About Us
Since 2001, Swimsation has been a New Zealand-owned and operated Swim School with a passion for water safety. We believe in providing a simple, positive, and enjoyable learning experience for everyone, from babies to adults, to develop water confidence and essential swimming skills.
Our commitment to excellence is backed by international and national accreditation. Our curriculum, safety practices, and team are proudly accredited by the International Swim Schools Association (ISSA), a global mark of quality and professionalism. We are also a Swimming New Zealand Gold Certified provider, and our program incorporates competencies from Water Safety New Zealand to ensure we’re giving you the best possible water education.
Our Team
Management
Fiona Leuschke
Director
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Danielle Turner
General Manager
About Danni
Danni has been teaching swimming for over 20 years—“too long to say!”—and brings a lifetime of experience to Swimsation. She can teach all ages, though these days she mostly works with under-5s and Olympian private lessons.
Outside of Swimsation, Danni is a dedicated sideline mum, cheering on her boys at water polo, volleyball, and football.
What she loves most about teaching swimming is the people—no two days are ever the same, but every day is fun! One of her special skills in the pool is turning the bottom into “lava”—a game that never fails to get kids smiling and keep them moving.
“Just keep swimming. The secret to being safer around water is that once you can swim, never stop weekly practise!”
Jean-Marc Rougier
People & Culture Manager
About Jean-Marc
Jean-Marc began teaching swimming in the UK in 2004 and has taught ever since, with a short break between 2013 and 2017. Over the years, he has worked across all levels – from babies to adults – though his favourite group to teach is school-age swimmers, especially those aged 8–12.
Before joining Swimsation, Jean-Marc spent much of his career as a Sports Coordinator in primary schools, teaching PE and coaching a wide range of sports in South Africa. He has also worked in the motorcycle industry, bringing a diverse set of experiences to his current leadership role.
What Jean-Marc loves most about teaching is seeing the joy on a child’s face when they achieve a new skill or reach a goal. He is passionate about progress and takes great satisfaction in helping his swimmers grow in confidence and ability. His philosophy is simple: if you love the water, half the battle is already won.
Special Skill: Building confidence and belief in swimmers so they can enjoy and succeed in the water.
“Safety first – whether at the beach, river, or pool. Consistency is key: the more time you spend in the water, the stronger your swimming journey will be.”
Shirley Power
Customer Care Manager
About Shirley
When she’s not busy supporting our admin team and making sure our customers have a great experience, you’ll find Shirley enjoying life on her farm surrounded by her animals or relaxing in her garden.
She brings a caring, can-do attitude to everything she does and loves being part of a team that helps families feel welcome and confident at Swimsation.
Shirley’s Water Safety Tip: Always swim with a buddy!
Carla Codrye
Accounts Manager
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Team Leaders
Amy Andersen
Papakura
About Amy
Amy has been part of the Swimsation family since October 2019 and is coming up to 6 years of teaching. She teaches across all levels – from preschool through to adults – and is known for her passion and experience in the water.
When she’s not at the pool, Amy enjoys spending time with friends and family, picking up new creative hobbies, and going on adventures.
What Amy loves most about teaching is the chance to watch swimmers grow in confidence year after year. Having taught many of our little swimmers as they’ve grown up, she finds it a privilege to be part of their swimming journey. Living in a country surrounded by water, she believes swimming is an essential life skill – for children and adults alike.
Special Skill: A love for Breaststroke – both swimming and teaching it!
Amy’s Water Safety Tip: “Never ever swim by yourself – even if you’re a super strong swimmer.”
Courtney Challis
About Courtney
Courtney has 7 years of experience as a swim teacher and can teach all levels, though babies are her absolute favourite! She first began teaching at just 16 years old, and after exploring the tourism industry for a few years, she has returned to where it all started—back in the pool with Swimsation.
Outside of work, Courtney loves spending time making memories with her little whānau.
