Marlene Morrison Receives Swimming NZ Life Membership

Announcement of Swimming NZ Life Membership

Photo: Kim Berquist Photography

We are thrilled to continue our recognition of outstanding contribution to Swimming NZ and the wider sport. During the opening ceremony of the 2026 Swimming Canterbury West Coast Long Course Championships, we acknowledged a member who has provided a lifetime of service across all levels of swimming by bestowing them with the greatest honour we can give, awarding Swimming NZ Life Membership.

Marlene Morrison (Wharenui & Swimming Canterbury West Coast) was awarded Swimming NZ Life Membership in front of her peers and the swimming family in recognition of her more than 40 years of service to the sport.

Morrison has held a host of roles across all levels during her time in the sport. For Swimming NZ, she has been an announcer at national competitions across many years and served on the Swimming NZ Honours & Awards Committee. She spent 20 years officiating at many levels where she was qualified as an Inspector of Turns, Timekeeper and Recorder.

At regional level, Morrison has been heavily involved in supporting delivery of the sport for Swimming Canterbury West Coast. She was the Officials Convenor for more than 10 years, a member of their Management Committee for 19 years, an announcer at their regional competitions and is currently a selector for their regional squads.

In addition to her service at national and regional level, Morrison has been a driving force across many positions at Wharenui, including many years in crucial roles including Secretary and President. She is the organiser of the popular Wharenui Junior and Winter Olympics competition and is currently the Travel Coordinator for the club.

Morrison has also been the trustee for the Doreen Brown Trust distributing funds for under-privileged children to access learn to swim lessons.

Prior to receiving this recognition, Morrison received the Swimming NZ Jackie Clarke Volunteer of the Year Award in 2011, in addition to recognition through a Swimming NZ Service Award in 2003 and Swimming NZ Honours Award in 2012. She also received Life Membership of Wharenui in 2004 and Swimming Canterbury West Coast in 2007.

Morrison was incredibly moved to receive this award.

“This award was completely unexpected, and such an honour to receive.”

As she reflected on her time involved with swimming so far, Morrison shared how she became involved with the sport.

“I started my swimming career in 1982 with my eldest son Scott. We moved to Wharenui for the winter and stayed there. I’ve been volunteering ever since.”

Morrison was presented her Life Membership during the 2026 Swimming Canterbury West Coast Long Course Championships by Swimming NZ President & fellow Life Member Ron Clarke.

Clarke paid tribute to Morrison for the years of service she has given to swimming.

“I am really delighted that Marlene has been recognised as a Life Member, and I would like to thank Marlene for her many years of service to Swimming New Zealand and Swimming Canterbury West Coast.”

Morrison becomes the 56th individual to receive Swimming NZ Life Membership. You can find the full list of Swimming NZ Life Membership recipients below.

Life Membership Recipients

On behalf of the wider swimming community, we’d like to thank Marlene Morrison for her outstanding contribution to our sport over the past 40 years and congratulate her on receiving Swimming NZ Life Membership.