Hall of Fame
| Hall of Fame | |
| The Commonwealth Games | |
 | New Zealand has sent a total of 33 divers to Commonwealth Games between 1930 (Hamilton, Canada) and 2002 (Manchester). New Zealanders have won four bronze Commonwealth medals: 1950 (Auckland - Jack Stewart, 1m springboard), 1954 (Vancouver - Jack Stewart, 1m springboard), 1982 (Brisbane, Mark Graham, 1m springboard) and 1990 (Auckland - Nicky Cooney, 1m springboard) |
| Kaitlyn White | |
 | Kaitlyn White started her diving at the Wellington Diving Club as a 10 year old. Her family moved to Auckland in 2001 where she trained with Steven Zhu. Kaitlyn competed at the World Junior Championships Aachen 2002 winning the world title in the 14-15 Girls Platform. The only other New Zealand diver to win a Junior World title was Tanya Paterson in the 1980’s. Tanya competed at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. While still an age group diver Kaitlyn also competed at Grand Prix events, 2003 World Championships, Australian Open Championships taking a silver medal on platform in 2004 and breaking the NZ Open Platform record that still stands today. Unfortunately when Steven Zhu left for Perth, Kaitlyn still only aged 16 retired. Kaitlyn has also represented NZ at Underwater Hockey. She went onto study zoology at Otago University. |
| Charlotte Glynan | |
 | Charlotte started her diving at the Wellington Diving Club under Gordon Ng as a 14 year old. After a background in national level gymnastics she was looking for a sport that didn’t take up as much time and commitment. She quickly grew to love the sport and before long was spending similar hours training to that of gymnastics. It was not until 1995 that Charlotte first represented New Zealand at the Southern Cross series in Auckland. A later change from springboard to platform saw her compete more regularly on the international scene. In 1999 she represented New Zealand in the Women’s Open Platform event at the Diving World Cup held in Wellington, finishing 18th. There were further international experiences including the 2000 Diving World Cup, numerous Grand Prix events around the world, 1999 and 2001 World University Games. In 2002 Charlotte moved to Auckland to train under Steven Zhu prior to being selected for the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. From 1998-2002 Charlotte held national titles and records for the Women’s Open Platform. Along with competing at the Commonwealth Games Charlotte believes competing at the 1999 Diving World Cup in her home pool was a definite highlight. Charlotte is still involved in diving at a local, national and international level. You will regularly see her on poolside helping coach while Steven and James are away on overseas trips. Having completed her FINA International Judging Qualification at the Sheffield World Series leg in 2008, Charlotte’s focus has now turned towards starting her international judging career. |
| Rebecca Scott & Louise McDonald | |
 | Rebecca Scott and Louise McDonald (both Wellington Diving Club members and coached by Gordon Ng) were the first New Zealand Synchro team. Winners of a bronze medal at the 'International Meet' Wellington 1994. Rebecca competed for Wellington at National competition and New Zealand in 1991 to 1995. Rebecca's parents were both involved in the sport from its inception in Wellington in 1989. Keith served as the Diving New Zealand Chairman 1997-2000. Louise came from a gymnastic background and also competed for Wellington and New Zealand 1992 to 1996 winning national titles in platform events. She believes her claim to fame was getting her mother involved in the sport.. |
| Gordon Ng | |
 | Gordon Ng has been a long time support of New Zealand and more specifically Wellington Diving. Gordon founded the Wellington Diving Club in 1989 and took the role of Head Coach as well. From 1989, Gordon coached various National squads and Wellington Regional squads. To show Gordon's continued support of Wellington diving, he awards two scholarships each year to two Welington Divers. The scholarship offers a 10 day training camp in China. |
| Friends of WHPA | |
| Ann Sissons | |
 | Ann started Diving at the age of 14 under the guidance of Merv Campbell in Hamilton. After Ann made the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team, she made the trip to the USA to train, as New Zealand's facilities didn't cater for all year round training. In the USA, she received tutelage from Dick Smith, who had coached many Olympians. Ann went on to compete at the '78 and '82 Commonwealth Games, as well as the '84 Olympic Games. Ann did qualify for the '80 Olympic Games, however, due to the withdrawal of the New Zealand Swimming team, was unable to compete. After retiring from competition, Ann moved to professional coaching. Ann coached in Texas and also coached at the International Special Olympics, which was a highlight of her coaching career. Ann has now moved on to the technical side of Diving, judging at various events, including the Commonwealth Games, the World Championships and also the Olympic Games. Ann is now based in Melbourne, where she works for Diving Victoria, developing programs for divers of all levels. |
| Robin Hood | |
| Robin has been involved in aquatic sports since 1949 and his competitive years embraced 25 years. During this time Robin won many New Zealand titles both at open and masters diving competitions. He represented NZ at Commonwealth Games Kingston Jamaica 1966 and was an Olympic Trialist for the Mexico Olympics. Robin has served in many roles for the sport from Secretary to Chairman in New Zealand. He was the first New Zealander to serve on the FINA Technical Diving Committee 1992-2009. The first New Zealander to judge at the Olympic Games and has judged or refereed at all Olympic Games since 1984. Commentated for TVNZ at the 1992/1996 Olympics and 1994 Commonwealth Games. With his help New Zealand has been able to host various international diving events from World Junior Championships to Grand Prixs and the very successful FINA World Cup in 1999. Awarded: NZASA Honours Award DNZ Life Membership 2001 FINA Silver Pin for Services to Diving Robin continues to support diving at all levels and is particularly interested and very supportive of Wellington High Performance Aquatics and its development. |
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