Her favourite part of teaching is seeing the smiles on her swimmers’ faces and watching them feel proud of their achievements—because it’s the little things that matter most. Courtney brings a positive energy to every lesson, creating a fun and uplifting environment for her swimmers.
Courtney’s top advice for swimmers: “Know your limits!”
Emma Kennedy
Papakura
About Emma
I have been teaching at Swimsation since October 2019 and teach preschool through adults.
When I’m not at the pool, I love spending time with family and friends, learning new creative hobbies and going on adventures.
I love seeing our swimmers grow in confidence and watching their progress over the years.
My favourite stroke to teach is breaststroke.
Water Safety Tip: “Never swim alone — even strong swimmers need supervision.”
Jade Stratford
Te Atatu
About Jade
I’ve been teaching at Swimsation since January 2022 and teach all ages, specialising in swimmers with special needs.
Outside the pool, I love travelling, reading, baking, and spending time with family and friends.
I love seeing swimmers achieve milestones they once thought were out of reach, and I bring patience and encouragement to every lesson.
Water Safety Tip: “Always check how deep the water is before you jump or dive in.”
Jibreel Aumea
Te Atatu
About Jibreel
Jibreel has been teaching swimming for almost four years, and I can teach all levels from preschoolers right through to our upper-level swimmers. At the moment, you’ll mostly see him working with our mid to advanced swimmers.
Outside of Swimsation, he is currently studying at the University of Auckland and, when he gets downtime, he loves watching sports.
His favourite part of swim teaching is watching swimmers start in the lower levels and progressing all the way to the top — seeing that growth and confidence build is incredibly rewarding.
Jibreel’s water safety tip: “If you’re heading to the beach, always swim between the flags — lifeguards put them there for a reason!”
Lucinda Hill
About Lucinda
I’ve been teaching at Swimsation since 2020 and can teach swimmers of all ages, from infants through to adults.
Outside of the pool, I’m a full-time university student studying Commerce and Science.
My favourite part of teaching is seeing how far swimmers progress and watching their confidence grow every lesson – it always brings a smile to my face.
Fun fact: I’m also a mermaid! 🧜♀️
My favourite water safety tip: “Always swim with someone else and between the flags.”
Lynda Povey
Papakura
About Emma
Emma has been teaching swimming for 5 years, bringing her energy, experience, and creativity to every class. She joined Swimsation in 2023 after starting her journey with the YMCA, and now teaches swimmers of all ages – from babies through to adults, including schools and access & inclusion programmes.
Her background in childcare (since the age of 14) and her active involvement in her local church community show her passion for caring, guiding, and helping others grow.
For Emma, swimming is more than just a job – it’s a calling. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch children progress, gain confidence, overcome their fear of the water, and most importantly, become safe swimmers.
Fun Fact: Emma is a bit of a clown! You’ll often spot her singing, splashing away, or planning her theme week costumes with a little too much enthusiasm.
Emma’s 3 R’s:
Relax – Float on your back
Ride the wave – Don’t fight the water
Raise your hand – Signal clearly for help
And remember: Never swim alone!
Front of House
Poolside
Annika Hogguer-Mearns
About Annika
Annika has been a swimming teacher for just over 2 years and teaches a wide range of levels, from school-age swimmers right through to squads. She loves seeing each child grow in confidence and ability, and finds it rewarding to watch their skills develop week by week.
Outside of Swimsation, Annika is a Year 13 high school student and an active beach lifeguard at both Piha and Red Beach. She also competes in surf boats with the Red Beach Rascals, bringing her competitive spirit and water safety expertise into the pool.
Her special skill is her strong knowledge of water safety in both the pool and the open water, which she passes on to her swimmers.
Annika’s top tip: “If in doubt, stay out!”
Daphne Jones
About Daphne
I’ve been teaching swimming for 3 years now and can teach all levels, from pre-schoolers right through to adults.
Outside of swimming, I love dancing — I not only teach dance but also perform at shows!
