RJ Houston
General Manager at Royal Lifesaving AustraliaRJ Houston is a senior leader in the aquatic industry with over 20 years of experience across local
government, non-profits, facility management, and peak bodies. As a General Manager at Royal Life Saving Australia, RJ drives national initiatives in industry safety, training, workforce development, education, and lifesaving. He specialises in convening industry leaders around key issues, translating research into practical industry standards, shaping national policy, and leading collaborative strategies that enhance industry capability and impact. RJ is a recognised advocate for the role of aquatic facilities in drowning prevention, social impact, and community wellbeing. He holds an MBA in Social Impact from the Australian Graduate School of Management, UNSW.
Dan Mulvey
General Manager Australia & NZ at LynxightDan is a seasoned aquatic and recreation leader with an inherent commitment to safety, innovation and effective management. Since establishing his first leisure management company at the age of 19, Dan has worked with over 30 council partners managing more than 70 aquatic and recreation facilities. With over 2 decades of operational and facility management experience, as General Manager, Australia and New Zealand for Lynxight, Dan is bringing technology to the forefront of operations to redefine aquatic safety by integrating AI and Machine Learning.
James Richmond
Head of Sport and Recreation at Selwyn District CouncilHead of Sport and Recreation, Selwyn District Council James Richmond brings over 15 years of expertise in managing sport and recreation facilities in New Zealand. As the Head of Sport and Recreation at Selwyn District Council, he has led diverse teams and driven innovative projects to enhance community activity levels and engagement. James's career includes roles at Horowhenua District Council, Timaru District Council, Christchurch City Council, and Nuffield Health in the UK. His extensive experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the industry and a passion for promoting active lifestyles. A standout achievement under James's leadership is the rollout of AI drowning protection technology at the Selwyn Aquatic Centre. This pioneering system, the first in New Zealand, uses advanced AI to monitor swimmer activity and detect potential drowning incidents, significantly enhancing safety and supporting lifeguards .James's forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence have made him a respected leader in sport and recreation, continually making a positive impact on the Selwyn District.
Ekant Veer
Professor of Marketing at Te Whare Wananga o WaitahaEkant Veer is a Professor of Marketing in the Department of Management, Marketing, and Tourism at Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, Christchurch. He is a multi-award winning teacher and researcher having been named in the Top 40 under 40 Business School Professors worldwide; an Ako Aotearoa Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award winner; UC’s Teaching Medal awardee in 2017 and six times winner of a UCSA lecturer/staff of the year award. His work looks at the role that marketing can play in both driving social change and community wellbeing as well as what impact digital technology plays in consumer interactions and their sense of identity. His research has been published in numerous international journals, such as the Journal of Marketing Management, The European Journal of Marketing, and The Journal of Public Policy and Marketing.
Jonathon Webber
Senior Lecturer at University of AucklandJonathon Webber is an advanced qualified lifeguard (ret.), and life member of the Piha Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Life Saving Northern Region and Surf Life Saving New Zealand. A senior lecturer in the Department of Anaesthesiology and director of the Simulation Centre for Patient Safety at the University of Auckland, he is a corresponding member of the International Life Saving Federation Medical Committee.
Jonathon has authored and co-authored several lifeguarding, water safety, first aid and resuscitation texts,
national surf lifesaving policies and drowning resuscitation guidelines. He has presented and published work on drowning detection and response by lifeguards, leisure-related injuries at NZ beaches, lifeguard perception and performance of CPR, bystander rescue, body recovery times on the NZ coastline, human factors in lifeguarding, airway management in drowning, and first aid training and resuscitation in the aquatic environment. Jonathon co-founded the International Drowning Researchers’ Alliance (IDRA) and holds a Doctorate in Professional Studies by Public Works through Middlesex University.
Christopher Rivera
Lead Consultant at Symbiotic ConsultancyAn aquatics expert who has been successful in creating and leading several successful teams, and
mentor and empower others to continue the journey.
Witnessing and being a part of numerous emergencies and critical incidents, his life experience has
assisted in creating in-service trainings with meaning and purpose.
Mentoring leaders to steer away from the norm, and create stronger onboarding processes to allow teams
to become connected and be more confident in their roles.
Sarah Clarke
Aquatics Manager at University of AucklandSarah is the Aquatics Manager at the University of Auckland and brings over 25 years of
experience in the aquatics industry. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles across the country, from leading swim schools to managing multiple facilities and overseeing broader operational functions.
