of activities to promote health and fitness. Additionally you will assist our other health practitioners in conducting exercise rehabilitation, remedial training and work across military functional groups to support sport and recreational activities.
Air Force PTI’s facilitate regular adventurous training activities for base personnel to promote teamwork, resilience and personal development. Air Force PTI’s obtain qualifications in caving, abseiling, rock climbing, sea kayaking as well as taking groups’ mountain biking, coasteering and tramping.
You will be expected to provide expert advice to individuals, units or teams, and our leaders on all matters concerning physical training. PTIs are also tasked with operating and equipping the gym facilities for each of our three main bases around New Zealand.
Being a PTI can be physically demanding, however your career is largely a lifestyle choice and you are expected to be a strong advocate and personal example for general health and fitness.
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Job on deployment
As a PTI you will have the opportunity to deploy on operations with Defence Force units. When deployed as a contingent PTI, your role differs very little to back home. You will maintain operational effectiveness of deployed personnel by running regular strength and conditioning programmes, for both our Defence Force and other allied Forces or agencies.
Career progression and training
01Selection
Selection
NZDF PHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR SELECTION BOARD
(4 days)
Potential candidates will be required to attend the NZDF PTI Selection Board. This is designed to evaluate your potential as a PTI. You will complete fitness tests that gauge your potential in a range of fitness components - endurance, strength, power, co-ordination, balance, speed and agility. You will also be assessed for psychological suitability, public speaking, teamwork, leadership, interpersonal communication, and your potential as an instructor.
02Basic training
Basic training
Upon successful enlistment into the Air Force you’ll be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim). Here you’ll do 12 weeks of basic military training to find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and learn various subjects including:
- Organisation and Administration
- RNZAF Customs and Protocol
- Drill and Parades
- Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
- First Aid, and Search and Rescue Techniques
- Physical Fitness
03Job training
Job training
NZDF Physical Training Instructor Primary Course
(17 Weeks) Location: RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim)
This is a tri-service course held at the Defence Physical Education and Recreational Training School, covering the following disciplines:
- Anatomy and physiology;
- Instructional techniques;
- Class-taking;
- Sport Officiation and coaching;
- Fitness testing and
- Event Management.
ADVANCED PHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR COURSE
It is expected that you will have finished your task book compulsory training and proficiencies by the end of this stage. It is also expected that you would have gained sufficient experience working as a PTI to attend the NZDF PTI Advanced course.
04Ongoing training
Ongoing training
You have the opportunity to continue with tertiary study throughout your career, with support from the Air Force. Additionally, opportunities to further your knowledge through exercise science research are becoming commonplace for PTIs within the Defence Force.
Due to the constantly evolving nature of the fitness industry, you are required to maintain your professional competency and keep up to date with best practice. Throughout your career you will attend various industry best practice training courses, conferences and overseas training with other Defence Forces.
05Specialist training
Specialist training
Once you’ve completed your Advanced Physical Training Instructor course, specialist courses are available to you at various stages in your career:
EXERCISE REHABILITATION INSTRUCTOR
All PTIs are given the opportunity to attend this course, which covers the rehabilitation of service people from injury or illness, and qualifies you to complement the work of NZDF physiotherapists in returning personnel to active duty following injury.
Benefits & allowances
Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.
In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:
- Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
- Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
- Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
- Opportunities to travel
- Free and subsidised medical and dental care
- Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
- Free and subsidised insurance cover
- Help to buy a home and save for retirement
Salary & benefits
Careers in the Air Force are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.
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Under training
$68,103
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
Am I fit enough?
If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.
Medical & Fitness
The application process
Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.
Application process
Ready to start your Air Force career?
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