Latest news with #Manley
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Daniel Wiffen splits with coach and set to return to Ireland as main base
Manley, Loughborough University's director of swimming, coached Wiffen to success like his gold medal in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1500m freestyle at last summer's Paris Olympics as well as his double gold medals at last year's World Championships. With his twin Nathan set to move to the University of California in the autumn, Wiffen plans on spending training camps stateside as part of his prep for LA '28. 'I'm definitely moving back to Ireland as my main training base. And I will be doing stints in America because the Olympics are going to be there so you have to get ready for that way of life, that time zone,' Wiffen (23) confirmed yesterday. 'Main training base will be Ireland, where the coaching and sports science will be and then I'll do extended training camps in different places around the world. 'It's going to be hard. I only decided four weeks ago that I was going to be leaving Loughborough, maybe actually two weeks ago we had the conversation. [Manley] thinks it's beneficial for my career that I need a new start because being in a university programme, you get 18-year-olds, 17-year-olds coming in every year who are a lot lower level than what I am at this point in my career and you want to strive to be better than the people. 'It's trying to progress in other areas and a university programme isn't probably the best place for me at this point in my career.' Wiffen says his time with Manley has finished on amicable terms. 'We're really good friends, we chat all the time. He wants what's best for me, he's not a selfish coach, he's not going to tell me to stay just for his own benefit.' Meanwhile, Wiffen says he never experienced bullying and was not directly coached by Jon Rudd, the former national performance director for Swim Ireland. In a BBC Panorama programme broadcast last month, Rudd was accused of bullying, a toxic training environment and weight shaming by 12 swimmers he previously coached in Plymouth, England before he joined Swim Ireland in 2017. A statement issued by Swim Ireland last month said there was 'no suggestion or indication of welfare issues' during Rudd's eight-year term with Swim Ireland. The Englishman had stepped down from his role with Swim Ireland earlier last month to take up a new position with Saudi Arabia. Wiffen was never coached by Rudd. 'For me with Swim Ireland, and with Jon, it's all about the high performance mindset we've got and honestly I've only got good things to say about Swim Ireland and how they supported me,' Wiffen said. 'Jon was obviously not a performance director for me, he wasn't my coach, so I've only got high performance questions to answer. He just answered emails for me and was never on poolside coaching so I would have no idea.' Did Wiffen ever experience bullying or any of the issues raised in the BBC programme? ADVERTISEMENT 'No,' Wiffen replied. Wiffen has a hat-trick of targets at next month's World Aquatic Championships in Singapore. He will defend the gold medals he won in the 800m and 1,500m freestyle in Doha in February 2024 and will also compete in the 400m freestyle. 'I've been told a couple of times by a lot of different world champions that apparently the hardest world championships to win is the one after winning the Olympics. I'm up for the challenge. Obviously my goal is to stay undefeated in the 800m. I haven't lost in the 800m freestyle since 2023. For me that's the goal just to keep undefeated and win another gold medal. 'I would say we're aiming for three gold medals. 400m is maybe a bit of a stretch because it's a new event but definitely two.'
Scoop
16-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council Fund Recognised At National Local Government Awards
Ruapehu District Council's 'Empowering Communities, Enhancing Lives Fund' has received a Highly Commended citation at the 2025 LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards. The Awards celebrate programmes that demonstrate professional excellence and innovation in local government management. Chief Executive Clive Manley said Council staff were proud to see the Fund recognised by their sector peers as a leading approach to local placemaking. 'Empowering Communities, Enhancing Lives' was developed to enable Community Boards to take a leading role in local placemaking within their rohe,' he said. 'The $500,000 contestable fund was made possible through the previous Labour Government's Better Off package, designed to support councils with the transition of water services to new entities while investing in community wellbeing. Community Boards used the Fund to back projects that supported Ruapehu's environmental, social, cultural, and economic wellbeing - aligned with Council's goals for sustainable development and inclusive governance,' said Manley. Executive Manager Community Development Pauline Welch said Council received over $2.5 million in applications - five times the amount available. 'Choosing what to fund was the hardest part. We received 34 applications and were able to support 15 projects,' she said. 'These included stream restoration, new playgrounds, trail upgrades, predator control, upgrades to a kōhanga and community halls, local events, equine learning programmes, assisted learning swimming lessons, funding for community art centre operations, the bronze Kaimanawa horse statue in Waiouru, and seed funding for the Raetihi Temepara restoration. Together, these projects delivered environmental improvements, upgraded community facilities, promoted inclusive learning and recreation, celebrated local culture, and strengthened community connections across the district. Council was pleased to be able to support some of the many hardworking, volunteer-based community groups and organisations that often struggle to access funding. The success of the Fund shows just how far a relatively small investment can go when made available to those with a passion for their communities. While this was a one-off fund, Council encourages any community group with a placemaking project to apply to the annual Community Development and Pride of Place Fund,' she said.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