Sarah has served as a Poolsafe assessor since 2019 and officially joined the Poolsafe Advisory Board in 2024. Passionate about giving back to the industry that has shaped her journey, Sarah finds fulfilment in sharing her knowledge and mentoring others. When the rare opportunity arose to open a new state-of-the-art facility and build an aquatics team from the ground up, she seized it — viewing it as a chance to apply the learnings gained from her years of experience.
Katie Bourke
Access advisor and educator at CCS Disability ActionKatie is an Accessibility Consultant with BarrierFree, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in accessibility across Ireland, Europe, and New Zealand. She has worked with organizations of all sizes to foster inclusion and promote universal design. After becoming a wheelchair user at 24, Katie pursued her qualification through the University of Ulster, cementing her belief that with the right mindset and circumstances, anything is possible.
Throughout her career, Katie has consulted on international projects, collaborated with historic universities, government departments, and education providers. Her work spans diverse environments—including aquatic facilities—where accessibility plays a critical role in ensuring everyone can participate fully.
Outside of her professional life, Katie is a mum of three who loves family time. Swimming and water sports are a big part of her family's life, making pools both a personal and professional passion. This connection fuels her commitment to ensuring accessibility improvements that allow everyone to enjoy aquatic spaces safely and inclusively—and her kids make sure she stays involved by insisting she tackles at least one waterslide a year!
Lorraine Guthrie
National Access AdvisorWith over 15 years of leadership in accessibility advocacy, Lorraine has played a pivotal role in shaping inclusive environments across New Zealand. As the former Chief Executive of Barrier Free NZ Trust, she guided its transition from Wellington to Christchurch following the Canterbury earthquakes, seizing the opportunity to embed accessibility into the city’s rebuild. Under her leadership, BarrierFree evolved from an educational provider for the Building Control sector into a sustainability-focused organisation offering accessibility audits, expert opinions, and bespoke training.
Lorraine’s background spans education and the not-for-profit sector, with experience across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. She has championed equality and inclusion through advocacy, mediation, and collaboration with industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and the disability community.
In her current role as National Access Advisor at CCS Disability Action, Lorraine continues to drive best-practice standards, working alongside designers and construction professionals to advance accessibility in built environments. She is particularly passionate about improving access to swimming pools, ensuring these vital community spaces meet the needs of all users.
Lorraine thrives on fostering relationships and identifying opportunities where accessibility can be strengthened—whether through policy influence, industry partnerships, or innovative design solutions.
Sarah Cresswell
Principal Training Consultant at Wai SkillsSarah is a Principal Training Consultant and the Owner of Wai Skills, a consultancy based in Te
Whanganui-a-Tara. With a career spanning over 28 years in the water industry, Sarah brings a wealth of experience in water and wastewater treatment processes, coupled with a strong foundation in adult
education.
Recognised as a technical specialist in aquatic treatment systems and water quality, Sarah’s expertise has positioned her as a trusted advisor in the field. She currently serves as an Aquatics Technical Advisor on water quality and treatment to Recreation Aotearoa, the Ministry of Education, Te Mahi Ako, Toi Mai and Health New Zealand
Nick Yannakis
Director – Aquatic Services of Beca LimitedNick is a building services engineer with over 15 years’ experience specialising in the design and operation of aquatic facilities. He has worked collaboratively with clients across Australasia on more than 200 projects, dedicated to making everyday better through innovative engineering solutions. Recognising that aquatic centres are among the most energy-intensive community assets—posing unique challenges amid climate change and rising energy costs—Nick and the Beca Aquatics team have developed proprietary energy simulation software. This tool enables tailored, adaptive approaches to optimising facility performance and sustainability. Nick is passionate about creating spaces that support “more people, more active, more often”—a philosophy that sometimes contrasts with the drive for maximum efficiency. By leveraging advanced simulation and close client partnerships, he and his team are helping deliver aquatic facilities that are both economically sustainable and resilient for the future.
Jen Baen-Price
Christchurch City CouncilJen has been part of the aquatics industry for almost 14 years. She started as a summer lifeguard in 2008 and progressed through various Aquatics roles and facilities at the Christchurch City Council until she landed in her current role as Aquatics Team Leader at Taiora QEII.
