Our Team

Matt became an integral member of our team in 2018, bringing with him a wealth of experience and an established reputation in the swimming community. Before joining Liz van Welie Aquatics, Matt served as the head coach at Hillcrest Swimming Club in Waikato, where he played a pivotal role in developing swimmers to compete at both national and international levels.

Throughout his coaching career, Matt has been committed to nurturing swimmers of all abilities, helping them achieve their personal bests and reach the highest levels of competition. His extensive coaching experience spans from grassroots development to working with elite athletes, consistently delivering results and ensuring that his swimmers are well-prepared for the challenges of high-performance swimming.

In recognition of his outstanding coaching, Matt was named Waikato’s Coach of the Year in 2017, a well-deserved accolade for his tireless work and dedication to the swimming community. That same year, Matt was also selected as part of Swimming New Zealand’s coaching team for the Oceania Championships in Papua New Guinea in June, where he contributed to the success of New Zealand’s swimmers on the international stage. His expertise and leadership have made him a highly respected figure in the swimming world, and we are proud to have him as part of our team at Liz van Welie Aquatics.

Tai became a valuable member of our coaching team in Term 4 of 2022, bringing with him an impressive wealth of coaching experience and a deep commitment to helping swimmers reach their potential. With years of dedication to the sport, Tai’s background includes serving as the head coach at Evolution Aquatics, where he coached athletes of all levels. From nurturing swimmers in squads similar to our Laing Squad, all the way up to training national representative swimmers, Tai has consistently demonstrated an ability to connect with athletes and guide them toward success.

Tai’s coaching expertise is matched by his gentle and approachable nature. He is a soft-spoken individual who effortlessly creates a positive and supportive environment for swimmers of all abilities. His kindness and patience allow him to build strong connections with his athletes, fostering trust and encouraging them to stay engaged and motivated throughout their training. Tai has a unique ability to tailor his coaching style to suit the needs of each swimmer, ensuring that every individual receives the attention and guidance they need to grow and excel.

eah joined LVW at the end of 2022 as an Adult Fitness Swimmer and quickly transitioned into a Learn to Swim instructor before moving into coaching in July 2023. She has experience working with swimmers of all levels, from beginners to senior athletes.

A former competitive swimmer, Leah is passionate about living an active, healthy lifestyle, with swimming at its core. She finds joy in coaching and helping swimmers achieve their goals through hard work and consistency. Leah believes that dedication and small, consistent steps lead to significant results and strives to pass this mindset to her swimmers.

Outside of swimming, Leah enjoys beach life, fitness, and spending time with family and friends through activities like BBQs, game days, and camping. She thrives on staying active and engaged, always seeking ways to disconnect and reconnect with nature.

With over 20 years of coaching and teaching swimming she’s passionate about helping swimmers find joy in the sport. Her coaching style is all about consistency—she believes if swimmers show up, improve their fitness, and focus on technique, they’ll develop a love for swimming and a positive mindset that makes the hard work worth it.

Every year, she keeps up with the latest swimming trends because swimming is always evolving. And because she knows every swimmer is unique, Claire is all about upskilling herself and surrounding herself with a great team to keep learning and growing.

When she’s not in the pool, you can find Claire diving into a good book or chilling with her family. Growing up as a high-school swimmer in Singapore, she’s still a fierce competitor in masters swimming and ocean events. Plus, she’s actively involved in surf lifesaving with her home club at Omanu.

Bex’s love for swimming began at a young age and has evolved into a successful competitive career. Over the years, swimming has become more than just a sport for her—it’s a lifelong passion. She enjoys teaching swimming to people of all ages, finding joy in watching her students gain confidence and master an essential life skill.

Bex is also proud to see her children thriving as competitive swimmers at Liz van Welie Swim Club, where she stays involved in the club’s activities. With over 15 years of experience, Bex has advanced from teaching to roles as a supervisor and coordinator. Her dedication to helping children develop vital life skills and a love for swimming has made her a respected leader in the field.

Wendy joined Liz van Welie Aquatics in 2013 and has since become a valued, versatile team member, teaching swimmers of all ages and skill levels. From babies to advanced learners, she has extensive experience in aquatic education and also helps with office duties in the mornings.

With her distinctive “Aussie twang,” Wendy easily connects with both parents and children, creating strong, trusting relationships. Parents often request her classes due to her personalized approach and empathy. Known for her infectious positivity, Wendy creates an encouraging environment where children feel empowered to succeed.

Ana has been teaching with us since 2021 and is known for being practical, efficient, and fun. As a mother of two swimmers, she is caring and passionate about helping others reach their goals. Ana understands the importance of swimming as a lifesaving skill, and your child will enjoy learning with her!

Emily, an experienced early childhood teacher, joined us in July 2021. As a parent of three swimmers who’ve progressed through our program, she has a deep understanding of it from both a parent and teaching perspective. Emily is outgoing, fun, and a joy to be around, making her classes enjoyable for all.

Sheldon, originally from Australia, has worked with children in various settings before moving to New Zealand. She’s passionate about water safety and enjoys helping swimmers build confidence. A quiet and kind instructor, Sheldon has been with us since late 2020 and loves seeing her students progress in the water.

Cassie joined us in 2015 and has experience teaching all levels, from baby classes to advanced swimmers. A former competitive swimmer, she’s a quiet, positive, and caring instructor who helps even the most anxious swimmers feel comfortable. Known for her attention to detail, Cassie ensures swimmers develop excellent technique. After recently returning from maternity leave, she’s excited to be back in the pool.

