Our Staff

Staff

Name

Jen

General Manager

Jen has been the general manager at Wharenui since 2019. Before joining the team, she coached netball at the national and regional levels. Jen's key focus has been reestablishing Wharenui as a key assist for all, You will often hear Jen refer to Wharenui as the Totara of the Riccarton community, with roots that run deep and a canopy that embraces all who stand under it.

Champion 2

Carl

Director of Coaching

Carl has been involved in swimming since childhood, starting with the Wharenui Swim Team and eventually returning as Director of Coaching in 2020. A former New Zealand representative in open water swimming and Surf Lifesaving, he brings a wealth of experience to his coaching. What motivates Carl most is seeing his athletes’ hard work come to fruition. While he doesn’t have a favourite food, he’s clear about one thing—pineapple is poison! As Director of Coaching, Carl is dedicated to helping swimmers reach their full potential, just as he once did.

Matt

Matt

Assistant Coach

I have been coaching at Wharenui for almost two years now, following a lengthy amount of time as a swimmer. Being a coach has given me a new perspective on the sport, and it has been a lot of fun giving back and seeing swimmers achieve the goals they set for themselves.

  • Hidden Talent: None, I'm only good at a few things, so I make sure people know.
  • Favourite Stroke: Freestyle
  • Favourite Food: Any type of taco, except seafood, not the place for fish

Angus

Angus

Juniour Squad/Mini-Squads Lead

I previously worked in the learn to swim area of our swim school and have now joined the mini and junior squads. I enjoy being a part of each swimmer's journey to becoming a stronger swimmer and seeing them develop their character and grow into role models.

  • Hidden Talent: Can always untangle big knots in things like headphones, necklaces.
  • Favourite Stroke: Freestyle.
  • Favourite Food: Sushi.

Champion Three!

Brian

Head Lifeguard

My name is Brian. I relocated to New Zealand in 2020, one month before the world went into lockdown from South Africa where I was a maintenance engineer specialising in gearbox manufacturing before I became a lifeguard. I enjoy interacting with people and being part of the great communitywe have here at Wharenui. I swim to keep fit.

  • Hidden Talent:
  • Favourite Stroke: Breaststroke.
  • Favourite Food: 

Jane Doe

Jasmine

Day Receptionist

Hi, I'm Jasmine, I really enjoy my role working within the office where [Milly and I] get to meet and greet our fabulous customers! Over the last 13 years it's been a pleasure watching Wharenui & its loyal community grow! During my earlier years working here, I gained my Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

  • Hidden Talent: Lash Extension Technician.
  • Favourite Stroke: Doggy paddle.
  • Favourite Food: Peaches.

Eva

Eva

Receptionist

Kia ora everyone! My name is Eva, and I am pursuing my Master's in European Union Studies at the University of Canterbury. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is engaging with our customers and seeing the joy on their faces as they leave the pool. I love creating a welcoming and positive experience for everyone who visits!

  • Hidden Talent: I can finish a book in an hour...
  • Favourite Stroke: Freestyle – I love the speed and rhythm of it!
  • Favourite Food: Sushi!

John

John

Coach & Club Handyman

Hi, my name is John and I am a retired mechanical engineer having worked in the UK, Sweden, USA and NZ. I am super passionate about the club and teaching children how to swim and was made a life member of the club recently. Aside from teaching both in and out of the water, you may see me doing the odd job around the pool so feel free to say hi!

  • Hidden Talent: Underwater rugby / driving on ic. 
  • Favourite Stroke: Fly. 
  • Favourtie Food: Thai and Indian.

Maya

Maya

Learn to Swim Staff

Hi, my name is Maya I moved to New Zealand from the Philippines 2 years ago, where I used to swim myself and teach swimming. I love watching the kids grow throughout the year in their confidence and ability in the water. I have to where my glasses in the pool.

  • Hidden Talent: 
  • Favourite Stroke: Breastroke
  • Favourite Food: 

Natalie

Natalie

Learn to Swim Staff

Hi, my name is Natalie and I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing. Alongside this, I’ve been teaching swimming for about 4 years and have been part of the team at Wharenui for almost 2 years now! I love seeing the progress of the students and it’s so rewarding seeing them gain confidence and improve their skills in the water!

  • Hidden Talent: I can make a clover leaf with my tongue!
  • Favourite Stroke: Breaststroke. 
  • Favourite Food: Sushi and guacamole.

Aria

Aria

Learn to Swim Staff

Ko Aria tōku ingoa, Hi I’m Aria and I’ve been a swim coach for 3 three years and I enjoy seeing excited faces ready to get in the water and share their day with me! I love being water at the beach, lake or pool. I am currently student at the University of Canterbury.

  • Hidden Talent: I’m really good at Ki-o-Rahi.
  • Favourite Stroke: Breaststroke.
  • Favourite Food: Ramen.

Brooke

Brooke

Learn to Swim Staff

I am a nursing student at Ara and a swimming instructor on the side. I have five years of teaching experience, three of them at Wharenui. I absolutely love working with kids and am passionate about watching them grow and develop as swimmers.

  • Hidden Talent: It's still hidden! 
  • Favourite Stroke: Backstroke or dolphin dives. 
  • Favourite Food: Ice cream.

Lili-Fox

Lili-Fox

Learn to Swim Staff

My name is Lili-Fox and I help out at Wharenui as both a swim instructor and a lifeguard. I am a swimmer myself and I enjoy sharing my love of the sport with everyone I encounter at the pool! 

  • Hidden Talent: 
  • Favourite Stroke: Butterfly.
  • Favourite Food: Sushi.

Eva

Eva

Learn to Swim Staff

Hi I’m Eva, I’ve swam competitively for nine years and absolutely love the sport. My favourite stroke is freestyle especially long distance. Along with swimming, I love water polo and netball and have been lucky to coach junior teams!

  • Hidden Talent:
  • Favourite Stroke: 
  • Favourite Food:

Niamh

Niamh

Learn To Swim

Hey I’m Niamh, I go to Villa Maria Collage and I started coaching mid last year after I stopped swimming competitively. I enjoy passing on my knowledge of swimming and helping kids progress in their swimming journey.

  • Hidden Talent: I can read my twins mind.
  • Favourite Stroke: Breaststroke and backstroke.
  • Favourite Food: White rice or cucumber.

Georgie

Georgie

Learn to Swim Staff

Hi! I’m Georgie, I’ve been swimming since I was little and used to swim competitively for Wharenui. My favourite stroke is freestyle and I am studying this year at the University of Canterbury.

  • Hidden Talent:
  • Favourite Stroke: Freestyle. 
  • Favourite Food:

Joel

Joel

Lifeguard

Hello my name is Joel, I’m a lifeguard at the Wharenui Sport Centre and a national level swimmer for the club. I enjoy hiking, camping and swimming.

  • Hidden Talent: Expert wood stacker.
  • Favourite Stroke: Freestyle.
  • Favourite Food: Mum’s Chilli Mac.

Hanna

Hanna

Lifeguard

I’ve been a lifeguard for a year and a half and I love it! It has allowed me to gain my first aid certificate and customer service experience which will help me in the future. I am a competitive swimmer at the club and about to start at the University of Canterbury.

  • Hidden Talent: Doing the splits.
  • Favourite Stroke: Backstroke.
  • Favourite Food: Chocolate.