My favourite part of teaching swimming is seeing our swimmers learn, improve, and have fun along the way. I always bring my big smile and positive energy to every lesson.
My favourite water safety tip: “Always make sure to tell someone you are going in the water and ask them to watch you!”
Meggan Boswell
About Meggan
Meggan has been part of the Swimsation team since February 2023 and is one of the friendly faces you’ll meet at our front desk. She keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes and loves being part of the Swimsation community.
Before joining us, Meggan worked as a commis chef and has recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. When she’s not at Swimsation, you’ll find her spending time with friends and family.
Her favourite part of working here is getting to know so many special people and having the privilege of watching our swimmers grow up. Meggan has a special knack for remembering everyone’s name.
Meggan’s top piece of advice for swimmers is, “Be super brave and never give up, even when it’s hard.“
Alysha Sayers
About Alysha
I’ve been teaching at Swimsation since 2023 and teach all levels from babies to adults.
I’m currently studying at AUT and finish my degree soon.
I love seeing swimmers grow up through our levels — it’s so rewarding.
I bring my club swimming background to our older levels.
Water Safety Tip: “Always swim with your adult watching.”
Nathan Joe
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Instructors
Analisa Gordon
Te Atutu
About Analisa
I’ve been teaching swimming for just over two years, working with everyone from babies through to adults.
When I’m not at the pool, I love to paint and get creative.
What I love most about swim teaching is helping people learn such an important life skill while keeping it fun. I always try to include skills in a playful way so lessons are enjoyable and engaging.
My favourite water safety tip: “Always be with an adult when you go to any water area.”
Ayla Hambrook
Te Atutu
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Ben Hardy
Papakura
About Ben
I have been teaching swimming for 3 years and recently returned to teaching at Papakura after a year’s break. I teach from Tiny Turtle through to Olly Octopus, and I also work with school groups.
Outside of Swimsation, I’m focusing on my final year of school, aiming for strong grades to pursue college opportunities in the United States. I love volleyball and water polo and spend a lot of time training and competing.
What I enjoy most about swim teaching is helping kids progress through the levels — seeing them move up is the best feeling. My special skill? I’m known as the Tiny Turtle Whisperer — non-confident swimmers thrive with my gentle, clown-like teaching style.
My top water safety tip: “Make sure you listen to your parents around water.”
Bill Caliston
Te Atutu
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Brooke Parker
Papakura
About Brooke
Brooke has been teaching at Swimsation for one year and works with a wide range of levels—from preschoolers to advanced school-age swimmers. She brings 14 years of personal experience in both swimming lessons and competitions, which she now shares with her students in the pool.
Outside of teaching, Brooke continues to compete in swimming herself, keeping her passion for the sport alive.
What she loves most about teaching is helping kids develop the same love for swimming that she has had since childhood. Her lessons are energetic, supportive, and focused on building both skills and enjoyment.
Brooke’s advice for swimmers: “Always go down feet first in a river—you need two feet, but you only have one head!”
Celena Jones
Te Atutu
About Annika
I mainly teach our pre-school levels like Tiny Turtle, Starfish, Flying Fish and Gold Fish, but I’m also able to teach school-age swimmers.
I’m a Year 12 high school student and hope to study nursing at university.
What I love most about swim teaching is seeing the confidence grow in each swimmer while helping them learn to stay safe in the water.
Fun fact: I’m actually a mermaid! 🧜♀️
Celena’s top tip: “Always wear a life jacket when you’re in a boat.”
Elvin Verma
Papakura – Relief Staff
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Emily Bowker
Papakura
About Emily
I’ve been teaching at Swimsation since April 2025, working with preschool and school-age swimmers.
I’m currently a high school student and a youth leader with Girl Guides.
I love encouraging students and watching their confidence grow.
My special skill is patience and understanding — especially when finishing class with a game.
