Mac's Instructors
Angela Skilling - Instructor
Angela teaches Level 1 lessons on Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays at MAC's & Level 2 + Foundation level on Tuesdays. Her gentle, calm and quiet manner is an approach that children can do well under. She is dedicated and passionate about swim teaching and is currently undertaking the top swim teacher qualification you can gain (Apprenticeship in Aquatics Level 4).
Angela has been teaching at MAC's since 2020, after coming through our swim school and minsiquad programmes herself as a swimmer.
QUALIFICATIONS
• NCEA level 1, 2 and 3
• New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (level 5)
• New Zealand certificate in Aquatics (level 3)
• Autswim Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
Working towards Apprenticeship in Aquatics (Level 4) in 2022.
SWIMMING BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE
My teaching journey here at MACS started towards the end 2020.
Swim Teaching at Taiora QEII from 2021.
My swimming experience started here at MACS in 2014 and I am still attending the Prep Squad to this day.
INTERESTS / HOBBIES
Other than spending time with whanau and friends I enjoy colouring in and or puzzles. I also love to travel/ sight see and of course spend time in and around water.
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
To support each and every individual to be confident and competent in the water by catering to individual needs and acknowledging effort through positive praise to see the most rewarding part - their smile.
Janet Lloyd
Janet has joined our team in 2023 after having taught swimming in Ashburton for 9 years. Janet brings much enthusiasm, passion and a sense of humour to MAC's. She also teaches swimming at Waitakiri School, so her experience teaching young children is immense.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SWIM QUALIFICATIONS
• Learn to swim teacher for 9 years, Ashburton
• Learn to Swim Coordinator EA Network Centre, Ashburton
• Swim NZ Certificate (Assistant Swim Teacher)
• Austswim certificate in Aquatics and Water safety in 2022
• Coast Guard Boating Certificate,
• Child Protection in play, Active Recreation and Sport.
BACKGROUND
Competitive sprinter in High School, holding National Titles
Mother of 2 adult children
Worked for the Ministry of Education in supporting extra needs children
INTERESTS
I stay close to my children, family and friends- my extended family live in Australia so travel is always on the cards.
We are always learning and I like to keep up to date with safety and swimming techniques as they become available. During terms 1 and 4 I am in the water at Waitakiri School teaching swimming and safety with all ages and levels.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My belief in being a good swim teacher, is to learn how each child does their learning. To achieve and feel confident within themselves, we need to listen and learn from our students. Having fun during lessons is a big part of good learning too, so I make sure laughs and enjoyment became the normal.
Blair McMillan - Owner and Instructor
Blair currently teaches on Tuesdays Level 1, Wednesdays Level 3 & minisquad, Fridays Level 1 & 2 & minisquad. Blair's experience, expertise from competitive coaching and desire to connect with all his swimmers on a personal level, make him an extraordinary teacher and coach to all age groups.
QUALIFICATIONS
Swimming NZ Level 3 Coach
Swimming NZ Elite Coach 1995 - 1998
Bachelor of Laws 1991
Owner of MAC's since 2010
SWIMMING BACKGROUND / RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
30 plus years coaching / teaching experience
High performance coaching while Head Coach at Wharenui Swim Club
o 1995 Sirinton Coe Pan Pacific Games
o 1996 Lydia Lipscombe Atlanta Olympics
o 1998 Lydia Lipscombe Kuala Lumper Commonwealth Games
Canterbury Swimming Champion / NZ Age Group Medallist (back in the dark ages)
INTERESTS/HOBBIES
Writing - First novel under contract for publication 2023
Paddle Barding / Surfing
Golf
Watching my children at their activities
Working up a sweat at the gym
Reading
SWIM TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
People learn to swim all over the world in entirely different ways. That being so, all swim teachers have something to offer and different approaches should be embraced. I love to see our staff teaching to their strengths. My personal approach is to work at building a rapport with my swimmers so that we enjoy each other's company during lessons and have a bit of a laugh while learning
Samantha Pegg - Instructor
Samantha teaches on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at MAC's. She is an ex MAC's swimmer herself so totally understands our programme. She loves creating strong relationships with her swimmers and is really focused on giving individualised feedback while making lessons fun.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SWIM QUALIFICATIONS
Tripp Lake camp swim teacher (Camp America) 2024 USA
Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid and Waterfront Skills 2024
Austswim certificate in Aquatics and Water safety 2025
Aerobics club owner and coach for 2 year
Currently studying psychology and sport nutrition at the University of Canterbury.
BACKGROUND
I started learning to swim at 6 months old at Bumble Bees and then worked through MAC’s learn to swim and minisquads till the age of 12. I came back to swimming for fun in 2024 due to working as a swim teacher at an American summer camp, where I taught girls aged 6-16 for 7 weeks.
