A two-time Canadian Champion and world-level competitor, Alaine has now been coaching for more than 5 years and has experience coaching skaters from beginner to national levels. Alaine takes a wide range of knowledge and skills acquired from lessons and seminars with several world-level coaches and synthesizes it to create her unique coaching approach.


QUALIFICATIONS

Canadian NCCP Level 3 National Coaching Certification, Barre Above Fitness Certified Instructor, Bachelor of Kinesiology, current Master of Physiotherapy student


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Two-time Canadian Champion, three-time World Team member, seven-time National Team member, ISU Grand Prix Rostelecom Cup Bronze Medalist, ISU Challenger Series Autumn Classic International Silver Medalist. Alaine has coached skaters to a Canadian provincial level, and worked with up to national competitors on jump technique and off-ice training. She also has experience as a choreographer, creating programs for beginner to Basic Novice levels and adult competitors.


AVAILABILITY

Alaine is fully booked for Term Two 2026


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Avondale, Botany


Fully booked for term 2 2026




With nine years of skating experience, Alethea began her journey through the Skating Academy, where she built a strong foundation in the sport. Her dedication and passion led her to represent New Zealand in competitions, showcasing her talent on an international stage. Now, she hopes to share her skills and knowledge with aspiring skaters, guiding them as they develop their abilities and reach their full potential both on and off the ice.


QUALIFICATIONS

Attended KiwiSkate coaching course
All KiwiSkate levels
Attended ISU coaching courses


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Represented New Zealand overseas
New Zealand Development Squad
2019 National Champion
5x New Zealand National Medalist


AVAILABILITY

School holidays only


RINK OF PREFERENCE





Alex has been figure skating for six years, and first learned to skate through the Paradice Skating Academy. As a coach, Alex’s motivation is to share his love of the sport, and he is committed to helping skaters of all ages unlock their full potential. With a particular emphasis on teaching and inspiring adult skaters, Alex creates a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.


QUALIFICATIONS


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Coaching skating for two years, additional coaching experience in other sports.


AVAILABILITY

Sundays and limited weekday times.


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Avondale





I really want to share my passion to figure skating with my students and show how fun the world of skating can actually be. 


QUALIFICATIONS

Completed KiwiSkate course, doing Level 1 right now. 


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Started at 3 years old and skated for 11 years in Russia. Started synchronised skating when moved to New Zealand 3 years ago. Senior synchronised skating team member. Represented New Zealand at World Junior Synchronised Skating Championships.


AVAILABILITY

Mondays 10:00am to 3:30pm, Tuesdays 10:00am to 5:15pm, Wednesdays 8:30pm to 10pm, Fridays 7:30pm to 10:30pm, and weekend public sessions in Botany.


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Botany





Caitlin has been skating for 14 years, starting her journey in figure skating before discovering her passion for synchronized skating. She now competes at a senior level, representing New Zealand at national, international, and world championship events.
Caitlin began coaching at the age of 15 and, after taking a gap year, is excited to return to the ice with a renewed passion for helping others grow as skaters. Her coaching philosophy focuses on developing strong fundamental skating skills and building confidence in young skaters, empowering them to reach their goals while enjoying the process.


QUALIFICATIONS

KiwiSkate Coaching Accreditation
First Aid Certified


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Senior Synchronized Skating Team Member
Represented New Zealand at National, International & World Championship Levels
5+ Years of Coaching Experience (since age 15)


AVAILABILITY

Thursday: 6 - 8:30am
Fridays: 3:45 – 5:00 pm


RINK OF PREFERENCE





Chris Blong is a seven-time Senior National Champion and has represented his country at international competitions, including the World Championships. As an experienced figure skating coach, he has successfully guided skaters to win both national titles and Australian Nationals.

After a long break from coaching, he is returning to focus on newer young skaters ready to start their figure Skating journey or lower-level figure skaters that require more lesson time than other coaches have available.


QUALIFICATIONS

NZ Gold and Gold star figure medal.


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

As a Skater Chris was Senior National Champion 7 times and represented NZ at Junior and Senior International competitions including World Championships. As a coach Chris has 6 years previous experience with students winning many NZ and Australian Championships.


AVAILABILITY

Fully booked for term2 2026


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Botany





Connie is a junior level competitive skater and has been skating since 2013. She learnt to skate through Paradice Skating Academy, and feels passionate about the sport. She has won gold medals in club competitions, North Island competitions, and was the national champion in 2020. Connie enjoys coaching and is always happy to listen and help skaters to achieve their personal goals.