Water Safety Tip: “Stay confident when trying something new.”
Emily Russell
Papakura
About Emily
I’ve been teaching for a year and teach Preschool, Whipa Snapa and Olly Octopus.
Outside of Swimsation, I’m a student, aunty, squash player, and church volunteer.
I love when kids achieve something for the first time and shout “I did it!!”
I bring smiles and energy to every lesson.
Water Safety Tip: “If in doubt, roll onto your back and float.”
Fiona Saunders
Papakura
About Fiona
Fiona brings over 6 years of swimming teaching experience to Swimsation and is confident teaching all levels—from babies through to adults! She has a real gift for adapting her approach to suit each individual, making her lessons welcoming and effective for swimmers of every age.
Outside of the pool, Fiona homeschools her 9-year-old daughter, volunteers at the Papakura Rugby Club, enjoys crafting, and is a proud mum of two.
What Fiona loves most about teaching is seeing progress—especially when swimmers have been working hard at a skill and finally achieve it. For her, those moments are the most rewarding.
Fiona’s advice for swimmers: “It’s never too late to learn—just come with an open mind!”
Greer Goldfinch
Papakura
About Greer
Greer has been teaching swimming at Swimsation for 5 months and already brings great energy and care to her lessons. She teaches preschool through to school-age swimmers, working with children aged 2–7.
Outside the pool, Greer is a Year 13 student at Howick College. She has a passion for dance, having trained for 14 years, and also enjoys playing golf, which she has been learning for the past 8 months.
What Greer loves most about teaching at Swimsation is seeing her students progress week by week and watching their confidence in the water grow. Her special skill is creating a positive, supportive space where children can build confidence at their own pace while still having fun.
Greer’s advice for swimmers: “Always try your best and make sure you give everything a go!”
Harry Smart
Te Atutu – Relief Staff
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Isla Bowen
Te Atutu
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Ivy Pope
Papakura
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Jack Rush
Papakura
About Jack
I have been teaching at Swimsation for 1.5 years and teach from Tiny Turtles to Olly Octopus.
I’m also a high school student and play football.
I love giving back to the community and helping kids become confident swimmers.
My imagination makes it easy to turn tasks into games to keep lessons engaging.
Water Safety Tip: “Make sure someone is always nearby to help if something goes wrong.”
John Riddell
Te Atutu
About John
John brings 10 years of swim teaching experience to Swimsation, working with everyone from preschoolers through to adults. He’s passionate about helping swimmers not only master new skills but also enjoy the process—whether it’s that special moment when a child finally “gets it,” or watching kids learn to work together and have fun while progressing.
Outside the pool, John is a caregiver for three neurodiverse tamariki and also works as a relief teacher, driver, and teacher aide. His background is diverse—ranging from chef and food production supervisor in a dip-making factory, to cleaning and even dabbling in industrial roofing.
John’s special skill is his imagination and creativity in designing swim drills that keep learning fun, engaging, and effective. He has a vested interest in helping kids grow into not just confident swimmers, but also confident people. He also loves keeping fit, running, and exploring new techniques and activities that benefit his teaching.
Fun fact: John speaks te reo Māori, is learning Amharic, and has a love for Ethiopian food!
His advice for swimmers: “Never underestimate the power of the ocean and waves.”
Jonathan Bellen
Papakura
About Jonathan
Jonathan brings over 20 years of experience as both a swim teacher and coach, and he has the skills to teach all levels with confidence. His lessons are known for being fun, lively, and engaging—making learning both effective and enjoyable.
Outside of Swimsation, Jonathan is a Physical Education teacher, where he continues to inspire students through sport and activity.
What he loves most about teaching swimming is seeing his students master new skills while having fun and staying safe—moments that he finds truly rewarding.
Jonathan’s advice for swimmers: “Stay calm and relaxed in the water—remember, water is your ally. It can support you, help you swim, and keep you safe.”
