Nelson City councillor and community advocate Sarah Kerby swapped council meetings for the competition stage over the weekend, competing in a natural bodybuilding event with ICN New Zealand, one of the country’s leading drug-tested bodybuilding federations.
Sarah says the experience reinforced her belief that sport should be accessible, visible and celebrated in all its forms, particularly for women and girls.
“As a councillor, I’m passionate about championing women’s sport and the sports that often sit outside the mainstream spotlight,” Kerby says.
“Not everyone connects with traditional team sports, and that’s OK. Strength sports like bodybuilding can build confidence, resilience and community, and I want everybody to see there’s a place for them in sport too.”
She says bodybuilding has taught her resilience, discipline and confidence, adding the sport is about far more than appearance.
“It’s not just about how you look, it’s about well-being, consistency and proving to yourself what you’re capable of.”
Kerby has been preparing for months alongside early-morning regulars at CityFitness on Quarantine Rd, training at 5am, which she describes as one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
“The support from the Stoke gym crew has honestly been incredible. There’s something special about seeing the same people show up at 5am every day encouraging each other to keep going and checking in on each other’s progress and wins.”
She also acknowledged the guidance of her coach, Catalyst Strength founder Jeremy Fraser, who helped her prepare for the competition and stay focused throughout the process.
Kerby hopes her decision to compete encourages more people, particularly women, to try something outside their comfort zone.
“You don’t have to aim for a stage to benefit from this sport. Strength training can improve mental health, resilience, confidence and overall well-being at any age.”
The event was part of the growing natural bodybuilding movement, which focuses on drug-tested competition and long-term health and fitness.
Kerby competed at the ICN natural bodybuilding competition in Taupo.
“I placed second in Figure 30+. I’m absolutely stoked to have placed amongst such incredible women athletes, and I’m intending to compete at Nationals in Auckland in September.”
