Surf Life Saving NZ salutes Capital Coast volunteers

The outstanding contributions of volunteers are being acknowledged in Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s Capital Coast Awards of Excellence.

The Central Region Service Award and Distinguished Service Award recipients for the 2019-2020 season have been announced while finalists for the lifeguarding and sports awards will be revealed soon.

COVID-19 restrictions meant the annual Awards of Excellence ceremony to acknowledge the members of Capital Coast Surf Life Saving New Zealand clubs could not go ahead on May 23.

The Service Awards acknowledge members who have given outstanding service to Surf Life Saving over a period of years.

Distinguished Service Awards recognise those who have continued to give outstanding service.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand Central Region Manager Charlie Cordwell says clubs in the Capital Coast region are lucky to have members who are so engaged and dedicated to their volunteer roles.

He says the people who are being acknowledged are among the many “pivotal and influential” members of their clubs.

Their volunteer contributions cover everything from club secretary, club chairman and regional committee members, to long-time Surf Lifeguards and coaches.

“We couldn’t do what we do without volunteers like the ones being recognised with these awards. They all contribute to people getting home safe after a day at the beach.

“What they, and their fellow volunteers do, truly makes a difference.”

The annual regional awards are held in Surf Life Saving New Zealand areas throughout the country, culminating with the National Awards of Excellence to be held later this year.

<END>

Central Region Capital Coast Awards of Excellence 2019-2020
Service Award and Distinguished Award recipients:

Service Awards     

Anna McDonnell – Maranui Surf Life Saving Club
Cameron Turchie - Lyall Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Elyse Robert – Paekakariki Surf Lifeguards
Justine Fleming – Otaki Surf Lifesaving Club
Jutta Crowe – Otaki Surf Lifesaving Club
Kirsty Doyle – Otaki Surf Lifesaving Club
Liam Grattan - Otaki Surf Lifesaving Club
Matt Flannery - Lyall Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Shayne Plunkett - Worser Bay Lifesaving Club
Rhys Speirs – Maranui Surf Life Saving Club
Josh Harvey - Worser Bay Lifesaving Club

Distinguished Service

Richard Whinham – Paekakariki Surf Lifeguards
Rhys Speirs – Maranui Surf Life Saving Club

For more information, please contact:

Melanie Louden
Media and Communications Manager
Surf Life Saving New Zealand
021 757 433
melanie.louden@surflifesaving.org.nz