Chris Garlick is born and bred in Stratford and is a qualified teacher. Chris has recently returned to the area and owns and operates his own fitness centre. Chris is passionate about the importance of teaching NZ kids to swim given the big part water plays in our leisure and school activities. Chris has two young children, one of whom is involved in swimming with the Flyers Club in Stratford and is excited about being involved with this community project.

Nadine Moore is a Physiotherapist working at Taranaki Physiotherapy but is also the Sports Coordinator at Stratford Primary School. She has four young children, who are involved in a large variety of local sports including swimming. Nadine, alongside her husband Aaron, is actively involved in many sporting committees and groups in the community. Nadine has a passion for seeing all children involved and having a chance to participate in sport.

Aimee Woodhead has been involved in swimming since she was 8 years old and Clive Wheeler tapped her on the shoulder to join his competitive swim squad.

She had many years experience as an instructor and coach of the Flyers swim school and squad. Now, working at Stratford Primary School as a year 3 and 4 teacher in Room 19 she continues to help young people develop into amazing people.

With so much hardship in the world today it is important to acknowledge not everyone has access to what many people take for granted and we need to provide opportunities for everyone no matter their background to gain the life skill of swimming.

Tyla is a qualified primary school teacher who is working at Lemonwood Grove School in Rolleston, near Christchurch. She was born in Stratford and lived there most of her life. Tyla is passionate about swimming and has been involved in the swimming scene for years with previously being a competitive swimmer and a qualified swimming instructor. She enjoys seeing tamariki involved in sport, especially swimming and seeing them have the chance to learn and grow new vital skills. Tyla is the treasurer of the Ako Wai Learn to Swim Programme.

Bailee is a sheep and beef farmer from the Eastern Districts area, she works alongside her husband and two young children. She was born and raised in Stratford, where she took part in swimming from a young age. Bailee then went on to become a competitive swimmer under Clive Wheeler, where she competed at National events. She was also a qualified swimming instructor for the Flyers Swim Club prior to having children. Bailee loves to see children involved in swimming, as she understands the importance of learning this vital skill in New Zealand. She is the social media content creator for the Ako Wai Learn to Swim Programme.

Nicky Macdonald-Wells has had years of involvement with swimming with both of her now teenage children coming through the Flyers Competitive Program.  She is passionate about providing all children with the opportunity to learn to swim, especially when we are surrounded by rivers, oceans, ponds and even water troughs on farms. 

She thrives on the empowerment of people, young people especially and enjoys observing the skills gained from the Ako Wai program.

She comes to us with experience from many community boards such as Toko and District Lions and Tutaki.