Jen won Recreation Aotearoa’s Lifeguard of the Year award in 2023, and is passionate about working with people, her local community, and making the world better by providing a world class facility on a local government budget. In her spare time, she can be found abseiling down cliffs on the Christchurch Port Hills, and adventuring through the wilderness with her whānau.
Faye Barrand
Assessor Facilitator Manager at Te Mahi Ako - Skills ActiveWith a background in assessment, facilitation, and leadership development, Faye has held various roles within Te Mahi Ako, from ākonga to Assessor, Regional Advisor, and now Assessor Facilitator Manager. She leads a skilled team supporting assessors and facilitators to ensure best practice and ākonga success. Starting out in the ski industry as an instructor, assessor, and manager, Faye later moved into corporate learning and development, working in sales and leadership coaching, facilitation, and instructional design.
She was recognised as Vodafone NZ’s People Leader of the Year in 2015 and completed a Bachelor of Applied Management with distinction through Otago in 2022. Passionate about improving processes and creating meaningful learning experiences, Faye enjoys helping others achieve those lightbulb moments.
Mark Bates
Director of Architecture HDTMark is one of two Directors of Architecture HDT,and has been with the firm since 2001.
Mark has been involved in a wide range of project types. The last 20 years have primarily been spent on the design, documentation, and delivery of new and refurbished municipal sports and aquatic centres.
He has been instrumental in creating and maintaining positive working relationships with the community, elected representatives and other stakeholders, which in conjunction with his strong organisational ability has led to highly successful outcomes for these projects.
Mark is a nationally recognised expert in the development of Aquatic Facilities. He is currently involved with Alex Head (Architecture HDT) and Nick Yannakis (Beca) in the development of a guidebook for the Environmentally Sustainable Design of Spaces and Places for Sport NZ.
Alex Calwell ARPro
Principal Aquatics Specialist at Thrive Spaces and PlacesAlex has a real passion for all things Aquatics. As an accredited ARPRO member and New Zealand's only accredited International Lifeguard Training Program Instructor, Alex has a significant background in Aquatic Facility leadership and operations. Providing support for the industry across operations, training outcomes, emergency response and facility management, leadership, HSW investigation, system and procedural development, Alex's first hand experience brings an operational and strategic understanding to his presentations that connects the theory to the real challenges of operating aquatic facilities in the current environment.
Craig Heberley
Operations Manager at Hutt City CouncilCraig Heberley is a dedicated leader with over two decades of professional experience that highlights his
expertise in aquatic operations, emergency response, training, and staff development. Currently serving as
Operations Team Lead at Te Ngaengae Pool and Fitness, Hutt City Council, Craig oversees operations,
fosters team growth, and ensures exemplary service and safety standards.
His career journey includes impactful roles such as Duty Manager at Porirua City Council, where he honed
skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and team motivation.
Renowned for his clarity and decisiveness in crisis situations, Craig excels at leveraging the strengths of
his team to navigate challenges effectively. With a forward-thinking approach, he identifies opportunities
for innovation and empowers individuals to thrive both independently and collaboratively.
Outside of work, Craig enjoys immersing himself in the great outdoors. He’s an avid fisherman, camper,
NASCAR enthusiast, skateboarder, and father, navigating the adventure of parenting three children. Craig’s
passion for challenges extends into every aspect of his life, driving both personal and professional growth,
hopefully leaving a lasting impact in the aquatic industry
Tracey Hickman
National Learner Advisor - Aquatics at Te Mahi AkoTracey is deeply passionate about the aquatics industry, having been involved in one way or another for 35 years – which makes her a perfect fit for her role as national learner advisor for the aquatics industry at Te Mahi Ako. She gained her first qualifications with Kiwi Swim, Lotto Take the Plunge, and the National Pool Lifeguard Award. Since then, continually upskilling she has gained many workplace qualifications and held various roles at not-for-profit, private, and local government organisations. Tracey is a strong advocate for workplace qualifications and the vibrant careers they empower.
Esther Hone
Water Safety New ZealandKo Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka
Ko Whiria te maunga
Ko hokianga te awa
Ko Kokohuia te marae
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi
No Ōtepoti ahau
No Whangarei te kāinga
Ko Esther Hone toku ingoa
Tena Koutou, Katoa
Esther is a prominent figure in the swimming and water safety industry with over 25 years of experience,
primarily in New Zealand. Known for her charismatic and unique approach to water safety education,
Esther has delighted many with her entertaining presence.