No Place For Abuse In Local Democracy
Ruapehu District Council Chief Executive Clive Manley is calling out the abuse and harassment directed at elected members, warning it has no place in local democracy and must stop. 'Serving your community as a councillor or board member is a privilege - but it also takes guts,' said Mr Manley. 'No one should face abuse, intimidation, or discrimination simply for doing their job.' A Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) survey found that nearly half of elected members nationwide have faced abuse, racism, gender discrimination, or other harmful behaviour. 'Unfortunately, Ruapehu elected members also report being subjected to abuse and harassment,' he said. 'This behaviour is deeply concerning and has no place in Ruapehu. Our democracy relies on people being able to speak freely and represent their communities without fear. If harassment continues unchecked, it risks discouraging good people from standing and undermining the diversity and effectiveness of local government.' Mr Manley noted that much of the abuse comes from a small group of repeat offenders, especially online. 'These individuals demonstrate little understanding of how local government operates and what it takes to be an elected member - or how hard they work. As we head into the election period, we won't hesitate to ban people from Council's Facebook page if they cannot engage respectfully.' With nominations for the 2025 local elections opening on Friday 4 July, Council is urging anyone considering standing to feel confident in doing so. 'Council is committed to supporting elected members and candidates stand for election and serve their community,' said Mr Manley. 'There are resources available to help people run a safe and successful campaign and to continue their work safely once elected.' These tools include guidance on protecting privacy, staying safe in public and online, managing social media interactions, reporting abuse, and accessing support services and counselling. Mr Manley said he has also discussed the issue with local Police, who have confirmed they will take any complaints of harassment or abuse extremely seriously. 'We want people from all walks of life to consider standing,' said Mr Manley. 'We need a council and community boards that reflect the diversity of our district - and no one should be put off because of bad behaviour by a small minority.' 'If you've got something to say and want to make a difference, we encourage you to step forward. You won't be alone - you'll have our full support.'
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
HELL Serves Up ‘The Final Peckoning' To Support Kids' Mental Health
Press Release – HELL Mitey is currently in 227 NZ schools, reaching 75,000 students; however, CEO Sarah Manley says theres growing demand for their service as more tamariki grapple with mental health challenges. Wellington, 23 May 2025 – ' The Final Peckoning' lands in HELL stores across Aotearoa today, aiming to raise $15,000 for Mitey, the school-based mental health programme founded by Sir John Kirwan. $2 from every double-sized pizza sold will go directly to Mitey, supporting its goal to reach 600 schools by the end of 2025. The 'Final Peckoning' was created from T he Edge Afternoon s through a listener-driven topping challenge. Co-host Steph Monks developed the winning flavour, which is loaded with popcorn chicken, cream cheese, onion, green capsicum, and BBQ sauce. Mitey is currently in 227 NZ schools, reaching 75,000 students; however, CEO Sarah Manley says there's growing demand for their service as more tamariki grapple with mental health challenges. 'Unhappy kids don't learn, and one in five will face a mental health issue before they turn 18 – teachers are seeing more children carry big problems on little shoulders,' says Manley. 'Through Mitey, we help schools normalise talking about mental health. Teachers weave it into everyday learning, and our coaches support them every step of the way.' Mitey says that for every $1 invested, there's a social return of $5.80 to all of New Zealand through improved mental health outcomes. Manley says Mitey helps teachers deal with the stuff that gets in the way of learning. 'Kids tell us they can now talk to their parents about their 'head hassles'. One student said Mitey gave them the courage to ask for a counsellor. Teachers say you can feel the tone in the class change after they've taught mental health education. This is an opportunity for New Zealand to come together and create a stronger, healthier generation, delivering on a bold promise of a nation where every child has the skills to flourish for life,' she says Josh Drake, HELL CEO, says supporting young people is part of the brand's DNA, and Mitey tackles the big – and often unspoken – challenges young people face. 