Beki has been teaching swimming for over a year and has spent three years coaching kids’ sports. A former competitive swimmer, she has a deep love for the water. Outside of teaching, she enjoys adventures with her family and chasing after her two boys. Beki is passionate about helping kids gain confidence and have fun in the pool.

Kate is a warm, bubbly instructor with extensive coaching experience from her time in Canada. She began teaching as part of her studies but quickly fell in love with it, progressing from learn-to-swim to national-level coaching. Passionate about encouraging children to swim, Kate now lives in New Zealand with her kiwi husband and three children.

Deanna is a busy mum of a five-year-old and a passionate swim teacher. With previous experience in Christchurch, she loves working with children. A patient, detail-oriented instructor, Deanna is firm but kind and dedicated to helping your child grow and develop in the water.

Zara has been a swim teacher for over a year and is also studying for her BA in Classical Studies. A lover of creativity, she enjoys reading, music, board games, and crafting. As an avid swimmer, Zara’s passion for the water drives her to make lessons fun and positive for everyone.

Louise has been teaching for 2 years and loves helping little swimmers build confidence. When not teaching, she focuses on her own swimming for physical and mental health. Louise is passionate about boosting water confidence and teaching children essential skills for swimming and water sports.

Gracie has been a swim teacher for 4 years and is passionate about children’s growth in swimming. Currently studying to become a school teacher, she loves outdoor activities and sports. Gracie enjoys helping kids reach their potential and finds joy in watching them progress in the water.

Nathan joined us in 2022 and has a gentle manner. A competitive swimmer in our squad, he loves sports and outdoor activities like water polo, mountain biking, and hockey. He also coaches and referees intermediate-grade hockey. Nathan enjoys sharing his knowledge, and your swimmer will love learning with him!

Coco is a bubbly, confident teacher and former swimmer in our program. With a younger brother who competes for Liz Van Welie Aquatics, she’s passionate about teaching and helping children develop a lifelong love of water. Outside of swimming, Coco enjoys helping with Sunday school, swimming in the ocean, hanging with friends, and reading.

Vaan is a detail-oriented former squad swimmer who loves being in the water. He’s excited to teach your child water safety and inspire them to pursue competitive swimming.

Ben, the younger brother of Harry, is smart, organized, and passionate about sports and guitar. With a gentle and personable nature, he strives to equip your child with the skills needed to become a confident swimmer.

Noelle, a swimmer in our squad, believes all children should learn to swim for safety, especially in water-surrounded New Zealand. She and her family enjoy water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. Noelle is excited to teach your child in a fun, friendly way and help them develop new skills.

Indy, a student at Toi Ohomai, is a former competitive swimmer passionate about helping children fall in love with swimming. A quiet and focused teacher, she understands the importance of technical development in the learn-to-swim program.

Summer, Nathan’s younger sister, progressed through our program to squad swimming. With a friendly, calming nature, she’s great with nervous swimmers. Summer is positive, honest, and has a strong work ethic.

Finn is an enthusiastic, diligent team player with a passion for sports, especially basketball. A great communicator, he enjoys interacting with children and looks forward to teaching your child.

AJ is a keen swimmer who has progressed from our learn-to-swim program to squads. Organized and studious, his goal is to help your child reach their full swimming potential and develop a love for the water.

Harry is a bubbly, enthusiastic teacher who loves working with children and enjoys water sports, especially swimming and surfing. A member of our Youth Fitness Squads, he focuses on technique to help your child make great progress.

Lily is a bubbly, friendly teacher who loves children. She progressed through our Learn to Swim program and is now one of our top senior swimmers. A hard worker, Lily aims to make swimming fun and help children develop a love for the water.

Tori, a Year 13 student and house captain at Aquinas College, loves show jumping and swimming. She finds joy in teaching kids to gain confidence and comfort in the water, believing swimming is an essential skill for every child.

Ruby, a former Learn to Swim student, is now a competitive swimmer in our senior squad. With a warm smile and a strong work ethic, she aims to help your child feel safe and comfortable in any water environment.

Jade is a confident, fun teacher who loves working with children and being in the water. A former Learn to Swim student with a PADI open water dive certification, she enjoys spending time with family, fishing, and going on dive trips.

Chiara is a friendly and enthusiastic teacher who is excited to be teaching your child this term. Chiara has a real passion for children and wants to help your child to develop a life long love of the water.

Chene has been teaching swimming for 4 years and loves seeing children’s smiles when they learn something new. She enjoys teaching life skills and values the sense of accomplishment. Outside of swimming, Chene enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, baking, and paddle boarding with her family.

Stella, originally from South Africa, has been living in New Zealand for several years and has worked with us intermittently. A confident, friendly teacher and a competent swimmer, she represents our club at a national level, specializing in breaststroke. Your swimmer will enjoy her warm, loving nature.

Tanya, originally from South Africa, is enjoying New Zealand’s outdoor adventures. With years of experience as a school teacher and swim instructor, she believes swimming boosts kids’ learning and fitness. Outside the pool, Tanya loves hiking with her family in the beautiful Kiwi outdoors.

Michaela has worked with kids since her teenage years and became a swim teacher in 2020. Teaching toddlers brings her so much joy! Outside of swimming, she is a full-time mom to her toddler, enjoying baking, singing, and outdoor adventures. She is also a family photographer and love’s seeing kids grow in the pool, just like she does with her photography families!