Meet the founder
A life grounded in service
Matthew Crockett is a disabled Air Force veteran, longtime federal public servant, and sole founder of Manaaki Strength & Wellness.
From 2000 through 2008, he served in the Air Force as a Security Forces Specialist, including service in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. He was activated after 9/11, deployed to multiple locations worldwide, and was honorably discharged in 2008.
Matthew has worked in federal service since 2003 in multiple capacities throughout his tenure. He continues that service while developing Manaaki Strength & Wellness independently in his personal capacity.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Healthcare Management and a Master of Arts in Applied Developmental Psychology focused on adolescent, adult, and aging-adult development. He also completed nearly two years of doctoral study toward a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Psychology. Although life changes required him to pause the program, he plans to return, with an intended research interest in epigenetics and how environmental exposures influence gene expression.
Why Manaaki?
The name, the bond, the standard
Matthew's connection to Aotearoa New Zealand began with a visit to Auckland in 1995 and deepened while he lived in Australia from 1995 through 2001. Through Māori friends and family connections across Aotearoa and the wider Pacific, he learned about manaaki — the act of supporting, caring for, welcoming, and showing respect to others.
Years later, the word became the name of his Doberman service dog: Manaaki Tangata, known simply as Manaaki. The name perfectly described the role Manaaki filled in Matthew's life as a disabled veteran. He was more than a service dog; he was a battle buddy, protector, and constant source of care.
Manaaki's service reached beyond Matthew. His patience and gentle nature helped disabled children who had been afraid of dogs begin to overcome that fear. Although Manaaki's life ended tragically at only three and a half years old after he was struck by a vehicle, he died safe in Matthew's arms after a life defined by trust, courage, and service.
Manaaki's sister later had puppies, and Haruki, Manaaki's nephew, was born a few months after Manaaki's passing. Haruki came home to Matthew on September 7, 2024. His name, Haruki, represents new beginnings, and his presence gives Matthew an enduring connection to Manaaki.
The Doberman at the center of the MANAAKI emblem and logo is therefore not a decorative mascot. It represents a real life, a profound bond, and a standard of service that Matthew intends the organization to carry forward.
Carrying the legacy forward
More than a gym
Manaaki Strength & Wellness is being built as more than a gym. Matthew's vision begins with serious strength and fitness training and grows toward a broader destination for movement, recovery, and whole-person well-being. Its foundation is the same principle that defined Manaaki's life: care expressed through action.
Today, Matthew's adult son continues the family's tradition as an active-duty United States Marine.
At MANAAKI Strength & Wellness, together we will TRAIN. FOCUS. TRANSFORM. THRIVE.
MANAAKI 09/03/2020 – 03/28/2024
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