Head Coach

Mariano Garcia Nani

I’m the head coach of Aquabladz, overseeing the coaching program & learn to swim manager at the Bell Block Aquatic Center.

I’ve been involved with swim teaching & coaching since 2012 as a volunteer, water safety teaching, assistant coach and head coach.

My lifestyle is related with water sports, I enjoy swimming & surfing and I do them on a weekly basis.

Over the past 6 years I had the chance to have national champions under my coaching as well as developing swimmers from Juniors, obtaining top places to win titles in different levels from Division II, NAGS & New Zealand Short Course.

Coach

Carol Powell

I’m BWF Aquatics/Aquabladz Age Group Coach. I am involved in all programs at the Todd Energy Aquatic Center that are run by BWF Aquatics/Aquabladz.

I’ve been involved in swimming for 16 years, first as a full time Swim Teacher, then Junior National Coach where I have put about30 plus swimmers through to Junior Nationals many landing in the top 10 in a country.

I also held a badge in Skills Coaching. Are at present a Bronze accredited Coach. Looking at doing Silver next. Now I run BWF/Aquabladz TID, Morning fitness squads, Surf Squads, and Watersafety with in TEAC.

Coach

Fiona Lacey

Swimming has always been part of my life.I was an Otago Competitive Rep Swimmer 1977 - 1987.

Learn to Swim Teacher at the Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre , LONDON 1989-1991.

I moved to Taranaki in 1995 , married, and had 2 children and became involved with Okato Swimming club in 2007. Positions in Okato Swimming Club include-President /Vice President .Head Swim Coach from 2008 to present

Coached Okato Swimming Club to Swimming New Zealand Community Club of the year in 2014. 

Taranaki Swimming Volunteer of the year 2013.Taranaki Swimming Club Coach of the year 2015/16.Life Member of Okato Swimming Club 2020.Taranaki Swimming Board Member 2021/22.

I have qualifications in instructing all levels of Learn to Swim , Swimming NZ School age and Adults Award, Swimming NZ Teacher of Competitive Strokes,  Swimming NZ Evidence Gatherer, Swimming NZ Assistant Coach, and most recently Swimming NZ Bronze Coaching Accreditation 2022.

I am presently coaching BWF Aquatics Junior Squad, Intermediate Squad and Transition Talent ID squad.

Coach

Oliver Doole - NZSCTA TOCS

I have competed for several years as a National Open swimmer for breastroke.

​Currently Teacher of Competitive Stroke (certificate) and looking forward to obtaining my bronze license soon.​

I take the the development squad in Bell Block on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and I have been coaching for about 2 years 

Coach

Oliver Tippet - NZSCTA TOCs

I started competitive swimming when I was 11 and only just stopped at 17. It was after stopping swimming Sue and Donna gave me a chance to become a coach.  This was an opportunity for me to give back to swimming which I still enjoy very much.  Its great helping young swimmers to become better and see them grow and develop new skills. 

Having obtained my Swim coaches and teachers of New Zealand qualification gives me confidence in my teaching skills.