QUALIFICATIONS

Kiwi Skate Coaching Accreditation
NZIFSA medal tests: Silver Free Skate, Gold Stroking


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

10 years of skating experience
2020 NZIFSA national champion
Represents New Zealand in overseas competitions
Has been national competitive figure skater to now


AVAILABILITY

School holidays
Term: Sunday from 1pm


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Avondale





Elise started skating as a teenager in Christchurch and then Canada, taking a ten year break and returning to the sport as an adult after watching the 2018 Winter Olympics. She has been coaching for six years, initially at Paradice, and then in Australia and the US for the past three years while completing her PhD overseas. Elise loves to work with all ages, and has extensive experience teaching and helping those with different learning styles achieve their goals. She is also a huge fan of the sport and exploring opportunities for how skaters of all levels and ages can be involved.


QUALIFICATIONS

US Figure Skating Gold Medal test (Adult skating skills/stroking)
KiwiSkate Coach
First Aid certificate


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Competed in two NZ National Championships (adult bronze and silver levels)
Have attended seminars from world level coaches in Australia and the US
Choreographed and assisted in skating show production
Coached in NZ, Australia and California, including specialised classes such as spin, edges and introduction to skating, as well as regular private and group lessons


AVAILABILITY

Wednesday evenings (Avondale)
Weekends (please contact for availability)


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Avondale





Evgenia is a current competitive Adult skater and has been skating for 7 years. She started learning to skate in Russia and continued in New Zealand.
Being passionate about sports and figure skating in particular, she strives to inspire others to improve skills and unlock their potential.
She is happy to work with Beginners to Novice students of all ages, including adults.


QUALIFICATIONS

recently attended Kiwi Skate Coaching Accreditation
NZIFSA Elementary Stroking Test


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

New Zealand National Champion (Guest Adult Bronze)
3x NZ North Island Champion (Adult Bronze)
Russian regional figure skating winner (Juvenile)
7 years of competitive swimming experience in Russia (Junior)
4 years of fitness coaching teenagers and adults


AVAILABILITY

During School Term
Avondale
Tuesday 15:45 - 16:15
Friday 10:00 - 12:00
Sunday 13:50 - 14:20

Botany
Thursday 11:30 - 15:30


RINK OF PREFERENCE


Fully Booked for Term 2 2026




Originally from Canada, Gordon has been involved in figure skating for 58 years. He has been coaching professionally in Canada and New Zealand for 36 years. This includes all levels of skaters from beginners to international competitors. Gordon enjoys encouraging skaters to gain confidence to reach their potential and develop a love for ice skating.


QUALIFICATIONS

Level 1 Coaching Accreditation in Singles, Pairs and Ice Dance. Canadian Gold Figures, Gold Free skate, Gold Senior Competitive, Gold Dance Tests. Canadian NCCP Accredited Level 1


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Trained with Olympic and World Coach Dr. Helmut May for 12 years. Competed in Canada and United States. Gordan has had skaters competing at World and Junior World championships, Four Continents, ISU Junior Grand Prix’s and numerous other International competitions. Has coached many New Zealand champions of all levels. ”


AVAILABILITY

Monday to Friday 10am to 3:30.


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Avondale, Botany





An Olympic Medalist and longtime world-level competitor for Canada, Kevin is now a professional coach and technical panel official working with skaters from beginner level to Senior-level triple-jump competitors. Kevin has a collaborative coaching style, readily incorporating students’ feedback to add detail and feel to technical corrections.


QUALIFICATIONS

Canadian NCCP Level 3 National Coaching Certification, Canadian Singles Technical Specialist Certification, International Data Replay Operator Certification, Master of Public Administration (MPA)


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Olympic Silver Medalist (Team), ISU Four Continents Champion, six-time World Championships competitor, six-time Canadian National Medalist. Kevin has been working as a coach for 6 years, coaching skaters to a Canadian provincial level. He has also worked with national and international competitors to hone jump technique and provide technical specialist feedback. With certification as a Canadian-level technical specialist and mentorship experience with ISU-level officials, Kevin brings a deep knowledge of skating rules and evaluation standards, which help inform strategy and planning.


AVAILABILITY

Kevin is fully booked for Term One 2026


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Avondale, Botany


Kevin is fully booked for Term One 2026




I believe in teaching ice skating through play and having fun. It is easier to get better and learn technique when you are enjoying the process. I believe ice sports can be enjoyed by everyone.


