You may recognise her as the former boss of Oranga Tamariki, but Grainne Moss is also known for her incredible achievements in the water.
She's completed six of the seven Oceans Seven challenge swims — seven long distance open water swims across the most dangerous channels in the world. They include the Catalina Channel, Molokai Channel, Cook Strait, Strait of Gibraltar, Tsugaru Strait, North Channel and the English Channel.
Moss said only 27 people have achieved the feat.
"It's a very small group. Everybody's really supportive and helpful. All of those 27 swimmers and all of those people that are coming in behind them, we all know each other well. They all give advice and support."
Moss completed the Strait of Gibraltar last week, a 13km-wide body of water separating Europe from Africa. Moss swum the Strait of Gibraltar for Kenzie's Gift, which supports the health of children and young people affected by grief.
Grainne Moss ready for Hawaii's 'Channel of Bones'. (Source: Grainne Moss)
It leaves one more box to tick — the Tsugaru Strait in Japan.
"It's around 40 kilometres. There's really strong currents, there's also some restrictions on when you can go. You can't swim at night which means sometimes you can't work with the tides the way that you'd want to," Moss said.
There's also a big waiting list for the Tsugaru Strait, Moss hoping to get her opportunity next year.
If she secures a spot and conquers the tides Moss would become the second Kiwi to complete the challenge, after Kim Chambers.
As to why Moss enjoys open water swimming, she said it's the unpredictability.
"It's also being really close to nature. I've had some wonderful times. I've got to swim with dolphins, I've got to swim with quite a lot of jellyfish which isn't so wonderful, but you don't know what's coming."
Grainne Moss says she's swum with quite a lot of jellyfish, "which isn't so wonderful". (Source: Grainne Moss)
Moss said she is grateful that she doesn't have to be doing these swims alone. She has a support crew alongside her at all times supplying her with fluids and food and keeping her safe.
"Your crew will communicate, like if you're doing well, pick it up if there's a current, you need to go faster here or you've made great progress."
Moss will continue her training in Wellington, swimming upwards of six times a week.
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