As a dedicated advocate for holistic water safety learning, Esther imparts her extensive knowledge and
passion to support others in this field. Her leadership skills have been honed through various roles in the
aquatic industry, both nationally and internationally.
Esther brings a fresh perspective to the table, with her out-of-the-box thinking, creativity, and unwavering
enthusiasm. She is committed to ensuring that the NZ aquatic industry strengthens and expands its
knowledge in water safety, providing numerous opportunities for growth.
Caroline Jenkins
Owner at Aqua Zone FitnessFrom the poolside to international conference stages, Caroline has spent over 20 years inspiring movement, mentoring instructors, and redefining fitness potential. As a certified Aqua Fitness professional, and creator of Aqua Zone Fitness, she is passionate about helping people feel strong and empowered in the water. Beyond leading high-energy classes, Caroline mentors instructors, boosting their confidence and skills. As a national and international presenter, she has shared her expertise at fitness conferences and training events. Caroline believes in unlocking each instructor’s unique superpower through innovative techniques.
Caroline believes taking the first step is always the hardest, looking ahead, she is focused on expanding her skills and qualifications to further elevate her teaching and grow the Aqua Zone Fitness business. Maximising impact for participants and elevating the Aqua fitness industry.
When she is not designing new Aqua Zone Fitness programs, Caroline is teaching classes, coaching instructors, or soaking up the sun at the beach with her family, friends, and two amazing dogs. Fitness and life are meant to be enjoyed to the fullest!
Ricki Jones
Prinicpal ConsultantRicki Jones is the Principal Consultant at Data Consulting, where he helps organisations turn data into stories that drive action. With a background in local government and a deep understanding of communityfocused planning, Ricki works with councils, NGOs, and aquatic providers across New Zealand and Australia.
His work combines technical insight with a human approach—helping teams understand who they’re serving, where the gaps are, and what to do next. Whether it’s mapping demand, modelling access, or identifying invisible communities, Ricki is passionate about using data to support equity, engagement, and better decision-making.
Known for his clear communication and collaborative style, Ricki is focused on one thing: making data useful.
Hayden Kennedy
Growth and Activation Lead at Napier City CouncilHayden Kennedy is the Growth and Activation Lead at the Napier Aquatic Centre. His job description put simply is to “come up with cool sh*t.” He has been working at this facility since April 2023, previous to this role he was a teacher and principal in the primary sector for 25 years. The vision of Swimtopia was an early initiative as he had firsthand experience how sport and recreation plays such a positive role for tamariki. The skills and learning you can take from all variety of sports teaches you skills you can’t learn from a book or Google. He has built collaborative partnerships with various different groups across Hawkes Bay which has aided in the welcoming and inclusive culture at the Napier Aquatic Centre.
Ben Lilburne
Asset Planner at Christchurch City CouncilBen is the Asset Planner for Christchurch City Council’s Rec and Sport department. Having spent seven years developing his knowledge of asset management and preventative maintenance as a reliability engineer in New Zealand’s dairy industry Ben made the shift to Council at the end of 2024. Applying the same principles required to keep a milk powder factory operational to the maintenance of Christchurch’s sport facilities.
Braden Longstaff
Facility Manager at Hutt City CouncilBraden Longstaff is the Facility Manager at the newly opened Te Ngaengae pool facility. With a
background in facility management and a passion for creating safe and enjoyable environments, Braden has been dedicated to ensuring the successful launch and operation of the new pool.
Holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree, he has a strong foundation in management and operations. His
journey in the aquatic industry began as a part-time lifeguard while studying from 2018 to 2021, followed by a year as an Operations Lead in 2022. At the age of 23, Braden took on the role of Facility Manager at Huia Pool, where he served for two years before opening Te Ngaengae in December 2024. Additionally, he oversees the three summer pools during the summer. Taking on significant responsibilities
at a young age has shaped his leadership skills and prepared him for the challenges of managing a large facility.
In his free time, Braden is a dedicated goalkeeper in football and a passionate fan of Wellington Phoenix and Manchester United. He recently stopped playing water polo but has coached at various levels for nine years. Braden is also heavily involved with Scouts as a leader, contributing to the development of young people in his community.
Glenn McGovern
Sport NZGlenn worked for 30 years in the parks, sport and recreation sector in Local Government. Since 2019 he
has been working for Sport New Zealand, where he now leads the Spaces & Places team.
