Kinisi Running is built by people who run, explore, and drink a lot of coffee. Everyone here brings their own spark, their own story, and their own love for the outdoors. Here’s the crew behind the counter, on the trails, and in the heart of our little shop.

Meet Piper — Multisport Natural, Mountain Kid, Nutrition Brain

Born and raised in Wānaka (yes, one of the rare true locals), Piper grew up with movement woven into everyday life. If it involved being outside, she was in — which naturally led her into the world of multisport. These days she splits her time between running, biking, and learning the fine art of staying upright in a kayak.

What she loves most isn’t just the training, but the adventure around it: long days in the mountains, good people, and even better food — ideally finished with chocolate milk and ice cream.

Piper first joined the Kinisi Running crew part‑time during busy periods, and it didn’t take long before she became a full‑timer.

Alongside life in the shop, she’s completing her Master of Sports Nutrition and working toward becoming a fully registered nutritionist. She’s currently on placement with Snow Sports New Zealand, gaining hands‑on experience supporting athletes in high‑performance environments.

She loves yellow, shopping, running, and people — and somehow Kinisi Running brings all her favourite things together. She's always keen for a mocha and a good nutrition chat.

Meet Luke — Shoe Nerd, Mountain Convert, Resident Racer

Originally from London, with chapters spent in Chicago and Bath, Luke has finally escaped the city cycle and planted himself in the mountains — a place that’s always felt like home. They give him exactly what he craves: challenge, perspective, and endless room to roam.

Growing up as a classic English kid, football was everything. But when university life nudged him away from the pitch, something had to fill the gap. Running stepped in, and trail running sealed the deal during a stint in Whistler. What started as a way to clear his head quickly became a love for the places running takes you — and the people you meet along the way.

Before joining Kinisi, Luke trained as a Chemical Engineer, but it turns out he’s far more energised by people than spreadsheets. In the shop he’s happiest chatting shoes, training, and race plans with anyone who walks through the door. And if you mention racing, he’s all in — a bib number will always get more out of him than a solo run.

He’s here for the mountains, the community, and the conversations — and he’ll happily talk gear or training with you any day.

Luke in Numbers:

Height: 168cm
Shoe size: EU 42
Coffee: Black, always