Meet Our Coaches
Lars Humer
Head Coach
Lars Humer
- SCTNZ High Performance Gold Coach
- Also, a qualified Coach/ Teacher with SLS, Rugby and Skiing
- Olympic & Paralympic Games experience (5 Games campaigns)
- Started Swim Coaching and Teaching in 1977 – robust apprenticeship with Duncan Laing
- Former NZ Rep in SLS and OW Swimming
- Former Pro Surf Ironman Athlete
- Returned to Dunedin in 2018 after working overseas for 20 years in High Performance Coaching
- Employed with British Swimming for 14 ½ years and with Swim Ireland for 5 years
- High Performance roles also included local club and junior Swimming Development
- 3 Previous
National Head Coach roles – Swimming, Para Swimming and Surf Life Saving
Michelle Summers
Michelle Summers
- 30 years learn to swim and coaching experience
- Bachelor of Physical Education (Uni of Otago)
- Ex competitive swimmer (National level)
- SCTNZ Bronze Coach qualification
- Coaching for Swim Dunedin since 2018
- Administrator for Swim Dunedin
Steve Prescott
Steve Prescott
- Coaching 20yrs plus and with Swim Dunedin since 2020
- Current National level competitive swimming (Masters top 10 in World)
- Married nearly 50 years, 2 children and 3 grandchildren
Waika Cassidy
Waika Cassidy
- Studying Health Science First Year at University of Otago
- Ex competitive swimmer
- Swim Instructor for Just Swim Dunedin
Emilia Finer
Emilia Finer
- Bachelor of Arts and Science, currently studying postgrad
- Current competitive swimmer at national level
- New Zealand Frozen Fern (ice swimming)
Sarah Hay
Sarah Hay
- Studying towards a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) at the University of Otago Elite
- New Zealand triathlete Swim instructor since 2022
- Background in surf lifesaving, including lifeguarding and coaching
Pippa Nicol
Pippa Nicol
- 3rd year Bachelor of Laws and Finance
- New Zealand Black Fin (Surf Lifesaving)
- Ex competitive swimmer (National level)
- Experience coaching in many sports
Esme Paterson
Esme Paterson
- Physical Education and Health Degree
- Current Competitive swimmer at National level
- Coached for Swim Dunedin since 2020
- Pilates instructor
- NZ Foundation Development Coach
Katie Price
Katie Price
- Ex competitive swimmer (National level)
- Still swims for fun and fitness (Masters swimming)
- Enjoys open water swimming, tramping, crossword puzzles & travel
Kat Sokolova
Kat Sokolova
- Currently doing a BSc in Physical Education,
- Activity and Health Swim Instructor since 2022, with Swim Dunedin since 2025
- Spin Instructor and Lifeguard at Moana Pool
Rosa van Turnhout
Rosa van Turnhout
- Year 13 OGHS
- Ex competitive swimmer
- Kiwi Swim Club Coach
Eddie Wright
Eddie Wright
- Currently studying IT at Otago Polytec
- NZ Foundation Coach
- Ex competitive swimmer
- Ex Waterpolo player (goalkeeper and MVP goalkeeper at National 2020)
Coach development
In association with Swim NZ, we support the continued professional development of swim coaches.
We have a team of casual coaches who are qualified (or working towards their qualifications). Inline with Swimming NZ policies, our coaches are all police vetted and have completed the following online courses:
- Safeguarding Children
- Drugfree Sport
- Good Sports