Through Transitions: Connected by Sport, Movement, and Culture.
Dr. Siona Fernandes holds experience as a Bharatanatyam artist-turned-Olympian and academic researcher whose work spans India and the Trans-Tasman region. Her journey reflects a commitment to sport, movement, culture, and human potential.
Performing Arts | India
Born into India’s rich cultural traditions, Siona began training in Bharatanatyam at an early age. She completed her arangetram and became a formal disciple of her guru. She also pursued competitive sports, earning national-level recognition in basketball as the first female State-level probable.
Olympics | New Zealand
Migration to New Zealand transformed her passion for sport into an elite athletic career. She competed in boxing and became part of New Zealand’s sporting history when women’s boxing debuted at the London 2012 Olympic Games. This milestone shaped her mission: to inspire a generation.
Research & Professional Practice | Trans-Tasman
Siona holds a PhD in sport, exercise and public health and dual master’s degrees in sport and exercise and psychology. Her research examines how sociocultural contexts shape sport and physical activity participation, particularly among migrant communities, with expertise in Indian migrant populations. Her work bridges research and real-world applications to inform public health policy and practice that promotes good health and well-being and reduced inequalities.
She has served sport and academic governance networks, contributing to organisational strategic planning and policy development across local, national, and international committees.
Interdisciplinary Practice for Community Wellbeing
Today, Siona works at the intersection of public health, sport for development, cultural identity, and community wellbeing. As an accredited exercise professional, she uses evidence-based insight, practical exercise, and awareness of cultural differences to help people and communities improve their health, participation in sport, and overall wellbeing.
Staying True to Her Roots
Despite her global journey, she remains connected to her Indian heritage. She believes in the importance of a healthy mind, body, community, and sense of place, and continues to seek challenges that expand her understanding of her role and impact in the world.
Philosophy and Values
“My sense of achievement has grown from lived challenges and seeking opportunities across cultures, systems, and practices. As an Indian and migrant woman, I’ve come to deeply value freedom (liberal thinking), justice, courage, and compassion.
I thrive in spaces where diverse lived experiences are valued and in organisations that empower those contributions to support community.
Let’s inspire our generation to be the best they can be“