McKenzie Rowlands
2 March 2008 - 29th May 2025
It is with huge sadness that we mourn the passing of McKenzie Rowlands, (Mack) who was an extremely talented swimmer and athlete, and a valued member of Team Aquabladz and East End Surf Life Saving Club, New Plymouth and a member of Swimming Taranaki.
Mack was a friend to so many in the swimming community, a team player who brought everything she had to everything required of her with a sense of purpose and determination - along with a beautiful smile.
She was a dedicated athlete, working hard at every training session, whether it be for swim squad, surf life saving or open water events. Committed to her role as a teacher of Learn to Swim as well as achieving success in the pool at national and regional events.
Mack's outstanding results speak for themselves:
NZ Junior Swim Champs 2018 – qualified for her first national champs
NZ Junior Swim Champs 2019 – 4 silver medals
NZ Junior Swim Champs 2020 - 2 gold medals and 1 bronze medal
NZ Junior Swim Champs 2021 – 2 x silver medals
2021 Qualified for National but covid cancelled the champs
NZ Open Water Champs 2022 – 2 gold medals
NZ Age Group Champs 2022 – Bronze medal and 3 finals
Mack was a very special girl, battling cancer to the very end showing how courageous she was.
A positive mindset, a great sense of humour, determined and successful at whatever she set out to accomplish, Mack was a beautiful daughter to Claire and Brendon and wonderful sister to Jackson.
Forever in our hearts and greatly missed.
Rest in Peace.
(With thanks to Sue Southgate for the list of swimming achievements)
