Economics · History · CommerceUniversity of Canterbury
James Mather
Economics student with five years of leadership experience. I like hard problems, clear numbers and teams that run well.
Graduating November 2027. Open to graduate roles in economics, policy, consulting and commerce.
jamesmather.co.nz · hello@jamesmather.co.nz · linkedin.com/in/jamesmather47
At a glance
- Grade point average
- 8.03 / 9
- ECON105 Macroeconomics and ECON207 Intermediate Microeconomics
- Top 5%
- Cambridge AS Level History, 2023
- Top in NZ
- Staff led as Aquatics Manager
- 23
- University scholarships (Go Waitaha Canterbury and UC Hiranga)
- 2
- Studying
- BA in Economics, History and Performance Data Analysis, with a Diploma in Commerce
- Working
- Facility Supervisor, Christchurch Netball
- Based
- Christchurch, New Zealand
§1Academic record
2024 – 2027
Bachelor of Arts
Economics, History and Performance Data Analysis
University of Canterbury
GPA 8.03 / 9
2024 – 2026
Diploma in Commerce
University of Canterbury
Selected results
| Course | Note | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| ECON105Introduction to Macroeconomics | Top 5% | A+ |
| ECON207Intermediate Microeconomics: Consumers and Government | Top 5% | A+ |
| ECON335Public Economics | A+ | |
| ECON104Introduction to Microeconomics | A+ | |
| ACCT102Accounting and Financial Information | A+ | |
| MGMT170Managerial Decision Making | A+ | |
| MKTG100Principles of Marketing | A+ |
Full transcript available on request.
Scholarships and awards
2024
Go Waitaha Canterbury Scholarship
$5,000 for students from Auckland or Wellington who would benefit most from a UC education.
2024
UC Hiranga Scholarship
$5,000 for academic excellence in first year.
2023
Top in New Zealand, Cambridge AS Level History
Awarded Top in New Zealand for AS Level History in the October/November Cambridge examination series. Auckland Grammar School.
NZQA Outstanding Scholarship in English
Outstanding is the highest grade in the NZ Scholarship examinations. Auckland Grammar School.
Ellerslie Shield
Awarded to the youth member who gives the greatest all-round service to the club.
Academic interests
Public economics, macroeconomics and economic history.
§2Leadership
From lifeguard to Aquatics Manager
Figure 1.Responsibility over time at Point Erin Pools
| From | Role | Staff responsible for |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-11 | Lifeguard | Age 16 |
| 2022-11 | Lifeguard Supervisor | Up to 10 per shift |
| 2023-11 | Second in Charge of Aquatics | 20 staff |
| 2024-11 | Aquatics Manager | 23 staff, two sites |
The role
Joined Point Erin Pools as a lifeguard at 16. Promoted into management at 17. By 19, managed a team of 23 lifeguards and aquatic staff across two sites, Point Erin Pools and the Grey Lynn paddling pool.
What I ran
Staff rosters, training programmes, payroll approval (UKG), water quality compliance under NZS 5826:2010, health and safety audits, budget monitoring, programming and social media.
Under pressure
Helped shape an immediate response to negative press while keeping the team united. Managed a chemical supply problem caused by leaks, which changed normal reorder points. “It taught me to think on my feet and solve problems in the moment.”
Big thanks to Community Leisure Management for … taking the risk promoting a 17 year old to a management position.
§3Experience
Christchurch Netball
Pūtahi Poitarawhiti ki Ōtautahi, Ngā Puna Wai
Jun 2025 – Present
Facility Supervisor
Apr 2026 – Present
Runs facility operations on shift. Handles bookings, payments and cash.
Facility Assistant
Jun 2025 – Apr 2026
Front-line customer service, opening and closing the facility, safety inspections, contractor coordination and first aid response.
Christchurch City Council
Activity & Events Crew Member
Oct 2025 – Present
Helps deliver council community activities and events across Christchurch.
Community Leisure Management
Point Erin Pools, Auckland
Nov 2021 – Feb 2026
Aquatics Manager
Nov 2024 – Feb 2026
Managed 23 lifeguards and aquatic staff across Point Erin Pools and the Grey Lynn paddling pool. Rosters, training, payroll approval (UKG), water quality compliance under NZS 5826:2010, health and safety audits and budget monitoring.
Second in Charge of Aquatics
Nov 2023 – Nov 2024
Co-ran a team of 20. Led staff training and social media.
Lifeguard Supervisor
Nov 2022 – Nov 2023
Duty manager for up to 10 staff per day. Responsible for facility close and lock-up.
Lifeguard
Nov 2021 – Nov 2022
Match Hospitality
The Loft Sports Bar, Christchurch
Front of House
Sep 2024 – Mar 2025
Customer service in a high-volume sports venue.
Ellerslie AFC
Auckland
Football Coach
May 2021 – May 2024
School holiday programmes, the Club Academy, the Player Development Programme and an U11 team.
§4Certifications
Pool Lifeguarding Practising Certificate
Comprehensive First Aid Certificate
Unit Standard 20046: Monitor Pool Water Quality and Store Pool Water Treatment Chemicals
Tactical Communication and Conflict Management
Cambridge International A Levels
Cambridge Advanced Subsidiary
§5Beyond work
Coaching
Volunteer football coach for an U11 team at Ellerslie AFC. A way of giving back to the club where my love of sport started.
Volunteering
Student Volunteer Army, Big Give. Helped build bike paths in Christchurch.
Running
Runs and trains. Completed a half marathon in 2026. Follows football and most sport.
Get in touch
I’m open to graduate roles and summer internships. Happy to talk.
- LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/jamesmather47