Our Coaching Team

#MightyMarlinz

Head Coach

Michael Weston
EMAIL: michaelw@northernarena.co.nz

Coast Swim Club has established itself as the premier New Zealand swimming club under the guidance of head coach Michael Weston. Within his first 5-years of tenure, the club has gone from a Top-10 performing club to Number 1.

For his efforts, Weston has led New Zealand as Head Coach to the 2022 World Short Course Championships. Weston has also served on the coaching staff at the 2022 World Championship team in Budapest, Hungary, and will part of the 2023 World Championship team in Fukuoka, Japan. Weston has also been part of the International Swim League as an Assistant coach on the LA Current, where he spent two sessions with some of the best athletes and coaches in the world.

Coast Swim Club reached the pinnacle in 2022 by winning its first National Championship at a Senior level. This was defended in 2023 where Coast Swim Club again hoisted the National Championship Trophy.

Weston’s athletes have broken over fifty New Zealand Open Records from 50m to 400m over a variety of strokes and have qualified for high level individual meets such as World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Weston has a BSc (Sport Science) and an MBA (Hons), both from Massey University. Westons coaching philosophy centres around laying strong individual and team foundations and allowing for athletic growth to evolve both organically and precisely. Weston believes in “making your own luck”

Last Updated: 25 May, 2023.

Junior Squad Coach

Teegan FARR

EMAIL : teeganf@northernarena.co.nz

Teegan, from the far North, is an ex-competitive swimmer representing both Coast Swim Club and North wave over a 12-year career. Teegan’s passion for swimming led him to swim teaching at Northern Arena, where he has worked up the ranks to become firstly an assistant swim coach, to now being trusted with leading both the pre-club, Race Academy and the Juniors space.

Teegan brings a jovial attitude to his coaching, but can be equally stern when he needs to be. His ability to navigate the progression from learning to swim to the competitive pathway is a supreme asset in helping Junior swimmers succeed on their pathway towards age group success.

Teegan was recently one of twenty coaches selected for the SNZ Coaching Development Course, hosted by world-renowned Wayne Goldsmith, and was selected from hundreds on applicants.

Assistant Head coach

John gatfield
EMAIL: johng@northernarena.co.nz

John Gatfield is a highly accomplished swim coach with an impressive track record of success. With his coaching expertise, he has guided numerous swimmers to international meets such as the World Championships and Commonwealth Games. His swimmers have also gone on to achieve medal-winning performances at the Youth Olympic, Junior World Championships, and Junior Pan Pacific Championships.

With 10 years experience, three of which as the Assistant Head Coach of St Peters Western in Australia, John has worked alongside the renowned Dean Boxall, honing his coaching skills to an exceptional level. John's coaching style is focused on fostering a positive and supportive environment that encourages his swimmers to achieve their best. His commitment to building strong relationships with his athletes has been instrumental in helping them break numerous New Zealand and Australian swimming records.

John's coaching philosophy centers around the belief that every swimmer has the potential to be great, and he works tirelessly to help his athletes realize their true potential. His passion for the sport is infectious, and his ability to motivate his swimmers to push themselves to the limit is truly unparalleled. John is a coach who truly cares about his athletes and is fully committed to helping them succeed at the highest level.