INTERESTS
I love to travel and work at Tripp Lake Camp in Maine US, where I live with children 6-16yrs and teach swimming. In my first year I lived with 6 x 7 year olds for 2 months!
I love to go on walks on the hills with friends and my dog.
I also grew up as a dancer for 13 years doing all styles and now coach aerobics
I love competing in sports aerobics.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My philosophy is to create a safe, supportive and fun environment where students feel comfortable to challenge themselves and celebrate their progress. I love getting to know all my students on an individual level so I can cater to their individual needs and help them get the most out of each lesson.
India Niven - Instructor
Indy teaches adults on a Tuesday evening. Indy's worldwide experience and life skills make her an excellent teacher as she is able to relate to people from diverse backgrounds.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SWIM QUALIFICATIONS
● Royal Life Saving Australia swimming teacher, 3 years teaching on Leighton Beach, and Bicton River
● Waterwise Swim School swimming teacher, 1.5 years
● Royal Perth Swim School swimming coach, 1 year
● Camp Wicosuta New Hampshire, 6 months lifeguard, camp counsellor and swim teacher
● Fremantle Surf Life Saving Australia, 12 years
● Currently studying Nursing Degree at Ara
BACKGROUND
Competitive swimmer and surf lifeguard for over 12 years. I competed in iron women events, surf races and tube rescues. I have taught multiple programmes with various skill levels, class sizes and age ranges.
INTERESTS
I have been travelling through America, Canada and Europe for the past three years and only recently moved to Christchurch to pursue a nursing degree at ARA. I love exploring hikes, water colour painting and volunteering at the SPCA.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe that students learn best when they are engaged so I always try to keep the lessons interesting and tailor the drills differently for each individual student's strengths and weaknesses.
Mark Grammar
Mark has been with us on our MAC's team since 2025. He comes with an extensive background of coaching and business ownership. Mark is a relaxed, confident and happy team member who takes Level 2, 3, Minisquad and adult swimmers.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SWIM QUALIFICATIONS
· Tri NZ Level 1 Accredited Coach
· Level 1 First Aid St Johns
· Level 4 Certificate in Personal Training
· Master of Management, Auckland University
· Post Graduate Diploma in Business
· Bachelor of Science, Otago University
· Owner/Director of Marlborough Sport Development 2012 – 2024
· Owner/Director of Mark Grammer Photography 2015 - present
BACKGROUND
I am a former Competitive National Age Group swimmer and competed at World Triathlon competitions as an age grouper. I love Ocean swimming and am in the water most days. I have previously coached Triathletes & Special Olympics in Blenheim, whilst at the same time operating businesses in Event management and photography.
INTERESTS
I have a strong interest in ocean swimming, endurance sport, and long-term athlete development. I enjoy helping swimmers build confidence in open water, develop efficient technique, and prepare mentally and physically for real-world conditions. Outside of coaching, I have a long-standing involvement in sport development, event delivery, and visual storytelling through photography and video, particularly within community sport and the performing arts. I value continuous learning and enjoy exploring how technology and data can be used to improve coaching outcomes and athlete engagement.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My teaching approach focuses on safety, confidence, and correct technique. I believe swimmers learn best in a calm, supportive environment with clear instruction and simple progressions. Lessons are structured and consistent, while allowing for individual differences in ability, confidence, and learning pace. I place a strong emphasis on water safety, fundamental skills, and positive reinforcement, helping swimmers feel comfortable and capable in the water as they develop their skills.
Fergus McMillan
Fergus comes from coaching pedigree and understands MAC's like the back of his hand. He has listened about the business since birth, being the youngest child of Blair and Karen. Fergus joined the MAC's team in 2025 and relates exceptionally well to his swimmers. He has a passion for swimming having come from a competitive swim background.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SWIM QUALIFICATIONS
· Currently working towards Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Qualification
· Teacher at MAC's since 2025
· Competitive swimmer with Wharenui Swim Club since 2021
BACKGROUND
I learnt to swim initially through Bumble Bees, before moving through every level at MAC's, finally ending up as a competitive swimmer for Wharenui Swim Club, which I am still involved in. I have competed at multiple school swimming sports, having gone all the way to Canterbury's multiple times, as well as having competed at a national level in the Apollo Division II competition.
INTERESTS
· Swimming
· Playing music (Drums/Bass)
· Architecture
· Reading
· Exercise
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe that it is important for students to be able to form a bond with their teacher, so I try to engage with my students as much as possible, so that they can be excited to come to swimming. I love to give feedback and see people develop their swimming skills.