Our Leadership Team
Vaughan Hope
Facility Manager
Vaughan is proud of the achievements his team has attained over the years including NZRA Outstanding Pool of the Year 2016. Vaughan holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science, have been on tertiary review panels for Sport Science, and previously part of the PT Council of NZ.
Vaughan’s day to day activities draw on experience both in the hospitality and fitness industry coupled with his drive” to set the standard in fitness, recreation and lifestyle centres” Vaughan surrounds himself with great people who share the same drive to make a difference in our community!
Byron Hull
Fitness Centre Team Leader
Byron oversees the day-to-day operation of our state-of-the-art fitness centre here at Richmond Aquatic Centre.
He is a graduate of Auckland University (AUT) Bachelors of Sport and Recreation and is a Senior Mentor and Assessor for fitness and sports-based qualifications through Te Mahi Ako NZ.
Recently wining the Te Mahi Ako Te Iti Kahurangi Award for his work developing professionals within the region.
Byron is a martial arts enthusiast, with a Muay Thai kickboxing background and more recently starting in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/MMA.
In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors, walking his dogs and doing DIY and gardening around his home.
Michelle Hugo
Swim School Co-ordinator
What excites me the most is the opportunity to make a positive impact on swimmers of all ages and skill levels. I’m looking forward to working with an amazing team to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone can grow and enjoy the water. Watching students progress and celebrating their milestones is truly inspiring!
When I'm not swimming, my passion lies in photography, with wildlife being my favourite style. Capturing the beauty and rawness of animals in their natural habitats brings me immense joy. It's a way for me to connect with nature and tell stories through images, preserving moments that many might never get the chance to witness.
Rachel Pike
Assistant Manager
Rachel is our water treatment specialist, and previous winner of the NZRA Lifeguard of the Year in 2011. Rachel Graduated Otago University with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Physical Education to which she applies these skills in the development of our Aquatics team. When she is not working to ensure the highest standard of water quality you will find Rachel up in the hills mountain biking, on the ocean paddling Wakaama or outside chasing trails. Rachel is a firm believer in the positive benefits of connecting our communities though an active lifestyle, whether this be on the land or in the water.
Patsy Berriman
Swim School Administrator
I have been teaching swimming for 16 years, whilst specialising in babies, I’m happy teaching any level. I am passionate about all kiwi tamariki and rangatahi having access to swimming lessons & water safety experiences, so working with local and national funders to make this happen is an important part of what I do. It’s never too late to learn how to swim so providing whanau of any age the opportunity to be safe in and around our waterways is a priority. Co-ordinating our school groups programme and looking after our customers are my main focus each day, however, you will often find me poolside helping out the team in the water too, working with our community providing education for our kura and schools and other community organisations and helping with the Tasman Magic Academy.