Nathan Joe
Papakura – Relief Staff
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Mark Cirunay
Te Atutu
About Mark
I’ve been teaching swimming for almost 18 years, covering everything from basic skills and water safety to technical operations, rescue, and disaster risk reduction training.
I work with a wide range of age groups — from children learning to swim to adults and professionals needing specialized training.
Outside of Swimsation, I’m also a firefighter and disaster risk reduction expert, involved in safety education, operations, and training to build stronger, safer communities.
What I love most about teaching is helping people become confident in the water, knowing these skills can truly change lives. Watching swimmers progress and gain lifelong skills is incredibly rewarding.
Mark’s favourite water safety tip: “Always respect the water. Stay calm, never swim alone, and remember that confidence and caution go hand in hand.”
Matheus Santos
Te Atutu
About Matheus
I’ve been teaching swimming for 15 years, from preschoolers right through to squad levels.
Outside of the pool, I enjoy going to the gym and keeping active.
The best part of teaching for me is when kids finish a lesson with a big smile on their face — that’s when I know I’ve made a difference.
My favourite water safety tip: “If you are in trouble, float on your back with your arm up and call for help.”
Pallab Barua
Papakura
About Pallab
I’ve been a swim teacher for 5 years and teach advanced school-age swimmers and adults.
Outside Swimsation, I work full-time in finance.
What I love most is seeing swimmers learn to swim independently and starting my Saturday mornings surrounded by happy swimmers.
My special skill is clear communication strategies that help swimmers understand and succeed.
Water Safety Tip: “Don’t run around the pool.”
Portia Cutfield
Papakura – Relief Staff
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Rebecca Andersen
Papakura
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Rhea Vijapurapu
Te Atutu
About Rhea
I teach preschool through school-age levels.
Outside of teaching I enjoy spending time with family and love working with children of all personalities.
I love seeing kids gain confidence and become safer in the water.
Water Safety Tip: “Always swim with an adult watching.”
Robyn de Beer
Papakura – Relief Staff
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Shayde Lowe
Papakura – Relief Staff
About Shayde
I have been part of the Swimsation Team for 7 months and can teach Infants, Preschool and School-Age levels up to Supa Seal. Before joining Swimsation, I worked in primary schools supporting diverse learners and coaching sports.
Outside the pool, I’m a full-time university student studying Sport, Exercise and Health, and in my spare time I love being outdoors with my dogs and karaoke nights.
Fun fact — I was once a Swimsation swimmer myself!
Water Safety Tip: “The more you believe in yourself, the faster you’ll improve — keep showing up and have fun!”
Shyra Vui
Papakura
About Me
Coming soon 🙂
About me – coming soon!
Victor Galli
Papakura
About Victor
I’ve been teaching swimming for about 7 months, mainly with school children.
When I’m not teaching, you’ll usually find me in the garden, hiking with my dog, or relaxing with a good movie alongside my partner.
What I love most is seeing kids develop confidence and move with ease under the water, often with a big smile on their face. As a passionate coach, I focus on form and posture, helping kids build good habits in a fun and stress-free way.
My favourite water safety tip: “Keep your lower back neutral (not rounded) and move from the hips — it helps you move more effectively while protecting your spine.”
Join The Team
At Swimsation we are committed to providing a simplistic positive fun aquatic education with a focus on ensuring swimmers are safer in, on and around the water. We are always on the look out for people who share our vision to join our Swimsation family.
- Want a job that is fun?
- Want a job where you are making a difference?
- Want a job that fits around study and/or family?
- We can help!
Currently recruiting for the following positions:
BABY INSTRUCTOR - Papakura & Te Atatu
BABY INSTRUCTORS
We are on the hunt for instructors to join our team specialising in teaching in our under 3’s programme.
This role is an in-water teaching position working in our baby and toddler programme first and foremost, but successful candidates would have the opportunity to branch into other areas of teaching including pre-school, school age, squads and adults.