QUALIFICATIONS

Attended ISSNZ coaching course, Certified Personal Trainer Level 4, 5 years of skate school coaching experience


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Lukas started figure skating and ice hockey when he was 5 years old. He transitioned to Speed Skating at 13 where he medaled at multiple youth nationals and finished top 10 at Canadian (U19) Junior World Trials at 17. He is an expert on going fast, power skating and edge work.
Participated at 3 ISU Short Track World Championships (2023, 2024, 2026) 4 seasons of World Tours/World Cup. Highest World Tour Rank 21st
Power skating and assistant coach for the BC Selects AAA team (U14,U13)
Current NZ record holder in the 500m of 41.2s
Training partner with the US Olympic team (2024-2026)


AVAILABILITY

Saturday at Botany and Sunday at Avondale (other days may be able upon request)


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Botany





Nathan is a Short Track Ice Speed Skater who’s skated since 2005. He started out with Kiwi Skate and private lessons before transitioning fully to speed skating. Since 2016 Nathan has been teaching Skating Academy, where he’s been developing and refining his teaching methods. Nathan’s approach has a strong emphasis on shared skating fundamentals between the ice sports to complement your training, to instil his skaters with power and grace suitable for any skating discipline. With this in mind, Nathan is often one of our head coaches, and mentors of our trainee coaches with an emphasis on levels below Novice. Nathan is also a longstanding board member and coach for Hauraki Ice Racing Club.


QUALIFICATIONS

Current first Aid Certificate
Attended intro to coaching Kiwi Skate Course
Attended ISSNZ Speed Skating Coaching course


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Skating Academy Coach of the Year Award 2019 Avondale
Nearly ten years of coaching experience between Figure and Speed Skating (2016-present)
Reached the Mens 500m ISU Junior World Cup Qualifying times in 2017 (49.509s)


AVAILABILITY

Avondale only
Tuesday 11:00-12:00 Public session (During term)
Sunday 1:00-3:30pm Public session February to December


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Avondale





Preeya has been skating at Paradice since she was 2 years old. She is a Skate Canada Regional Coach (in training), CanSkate Coach (in training), and NZIFSA Level 2 accredited coach with coaching experience in New Zealand and Canada. An 8-time New Zealand representative, she has experience coaching synchronized ice skating and has attended development camps worldwide. Preeya believes skating is for everyone and creates an inclusive, supportive environment for skaters of all abilities.
coaching focuses on growth and fun, believing that skating is for all ages and that skaters should enjoy the journey while developing their skills and confidence.


QUALIFICATIONS

Skate Canada Regional Coach (In Training)
Skate Canada CanSkate Coach (In Training)
NZIFSA Level 2 Accredited
Bachelor of Sport Science
Postgraduate Certificate in Sport Science
Currently pursuing postgraduate studies in marketing


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Preeya has coached figure skating and synchronized ice skating at all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes, in both competitive and recreational programs. As an 8-time New Zealand representative, she brings valuable competitive experience to her coaching.


AVAILABILITY

Avondale - all sessions


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Avondale


Fully Booked For Term 1




Skyla has been skating since 2006, and skated 12 years competitively. She has skated and trained in Canada and Japan, before moving to New Zealand in 2020. Skyla coached and assisted with CanSkate, Canadas equivalent of KiwiSkate. As a coach, Skyla believes in teaching each skater according to their personal goal. She also believes in pushing skaters to perfect skills, and to continue working on these skills even when mastered. With experiences in other ice sports, she knows the importance of skating fundamentals, and loves to teach both new and returning skaters of all levels and ages.


QUALIFICATIONS

All kiwi skate levels
First aid level 2
NZIFSA/ISU Level 1 coaching accreditation


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Experience in competing and coaching in figure skating, ice hockey and speed skating.
Competed in Canada in Advanced Novice for figure skating.
Coached in both Canada and New Zealand.


AVAILABILITY

Available for new enquiries for the holidays and term 1.


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Botany





I started skating since four-year-old, and was selected into the Provincial team in Heilongjiang, China when I was ten years old. At the age of fifteen-year-old, I was honoured to be selected into the National team of China for youth female single skating. I have won many national competitions in China and I was a senior coach for singles back in China. My coaching philosophy is that I would like to teach students from their early stage of skating so that they get all the basics correct and I can help them get ready for more advanced level of skating.


QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Sports
NZIFSA Level 1 Coach
Specialization: Kiwi Skate and Solo Ice Figure Skating


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Competition highlights:
National Youth Figure Skating Champion in China in 2000
Star Cup National Youth Championship in 2001


AVAILABILITY

limited time Friday and Sunday location Avondale


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Avondale


Fully booked for 2025




Sofia has been skating for fifteen years in both single and synchronized figure skating. Originally from Sweden where she has been part of the junior and senior national synchronized skating teams, competing at junior and senior world championships. Sofia has been coaching skaters on all levels for 6 years and is passionate about helping skaters reach their goals while having fun. She is also studying sport management and sport science at AUT which gives her a deeper understanding of how sport and physical activity positively affects our lives.


