Ministry springs fake gym physio

Jonathon Mann. Photo / Herald on Sunday

A fake physio has admitted 17 charges relating to operating as an unqualified health professional.

Jonathon Steven Mann, 38, pleaded guilty to the Health Ministry charges in the Auckland District Court this week.

Ten related to being unqualified and the rest to performing "restricted activity" while unqualified or unregistered.

According to the ministry's summary of facts, Mann emigrated from England in 2002 and studied at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic between February 2004 and September 2005.

He did not graduate.

Mann enrolled in Unitec's Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Osteopathy programme in 2006 but was suspended on "academic grounds" the following year and did not complete it.

He is not registered with the New Zealand Chiropractic Board or the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand.

The ministry started an investigation after a complaint in July last year that Mann was working as a physiotherapist at an upmarket Auckland gym and sports club.

Through his lawyer, Mann declined to comment. He is due to reappear in November for sentencing.