About Us

Canterbury Diving Community Trust is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making the sport of diving accessible, inspiring, and sustainable for the people of Canterbury and beyond.

​We offer a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone — from first-time jumpers to aspiring elite athletes — can explore the thrill of diving, build confidence, and grow in skill.

​With a world-class facility, expert coaches and community-centred approach, we're here to help every diver thrive.

Established in 2025

Canterbury Diving was established with the goal of restoring and growing diving in Christchurch following the loss of the original facility in the 2011 earthquake.

​After more than a decade without a dedicated home for the sport, our organisation has reignited a vibrant diving community — stronger, more inclusive, and more inspiring than ever.

Our goal

Our vision is to build a vibrant and inclusive diving community that inspires confidence, fosters excellence and creates lifelong opportunities through sport. We provide pathways for everyone — from those building deep-water confidence to athletes working towards national and international success — supported by expert coaching, safety-focussed programmes, and a culture that celebrates progress at every level.

Our coaching team

​Our experienced coaching team brings together world-class expertise and a passion for community development.

Steve Gladding
CEO & Performance Director

Steve is one of New Zealand’s most experienced and successful diving coaches. A three-time Olympic coach, he has led athletes to the Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. Alongside his high-performance credentials, Steve is known for building diving communities from the ground up.
In Auckland, he helped create a community that grew to more than 300 members, developing programmes that supported beginners, competitive divers and aspiring internationals alike.
​Now in Christchurch, Steve brings that same vision to Canterbury Diving, combining world-class coaching with a strong belief in community, inclusion and long-term athlete development. ​

Monique Gladding
Head Coach

Monique is an Olympian and multi World and Commonwealth Games finalist with a lifelong passion for diving and athlete development. Alongside her international diving career in the United Kingdom, she began coaching and now brings more than 20 years of coaching experience, working with divers from their very first jumps through to international level and international medal winning performances.
​After her elite career, Monique became a Sky Sports Athlete Mentor in the United Kingdom, delivering programmes into schools and inspiring young people through resilience, confidence and sport.
As Head Coach, Monique leads the development of divers across all levels, from grassroots programmes that build deep water confidence through to athletes progressing along the high performance pathway. She loves what she does and brings that energy into every session, helping divers of all ages feel supported, encouraged and excited to learn.She is deeply passionate about creating an environment where tamariki, rangatahi and adults can build confidence, challenge themselves and discover a love for the water and diving.

Henry Hansen
Coach

Henry brings eight years of coaching experience to Canterbury Diving and is currently studying a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Science. He has coached for New Zealand at international events including the Singapore Nationals, the Dubai International Aquatic Championships, and several competitions across Australia. He enjoys helping divers build confidence, learn new skills and push their limits safely. Henry has particular interest and skill in using the harness systems to support effective skill development and create a positive, progressive training environment.

Amelia Norris
Coach

Amelia brings over seven years of coaching experience across gymnastics and diving. She began coaching gymnastics at 14 before moving into diving in 2024, and she holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) from the University of Auckland. In 2025, she coached at the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast, gaining valuable experience working with athletes in a competitive environment. Amelia loves working with young divers and aims to create a positive, supportive space where athletes can build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy challenging themselves.