QUALIFICATIONS

Level2 coach Sweden accreditation
NZIFSA Level 2 coaching accreditation in progress
Studying Bachelor In Sport Management


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Sweden Junior & Senior Synchronized National teams
Competitor at World Synchronized Skating Championships
Paradice Skating Academy Coach of the Year


AVAILABILITY

Tuesdays 3.45-4.15pm during the term Avondale
Thursdays 3.45-5.15pm Figure Session Avondale
Saturday 12.45-2pm Botany


RINK OF PREFERENCE





Sophie is a synchro skater with 10 years of skating experience, having started her journey at Paradice Skating Academy. Over the years, she has competed at the National Championships and even represented New Zealand in the World Junior Synchronised Skating Championships - being a part of the first New Zealand team to attend the event. Since stepping back from competition, Sophie has transferred her skills into coaching with a strong passion for teaching and attention to detail. Sophie believes that every skater learns differently, and uses this to ensure that students will get the most out of their lesson.


QUALIFICATIONS

KiwiSkate Coaching Accreditation
Level 1 First Aid Certification


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Experience in competing in synchronised skating until Senior level
World Junior Synchronised Skating Championships 2024
NZ National Skating Championships 2019 - 2023


AVAILABILITY

Tuesday 3:45 - 5:15 pm
Thursday 3:45 - 5:30 pm
Weekend/evening public sessions


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Botany





Stepan has been figure skating since 2013 and is a competitive figure skater currently at Junior level. Stepans dream is to represent NZ at the World Championships. He is also a National competitive Ballroom dancer since 2017.
He loves skating because it makes him feel free and happy inside. Stepan enjoys moving to the music on the ice, and the feeling of connection with it.
Stepan loves coaching because it reminds him of when he was starting out and enables him to pass his knowledge and love for the sport on to the skaters he teaches.
He believes that you can overcome all obstacles and must never give up, to fulfill your dreams, but always remember to have some fun along the way.


QUALIFICATIONS

NZIFSA/ISU Provisional Level 2 coaching accreditation
All Kiwi Skate Levels
First Aid Level 2
Mental Health First Aid
NZIFSA Gold Stroking & Silver Free Skate tests


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

Coaching since 2017
2017-2020 in NZ international representation team for solo
2024 - Representing NZ at ISU World Junior Synchronized championship with Synchronized team Titanium
Coach of the Year 2024
Attended seminars from internationally recognised coaches
Trained in Canada with World and Olympic coaches.
National competitive Ballroom dancer since 2017


AVAILABILITY

Public sessions:
Weekdays 10:00 - 3:30 and/or evening public sessions under arrangement
Tuesday 3:45-5pm - Academy Practice
Thursday 3:45-5:30 pm
Sunday 12:00-4:00pm

Figure sessions:
Morning (Botany and Avondale) and afternoon (Botany) sessions under arrangement


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Botany





Victoria is a competitive figure skater who has represented New Zealand and has loved the sport since she was six. She is passionate about passing that love on to the next generation, believing skating builds not only skills on the ice but valuable life skills too.

Victoria has a special interest in coaching neurodivergent skaters (Autistic, ADHD, APD, OCD, SPD and more). Being AuDHD herself, she is passionate about creating a safe, inclusive space where every skater feels understood and supported.

With a background in ballet, she brings strong fundamentals, expression, and performance quality to her coaching, while continuing to upskill technically.

Victoria offers private lessons for individuals or small groups of up to three skaters.


QUALIFICATIONS

NZIFSA Provisional Level 2 Coaching Accreditation.
Personal NZIFSA Test Level: Free Skating - Senior (Inter-Gold medal) Stroking - Senior (Full Gold medal)
Attends all continuing education forums and seminars, including Drug Free Sport NZ.


EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

12 years skating experience
10 years ballet training with Royal Academy of Dance
New Zealand Ice Figure Skating National Development Team member, NZ National medalist & New Zealand International Representative (pre covid).
Attended coaching seminars from several Olympic level coaches.
Recipient Paradice Skating Academy Coach of The Year award.


AVAILABILITY

Can accommodate daytime lessons during the term 10am-3:30pm; Botany and Avondale
as well as,
12-4:30pm Saturday and Sunday (Botany only)
Also available every school holidays (Botany only) from Mon - Fri 10am-2 pm.
*Victoria is not currently accepting new students between May - June 2026 at all.*


RINK OF PREFERENCE

Avondale, Botany