At Swimsation we recognise teaching under 3’s requires special skills. We provide our Under 3’s instructors with regular training, opportunities for external education and remunerate at time and half.
Essential skills required for this role include a passion for water safety, confidence, strong communication skills and ability to have fun.
Desirable skills for this role include previous experience teaching infant classes and an Austswim Infant and Pre-School Qualification or equivalent.
Our teaching positions are rostered with the school terms and we are currently looking for instructors who are able to work one or more of the following shifts:
PAPAKURA
Saturday 7.30am – 12pm
Saturday 12.30pm – 3pm
Saturday 7.30am – 3pm
Sunday 7.30am – 12pm
Sunday 12pm – 3pm
Sunday 7.30am – 3pm
TE ATATU
Saturday 8am – 12pm
Sunday 8am – 12pm
We would love to hear from experienced, qualified instructors and those willing to become and experienced in teaching these age groups.
If you would like more information on the role please contact our swim school manager, Danni on 021 032 1191 or email at danniT@swimsation.com
INSTRUCTOR - Papakura
We are looking for fun and enthusiastic people to join our team of swim instructors at our Papakura Swimsation location.
Our Gold standard Learn to Swim and Water Safety program is taught in-water to ensure we get the best results from our swimmers and includes teaching boat safety, lifejackets, river safety, reach rescues and moving water.
We are looking for reliable and hard working team members who are available to work during the school term. Successful candidates would be rostered between the following hours based on their availability and would need to be available to work at least 1 weekend day.
Available Shifts:
Monday 3.30pm – 7pm
Tuesday 3.30pm – 7pm
Wednesday 3.30pm – 7pm
Saturday 8am to 3pm and/or Sunday 8am to 3pm.
While swim teaching experience is an advantage, we will provide training to people with no experience who love working with kids, making lessons fun and are not afraid to get their hair wet.
If you would like more information on the role please contact our swim school manager, Danni on 021 032 1191 or email at danniT@swimsation.com
SCHOOLS INSTRUCTOR - Te Atatu
Are you passionate about teaching a life skill?
We are looking for fun and enthusiastic people to join our team of swim instructors who deliver swimming and water safety lessons to schools.
Our Gold standard Learn to Swim and Water Safety programme is taught in-water to ensure we get the best results from our swimmers and includes teaching boat safety, lifejackets, river safety, reach rescues and moving water.
Our roster aligns with primary school terms so we are looking for reliable and hard working team members who are available to work during school hours.
This position would suit someone who is looking for 5 – 15 hours per week, but may wish to pick up more hours in the summer season when everyone wants to swim.
Successful candidates will need to be able to be available to work between 9am to 2.30pm at Swimsation Te Atatu, located at Peninsula Primary School.
No prior swim teaching experience is required, but you do need to love working with kids, making lessons fun and not be afraid to get your hair wet!
If you would like more information on the role please contact our swim school manager, Danni on 021 032 1191 or email at danniT@swimsation.com
Benefits of being a member of the Swimsation Family:
- Swimsation is committed to ensuring the people in their family are looked after and understand that family comes first.
- We are committed to ensuring our family members know they are valued. Our management team are constantly review our pay structure to ensure our rates remain competitive. We have a feedback culture that celebrates success through regular feedback on shift, quarterly appraisals, quarterly training awards and annual performance/pay review and yearly Swimsation awards.
- Swimsation has a culture where work / life balance is valued and maintained through regular education and working hours that allow extra time for health and well-being activities and greater family time.
- We prioritise your personal development and career growth. You will be encouraged and provided the opportunity to continue to learn and develop your business and life skills through regular 1 on 1 coaching sessions with our swim school manager and ongoing support to attend industry courses and seminars that interest you.
- Water safety education and awareness does not stop at our customers. Swimsation family will have access to free swimming lessons for themselves and their immediate family.
- Work is FUN! We laugh, we teach through play and song and we even have dress up days.
