Meet your dietitian

Hi, I'm Cushla!

A New Zealand Registered Dietitian (NZRD) and Accredited Sports Dietitian with experience working with thousands of endurance athletes, weekend warriors, and everyday people just like you, to nourish their potential.

I am a New Zealand Registered Dietitian (NZRD) and Accredited Sports Dietitian based in mid-Canterbury, passionate about helping endurance athletes from beginners to elite, fuel for performance and longevity. With a BSc in Human Nutrition and Master of Dietetics (dist), I specialise in optimising nutrition for training, recovery, and everyday health.

I offer personalised consultations in-person and online across New Zealand, educational seminars and courses, host a podcast, and proudly work alongside the New Zealand Defence Force (Burnham).

 

About Cushla

 

I am an Accredited Sports Dietitian based in Mid-Canterbury, dedicated to empowering endurance athletes from novice to elite, while also addressing the complexities of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and disordered eating. With a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Human Nutrition and a Master of Dietetics (MDiet, dist), I blend my academic expertise with practical experience, offering personalised consultations both in-person and virtually to clients across New Zealand. I am also proud to serve as the dietitian for the New Zealand Defence Force (Burnham).


My journey in nutrition began with a deep passion for sports, particularly running as a young girl. I started my clinical career in some of New Zealand’s largest hospitals, where I gained experience across various specialties, with a significant focus on diabetes care, an area I remain passionate about. Over the years, I have cultivated my own private practice, which has become my primary focus, allowing me to provide tailored nutrition advice that meets each client's unique needs.


Commitment to ongoing professional development is a cornerstone of my approach. I maintain my accreditation with Sports Dietitians Australia, actively participate as a member of Dietitians New Zealand, and have pursued specialised training in managing eating disorders in sport. Additionally, I completed my qualification as a FODMAP Dietitian through Monash University, Melbourne.


Beyond one-on-one consultations, I am dedicated to education and outreach, developing online courses, delivering seminars, hosting a podcast, and engaging actively on social media to inspire and inform others about nutrition and sports performance.


I believe in the power of individualised, evidence-based nutrition and understand the overwhelm that often accompanies optimising health and performance, whether navigating the complexities of a busy lifestyle, managing specific health conditions, or powering through the demands of endurance events. I value the connection I build with my clients, ensuring that each person feels heard, understood, and supported in achieving their health and athletic aspirations.


As one of the few Accredited Sports Dietitians in New Zealand, I am dedicated to providing a realistic, practical, and clinical approach to help you nourish your potential and thrive in your athletic journey and life.

My approach

is built on connection and translating science to sense. I listen to understand, and support you every step of the way, so you feel confident in achieving your goals without overcomplicating it.

Nourishing your

athletic potential

Individualised

evidence-based nutritional advice

Specialised training in

eating disorders

Beyond nutrition: a life in motion

Fuelled by adventure, passion, and delicious food

When I’m not supporting clients with their nutrition goals, you can find me embracing the outdoors. I’m an avid runner and passionate skier, mountain biker, walker and gardener.


I find  joy in the mountains and taking long strolls with my beloved Bernese Mountain dogs. I also love to experiment in the kitchen with new flavours and foods!

 

Get to know me

 

 

Fave drink

 

 

Coffee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dahlias and Roses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fave blooms

 

Fave Netflix series

 

 

Peaky Blinders, One Day and anything by Harlan Coben.

 

 

 

I'm listening to

 

 

Quite often on repeat is The Chainsmokers, Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers and Coldplay.

 

 

Fave beach holiday

 

 

Noosa Heads, QLD.

 

 

Best advice

 

 

A PE teacher once said "if you always do what you've always done you'll always get what you've always got." That stayed with me.

 

 

Fave author

 

 

Freida McFadden.

 

 

Fave season

 

 

Autumn.

 

Building trust through connection

Strong relationships are built on trust and shared values.
It’s important that we connect and appreciate the same vision before moving forward.

 

Proud to work with:

 

Featured in:

Education, qualifications, & professional groups


  • Isak level 1
  • BSc Human Nutrition
  • Master of Dietetics (MDiet)
  • Member of Dietitian's NZ
  • Accredited Sports Dietitian (Sports Dietitian's Australia)
  • FODMAP & IBS trained dietitian (Monash University, Melbourne)
  • Training in Eating Disorders in Sports (Fiona Sutherland)
  • Training Peaks essentials (running coaching)