Glenn is a keen tramper, ocean swimmer, cyclist and tennis player. He is also actively involved in pest
control and is an active backyard trapper.
Aubrey Shrimpton
Assurance Coordinator at Hamilton City Council PoolsAubrey Shrimpton has worked at Hamilton Pools since 2017, starting out as the Aquatics Coordinator at Waterworld and then moving into the Assurance Coordinator role in 2022. Prior to joining the Hamilton Pools team, Aubrey was an ocean lifeguard in Huntington Beach, California. It was this job that brought her to New Zealand, where she worked as a paid lifeguard at beaches such as Raglan, Piha, and Muriwai. While employed with Surf Life Saving Northern Region, she was recognized as Beach Education Instructor of the Year and Regional Lifeguard of the Year. In addition to ocean lifeguarding, Aubrey was a competitive swimmer for 10 years, representing University of California, San Diego for 4 years at NCAA competitions. Aubrey is passionate about safety and education and really enjoys opportunities to train and upskill lifeguards. Having spent many hours in and around pools, she believes that time spent in the water brings so much value and wellness to life. When she’s not around a pool, Aubrey is probably out and about with her wild and crazy children, who are 3 and 6 years old. If she gets a moment alone, Aubrey is likely on the couch watching a Disney movie.
Phil Waggott
SplashsavePhil Waggott has been involved in aquatics for over 27 years, working at every level—from lifeguard and swim teacher to facility manager and programme developer. His journey has always been about finding better ways to keep people safe in, on, and around the water while supporting those who run aquatic facilities to do their jobs more effectively.
Along the way, he’s had the privilege of contributing to national initiatives such as the National Police Recruitment Water Safety Training, Water Skills for Life, and the SplashSave Parent Pack. His work now takes him across New Zealand and internationally, collaborating with aquatic professionals to tackle industry challenges, improve training, and develop leaders.
Phil is passionate about making professional development more accessible and ensuring aquatics teams have the tools they need to succeed. He believes the best outcomes come from keeping things simple,challenging the status quo, and giving people the confidence to make informed decisions. At the heart of it all, his goal remains the same—to help more people thrive in aquatics and create safer, stronger facilities for the communities they serve.
Brendon Ward
CEO of SWIM Coaches & Teachers AustraliaBrendon Ward has been CEO of SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia since June 2017. In that time, the organisation has gone from strength to strength delivering outstanding outcomes in the areas of water safety, learn to swim and swim coaching. Brendon has an extensive history in aquatics including being on the Australian Water Safety Council since 2017, a Board member of Water Safety NZ from 2011 to 2015, CEO of Recreation Aotearoa from 2004 to 2010 and a project manager at WSNZ from 1999 to 2004. He is currently also Treasurer of the Global Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Rotary Club and secretariat for the International Federation of Swim Coaches Associations.
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Nick Warwick
Team Leader Aquatics Pioneer at Christchurch City CouncilNick’s career began in the tourism industry before transitioning to lifeguarding in the early 2000s. His passion for training and mentoring lifeguards quickly led him to become an accredited assessor with SFRITO, Skills Active, and Te Mahi Ako.
Since 2013, Nick has also served as a Poolsafe Assessor, gaining the privilege of visiting aquatic facilities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Having worked across various Christchurch Aquatic Facilities, Nick now serves as the Aquatic Team Leader at the Pioneer Recreation & Sport Centre. Expanding his expertise in 2022 as a Senior Assessor Mentor (SAM), he continues to role model excellence, challenge the status quo, and strive towards building an effective, confident, and high-performing team of lifeguards.
Carmena Wong
Training Facilitator at Auckland CouncilCarmena, Auckland Council Pools and Leisure Training Facilitator Co-ordinator, has been part of the wider Te Mahi Ako whānau since 2013, assessing and mentoring learners in aquatics, facility operations, recreation, sport, and SELO qualifications, as well as supporting new assessors.
Carmena has held a variety of roles over the years, from frontline to management, across the not-for-profit, private, and local government sectors. She’s passionate about mentoring, training, nurturing, and supporting people from all walks of life, especially in the aquatics industry, and has been supporting peoples’ professional development for nearly 30 years.
A lifelong learner, Carmena most recent qualification completion is the NZ Apprenticeship Senior Pool Lifeguard Level 4, with the goal of providing more support, guidance, and mentoring to lifeguards in Aotearoa.
When she’s not working, you’ll usually find Carmena enjoying time with her whānau and friends