Hawkes Bay Surf Life Saving NZ Awards of Excellence finalists

Hawkes Bay Surf Life Saving NZ clubs have had a busy season, and have recognised some of their stand-out clubbies as finalists in the 2019 Awards of Excellence.

The awards recognise hard work, dedication and skill, and a ceremony to announce winners will be held on Sunday 26 May
Hawkes Bay Surf Life Saving NZ clubs have had a busy season, and have recognised some of 201their stand-out clubbies as finalists in the 2019 Awards of Excellence.

“We’ve had a few rescues, and no drownings during patrols this season, so we’re always pleased with that result – it shows our lifeguards are out there making a difference to keep people safe,” says Debbie Moodie, SLSNZ Central Region club support officer.

This year Hawkes Bay clubs held four surf sports carnivals, and the points counted towards the Hawkes Bay Championship, which has been a great boost for athletes, she says.

“That’s improved the competition at the Hawkes Bay championships, and there’s been a clear improvement in the strength and skills of our athletes and their focus, and extra competition between our clubs,”

“That’s always great as it translates to excitement in the clubs, and more skilled and fit lifeguards on our beaches too.”

Moodie says there’s many people putting a lot of work into Hawkes Bay clubs.

“At the end of the day we can do what we do because of all the volunteers giving up their time to patrol our beaches, and keep things moving behind the scenes, and it’s especially impressive for those that are working and have families and come down to patrol the beach and to get involved in sports.

“We’ve got great people here, doing great stuff.”

Hawkes Bay Awards of Excellence finalists 2019:

Instructor of the Year
Jason Broome, Waimarama Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC)
Brian Quirk, Westshore SLSC

Lifeguard of the Year
Mitch Jackson, Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC
Simon Kay, Pacific SLSC
Roisin Kenny, Westshore SLSC
Meg Russell, Waimarama SLSC

Outstanding Contribution to Junior Surf
Neil Galland, Westshore SLSC
Magnus Larbi, Pacific SLSC
Alison Prins, Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC

Outstanding Sportsmanship Junior Surf
Jesse Beals, Westshore SLSC
Maddie Kerins, Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC
Joel Russell, Waimarama SLSC

Outstanding Contribution to Powercraft
Nathan Berry, Westshore SLSC
Rhys Harman, Waimarama SLSC

Legend Ironman
Jonty Laver, Waimarama SLSC

Legend Ironwoman
Isabella Bassett-Foss, Waimarama, SLSC
Bridget Page, Westshore, SLSC

Most Improved Athlete (Hume Cup)
Grayson Hesketh, Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC
Alfie Wilson, Waimarama SLSC

Most Outstanding Beach Athlete - Male
Wesley Akeripa, Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC
Reece Akuhata, Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC

Most Outstanding Beach Athlete - Female
Hannah Cotter, Westshore SLSC
Jess Tucker, Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC

Sportsperson of the Year
Reece Akuhata, Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC
Hannah Cotter, Westshore SLSC
Jonty Laver, Waimarama SLSC

Sports Team of the Year
Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC U19 Male & Open Male Beach Relay Team
Westshore SLSC Female Canoe Crew

Surf Official of the Year
Sarnia Brewer , Pacific SLSC
Toni Dunstan, Waimarama SLSC
Trina Wills, Westshore SLSC

Coach of the Year
Cian Jefferson, Westshore SLSC
Greg Larsen, Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC

Volunteer of the Year
Leah Cooper, Pacific SLSC
Ben Cross, Waimarama SLSC
Neil Galland, Westshore SLSC
Matt Mannington, Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC

Masters Sportsperson of the Year
Boat Westshore Napier Port Masters Crew, Westshore SLSC

Masters Sports Team of the Year
Westshore A Male Boat Crew, Westshore SLSC
Westshore 180+ Years canoe Crew, Westshore SLSC

Hawkes Bay Service Award
Daniel Moodie, Westshore SLSC
Graeme Ward, Waimarama SLSC
James Laver, Waimarama SLSC
Jimmy Bowden, Westshore SLSC
Nikki Lawson, Westshore SLSC
Trina Wills, Westshore SLSC

Distinguished Service
Graeme Ward, Waimarama SLSC

Life Membership
Aidan Charman, Westshore SLSC
John O'Shaughnessy, Westshore SLSC

Ends

File photos for Surf Life Saving NZ can be found here.

For more information, please contact:
Debbie Moodie, Surf Life Saving NZ central region club support officer
Phone: 027 421 3506, debbie.moodie@surflifesaving.org.nz

Karoline Tuckey, for Surf Life Saving NZ media and communications
Phone: 021 636 647, media@surflifesaving.org.nz