'New Zealand's future lies with our tamariki, who need new tools to navigate an increasingly complex world. Life's tough right now – rising costs are putting pressure on families, and the weight of that can fall on our kids. By supporting Mitey, we want to remind people that kids require more than resilience – they need targeted support to thrive. 'If we can play even a small part in that by doing what we do best, it's absolutely worth going to HELL for,' he says. Casey Sullivan, Mediaworks Content Director, hopes Kiwis will come out in droves to support Mitey and Aotearoa's youth. 'We're incredibly grateful that HELL could jump on board and help make this happen. They're the perfect ones to bring it to life, and we can't wait for people to taste 'The Final Peckoning' after helping us create it,' he says. The 'Final Peckoning' is on sale from today and available for a strictly limited time. About HELL Established in Wellington in 1996, HELL has grown to become one of New Zealand's most infamous and well-known brands, with 78 franchises throughout New Zealand and more than 1,200 staff. Behind the irreverent brand, HELL focuses on affordable indulgence, offering Kiwi consumers an ethical option in convenience foods. In 2015, HELL was the first NZ company to offer free-range pizzas and specialises in catering for vegan, vegetarian and meat-loving souls. HELL supports a range of causes, including the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and IHC's Project Active, and it is an active member of the local communities in which it operates.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
HELL Serves Up ‘The Final Peckoning' To Support Kids' Mental Health
Press Release – HELL Mitey is currently in 227 NZ schools, reaching 75,000 students; however, CEO Sarah Manley says theres growing demand for their service as more tamariki grapple with mental health challenges. Wellington, 23 May 2025 – ' The Final Peckoning' lands in HELL stores across Aotearoa today, aiming to raise $15,000 for Mitey, the school-based mental health programme founded by Sir John Kirwan. $2 from every double-sized pizza sold will go directly to Mitey, supporting its goal to reach 600 schools by the end of 2025. The 'Final Peckoning' was created from T he Edge Afternoon s through a listener-driven topping challenge. Co-host Steph Monks developed the winning flavour, which is loaded with popcorn chicken, cream cheese, onion, green capsicum, and BBQ sauce. Mitey is currently in 227 NZ schools, reaching 75,000 students; however, CEO Sarah Manley says there's growing demand for their service as more tamariki grapple with mental health challenges. 'Unhappy kids don't learn, and one in five will face a mental health issue before they turn 18 – teachers are seeing more children carry big problems on little shoulders,' says Manley. 'Through Mitey, we help schools normalise talking about mental health. Teachers weave it into everyday learning, and our coaches support them every step of the way.' Mitey says that for every $1 invested, there's a social return of $5.80 to all of New Zealand through improved mental health outcomes. Manley says Mitey helps teachers deal with the stuff that gets in the way of learning. 'Kids tell us they can now talk to their parents about their 'head hassles'. One student said Mitey gave them the courage to ask for a counsellor. Teachers say you can feel the tone in the class change after they've taught mental health education. This is an opportunity for New Zealand to come together and create a stronger, healthier generation, delivering on a bold promise of a nation where every child has the skills to flourish for life,' she says Josh Drake, HELL CEO, says supporting young people is part of the brand's DNA, and Mitey tackles the big – and often unspoken – challenges young people face. 'New Zealand's future lies with our tamariki, who need new tools to navigate an increasingly complex world. Life's tough right now – rising costs are putting pressure on families, and the weight of that can fall on our kids. By supporting Mitey, we want to remind people that kids require more than resilience – they need targeted support to thrive. 'If we can play even a small part in that by doing what we do best, it's absolutely worth going to HELL for,' he says. Casey Sullivan, Mediaworks Content Director, hopes Kiwis will come out in droves to support Mitey and Aotearoa's youth. 'We're incredibly grateful that HELL could jump on board and help make this happen. They're the perfect ones to bring it to life, and we can't wait for people to taste 'The Final Peckoning' after helping us create it,' he says. The 'Final Peckoning' is on sale from today and available for a strictly limited time. About HELL Established in Wellington in 1996, HELL has grown to become one of New Zealand's most infamous and well-known brands, with 78 franchises throughout New Zealand and more than 1,200 staff. Behind the irreverent brand, HELL focuses on affordable indulgence, offering Kiwi consumers an ethical option in convenience foods. In 2015, HELL was the first NZ company to offer free-range pizzas and specialises in catering for vegan, vegetarian and meat-loving souls. HELL supports a range of causes, including the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and IHC's Project Active, and it is an active member of the local communities in which it operates.
