Rowing at Westlake
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Rowing Coaches

Matt Lupton (U15s Coach)

Matt is a WBHS old boy and past senior 8 member. He can remember many times racing against the same schools our boys compete against now.

He coached U16’s for 2 years when a university student.

Matt completed a finance degree, worked in international banking and is now looking to branch out into more study from a medical angle.

Matt has recently completed an ironman and now trains for a 100km ultra marathon in his spare time. The boys will see Matt around Westlake next year helping in learning support when not studying, training, or coaching!!

We welcome him back to Westlake rowing.


Megan Ashford (U15s coach)

My name is Meg and I am a recent masters graduate with over five years of voluntary rowing coaching and club administration experience looking for an opportunity to apply my skills in a new and challenging environment to gain overseas experience, and I am keen to bring my knowledge and enthusiasm to Westlake Boys High School. 

I have been involved in rowing for over ten years, in a variety of ways; from competing myself at both junior and senior level, to coaching junior and university-level athletes and managing my university club.


Andy McLean (U16 Coach)

Andrew McLean came on board in 2018 for camps and regattas when he was living in Cambridge as a friend of Old Boy Michael Brake. He had previously coached crews at Auckland Dio, St Bede’s and the King’s School of Canterbury in the UK. He has recently taken over www.marqueecityhire.co.nz and is now living in Auckland. This has given him the opportunity to become full time in the programme. He is excited about making fast boats and seeing crews go fast. 


Hannah Kennedy (U16 Lead Coach)

This is my 6th season involved with WBHS rowing and my 6th year teaching at WBHS (Social Studies/Geography)

I am from Christchurch originally and rowed/coxed throughout my time at Christchurch Girls High School and Otago University.

I have been fortunate enough to coach an age group right from U15 through to U18 and have found it incredibly rewarding to see their development into excellent athletes and champion young men.

Working within a great coaching team, alongside supportive parents and with a fantastic group of boys, makes me very excited for the up-and-coming season.

During the off season, I manage a rugby team and try to get a few trips into Christchurch to see my family.


Lucy Anderson (U16 Coach)

I have been fortunate enough to be a part of Westlake Rowing for the past 6 years. Whilst my primary experience has been with u15’s/novicesand last year U16’s, I am excited for the opportunity to work with the U16’s group this year. 

When I am not coaching or teaching, my interests are reading, walking, baking, and spending time with friends.


Andy Hay (U17s Coach)

The first thing I ever knew about the Maadi Cup was staring at the framed photo of the 1976 winners hung on wall at the front of the assembly hall. I was a third former at the school I’d always wanted to go to. Westlake Boys’ High School. I am very much looking forward to being part of the Westlake coaching team for the upcoming season.

One and a half years ago, I had the honour of helping launch the school’s new eight, ‘The Andy Hay’, and was able to take the U18s out in it several times from the coxswain’s seat. I’ve never lost the thrill of sitting in a fast boat and hope I can help another generation of Westlake rowers experience the same.

Over the years I’ve been part of some incredible crews, from world champion New Zealand eights to  national champion North Shore Rowing Club crews, helped coach Masters crews and a variety of school crews as well. For the past 15 years I have been the Sports Editor at TVNZ’s 1News, so rowing has continued to play a big part in my life.  Wishing everyone a great season and I’ll see you out on the water soon. 


Natalie Marriot (U17 Coach)

Natalie is our TIC of Rowing and in her 11th year coaching in the Westlake Boys rowing programme, making her the longest serving member of the coaching team.Natalie has coached all age groups with the past 3 years primarily with the senior squad.

As a school dean, teacher and TIC, Nat has a full schedule but will still find time to enjoy her weeekly Trivia night, Italian speaking lessons and time with friends. Our newest coxed four is called “The Natalie Marriott” to recognise Nats service to the rowing programme.


Jo Shotter - Director of Rowing & Head Coach

I can’t believe where the time has gone since I began coaching rowing!

As a teenager, every sport was my game, with hockey taking me to national trials and coaching rep teams for several years. I only started rowing at 19 and it has taken me around the world both as an athlete and coach.

A mother of 3 sport mad children and a husband who rowed for NZ, rowing is a passion that’s turned into a job for me. I love helping the first day rower right through to the world class oarsman. Watching progress over an athlete’s time is what drives my love to coach. 

Recently returning from Henley regatta in the UK, where I was able to watch some of our old boys competing in their US university colours, is another layer and highlight alongside my role as Director of rowing at WBHS.

 In down time, I like to spend time on our rural property with the animals, head to the bach to fish, swim and hike the hills.

It is a real pleasure to lead this knowledgeable and highly skilled coaching team, who as you can see, bring a variety of craft to our programme.