Our Story
A decade ago NZBMA grew from a mother and son dream. Originally being Blue Moon Alchemy, the business was founded by Dawn and Wayne to ‘shake up’ the health and wellness sector. Wayne, the Body Mechanic, began his Aotearoa New Zealand career treating horses before choosing to apply those same biomechanical principles back towards humans once more. Inspired by his vision, Dawn left her aviation career to help him build a space where authenticity and unconventional care could thrive.
NZBMA has reinvented itself so many times since 2016. While Dawn is no longer treating, her influence remains a big part of our core foundation. Today, Wayne continues the mission as the sole practitioner. He brings a twenty year hyperfixation on human movement to the Body Mechanic treatment, offering a peer to peer experience that feels like a high five rather than a clinical handshake.
We swap ‘spa fluff’ and ‘quick fixes’ for education and empowerment. Alongside his work as the Body Mechanic, Wayne also facilitates IDTS Connect sessions and SwimFree coaching for the Ōtautahi Christchurch community. His goal is and remains to be, the fence at the top of the hill, rather than to be the hospital at the bottom. NZBMA provides the tools you need to take charge of your own recovery, ongoing homecare and optimally have you move better for the long haul.
Curious? Book a session and find out for yourself.
About Wayne Armour: Your Body Mechanic
Notably, I don't just treat for money. If I did, I would have opened a spa where people pay hundreds for "expensive" ingredients and a relaxing rub while their actual physical and mental stress cycles remain untouched. Instead, I have worked my hands to the bone for over twenty years to build something with measurable merit. My work as the Body Mechanic is a direct challenge to a stagnant industry that often prioritises "relaxation" over the clinical reality of human biomechanics. When I first moved to Ōtautahi Christchurch my journey began working on horses. Working on animals is easily the most authentic experience for me. They don’t have any preconceptions, they don't rely on a placebo effect and they don't care about spa vouchers. They either move better or they don’t; it’s that simple. This is the same no-nonsense, evidence-based approach I brought in 2016 when mum and I created NZBMA. I treat the body as a high-performance engine that requires a Warrant of Fitness (WoF), not a gentle polish or tyre clean. My focus has always been to look past the symptoms to find the structural imbalances and movement inefficiencies that others miss.
Additionally, I "walk the talk" because my life and my business are built on lived experience, not just textbooks. As an openly gay, queer, neurodivergent practitioner who has faced the scrutiny and stigma of working in a field that is too often dismissed, discredited or hyper-sexualised, I refuse to accept this shortcoming lens. Whether I am co-authoring research on LGBTQIA+ healthcare, raising funds through gruelling endurance challenges like ‘Row Away the Blues’ or facilitating peer support through IDTS Connect, I am advocating for a standard of care that is inclusive, courageous and real. I’ve chosen to be the fence at the top of the hill because I’ve seen enough of the hospital at the bottom. My vision for NZBMA is not about maintaining a business, it’s about sustaining the community both mum and I have forged. I’ve spent many years working to prove that manual therapy is a vital, measurable science and a tool for empowerment that belongs alongside any elite wellbeing standard.
My work is an invitation to stop repeating the same cycles of stagnation and start demanding more from your recovery and autonomy. Whether through a Body Mechanic session, a peer support connection via IDTS Connect or a conversation on swim technique, this is all I have. I’ve put it all on the line because I believe a more inclusive, resilient and educated society is a goal worth chasing. This, like my Body Mechanic approach, is my authentic truth, take it or leave it.
The Mother & Son Vibe
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Dawn Armour is a dedicated and highly skilled Remedial Massage Therapist who’s passionate about helping people feel their best. With years of hands-on experience and a compassionate approach, Dawn has earned the trust and respect of her local community as a go-to expert for improving health and well-being.
Dawn’s expertise includes a wide range of therapeutic techniques, such as Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release (MFR), Sports Massage, Joint Mobilisations, Pregnancy and Infant Massage, and Relaxation Therapy. She’s also certified in Active Release Techniques (ART) for both the upper and lower body, making her exceptionally equipped to address muscle and joint dysfunction.
What sets Dawn apart is her philosophy: she doesn’t just focus on easing symptoms. She aims to understand and treat the root causes of pain and imbalance. By blending remedial exercises and body awareness strategies into her massage treatments, Dawn helps her clients correct imbalances, regain mobility, and move toward long-term wellness. Her goal is to empower every client with the tools and confidence to stay active and healthy.
Dawn knows firsthand the physical demands of an active lifestyle. Whether she’s training for health or recovering after a tough game of squash, she brings that same mindset to her practice. Her personal experience gives her unique insight into what athletes and active individuals need to recover effectively, prevent injuries, and perform at their best.
Beyond the gym or sports field, Dawn’s skills extend to supporting clients with chronic conditions and complex needs. Her genuine care and empathetic approach ensure every client feels heard, understood, and cared for.
Dawn is more than a massage therapist; she’s a wellness partner who genuinely invests in helping people achieve their health goals. Whether it’s managing pain, improving mobility, or simply finding some much-needed relaxation, Dawn is here to support you every step of the way.
Discover the difference with Dawn Armour and take your first step toward feeling better today.
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Health Insurance
At NZBMA, we support Southern Cross Health Insurance Coverage for Massage Therapy here in Ōtautahi Christchurch. With the use of their ‘EasyClaim’ Southern Cross will reimburse NZBMA directly. This is if you have the Body Care or Health Essentials module coverage (please check your plan and what it covers like massage therapy). You'll only pay any remaining contribution you're responsible for. If your claim is not covered, you will pay at time of appointment and can seek reimbursement from Southern Cross. Notable, Wayne holds a level 7 (Bachelor’s Degree) in Therapeutic and Sports Massage, is currently studying psychology (finishing this semester) and is a current registered member of Massage Aotearoa New Zealand (MANZ). For more about Southern Cross Insurance click here.