I’m Samantha Hannah, the proud new owner of the Australia and New Zealand Coaching Alliance (ANZCAL). If you’re already a member—or thinking about becoming one—I’m so glad you’re here. This community exists because of passionate, purposeful people like you who are committed to making a difference through coaching.

Let me tell you a little about myself. I began my coaching journey when I was 14 years old as a netball coach to a junior team at my school. I loved it so much, I know this ignited my passion for coaching others.  I continue to coach netball to this day at Premier 1 and representative levels, and I’m currently on the Netball NZ Performance Coaching Qualification (PCQ) programme.

I’m also a Trainer Master Coach at ANZCAL with over 20 years of experience coaching in different industries from IT to Image coaching, currently in the wellbeing space. I’m super passionate about the transformation process of coaching. This passion still drives me today. My purpose has always been to help people uncover their sense of meaning, their values, and most importantly, their potential. You already have everything you need within—sometimes you all you need is someone to help you unlock it.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that life happens for us. But it’s not what happens that defines us—it’s how we choose to respond.

I love what Sir John Whitmore once said,

“Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximise their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.”

This is exactly what transformational coaching is all about: empowering others to find their way forward. I now run my wellbeing coaching practice in Wellington, NZ, and alongside that, I offer training - both independently and in partnership with others. Whether I’m working one-on-one or with a group, my goal is the same: to support growth, transformation, and connection.

This is exactly what transformational coaching is all about: empowering others to find their way forward. Every space I coach in, I aim to help others unlock their potential. 

While I didn’t start ANZCAL myself, I’m honoured to carry forward its vision. I truly see this Alliance as a community—a team—where we realise our potential together. Your voice matters here, and I welcome your ideas, feedback, and involvement as we continue to grow and support each other.

ANZCAL exists to support coaches like you—those who are passionate about helping others create real breakthroughs. If you’re out there making a difference, know that you’re not alone. We’re here, cheering you on, providing resources, and building a space where we can all thrive together.

I’d love for you to join us. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to connect. And if you believe in what we’re doing, please help spread the word—let’s do amazing things, together.

You can reach me through the Contact Us page on our website.

Kind regards,
Sam

Qualifications

With over 25 years of coaching and teaching experience, I bring a unique blend of expertise, depth, and heart to the Shifting State Programme. My academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching, Postgraduate Certificate in Communication (oral and written) with Excellence, and a Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education (vocational and workplace). These qualifications ground me in the art and science of learning, ensuring I can design and deliver programmes that are both effective and transformative.

Alongside my educational background, I am a Master Trainer Level Coach (ANZCAL), Certified Breakthrough Life Coach, and Human Design Coach. My specialist training as a Certified ACT Coach (working with adolescents, anxiety, and depression), together with studies in Positive Psychology and NLP, allows me to guide individuals with both compassion and clarity. I also draw on embodied practices as a Certified Advanced Level 2 Giant Mind meditation teacher, certified trauma-sensitive mindfulness teacher, and registered yoga teacher, bringing balance, presence, and depth into my work.

In addition, my leadership extends into sport, where I hold Coaching for Impact (Sport NZ), CC1 and CC2 Netball Coaching accreditations, and am currently working towards The Performance Coach Qualification with Netball NZ. These experiences further enrich my ability to mentor, inspire, and support growth across diverse settings.