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

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.