It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Swimming Waikato’s Patron and Life Member, Jacqueline Stanley (Jackie).

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jacqueline’s family and close friends during this difficult time. A service to celebrate her life was held at All Saints Anglican Church in Matamata on Tuesday, attended by many from our swimming community, including our CEO, Darren Ward.

Swimming was a shared passion for Jackie and her husband, Don. While Don handled administrative tasks, Jackie thrived on the pool deck, finding immense joy in her involvement. She joined the Matamata Swimming Club at age 12 and, by 19, had held three positions in the club. Jackie served as club delegate to the Waikato Centre (Swimming Waikato) and dedicated countless hours to officiating and working in the control room. She also helped organize the first World Masters Swimming competition in Matamata.

Alongside her daughter Teresa, Jackie completed the Swimming NZ Swim Teaching Certificate and advanced through coaching levels 1 and 2. She organized the club’s learn-to-swim program, coached junior squads, and later worked with older swimmers alongside Mary Peterson. Under her leadership, Matamata swimmers achieved numerous junior and national age group placings. During her presidency in 1984, the club won both Waikato and New Zealand Club of the Year.

Jackie was also an inaugural Trustee of the New Zealand Swimming Trust, and was Secretary and Treasurer until 2011.She was awarded Life Membership from both Matamata Swimming Club and Swimming Waikato. In her own words when she received one of these awards… ‘Of course, it always is an honour to be recognised, but you only do these things if you are interested’. Mum remained Co-patron of Matamata Swimming Club and Patron of Swimming Waikato.

“On behalf of Swimming Waikato, I wish to acknowledge Jackie’s dedication to the wider Waikato swimming community, alongside Don and their family. Your commitment to our community is truly an example to us all.” – Darren Ward, CEO