News
Taranaki Surf Lifesaving stalwart celebrated
Tuesday, 2 June 2020
James Newell is being recognised for his 41 years of dedication to Surf Life Saving in Taranaki.
He is beng presented with a Central Region Service Award, Distinguished Service Award and Life Membership as part of Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s Taranaki Awards of Excellence for the 2019-2020 season.
James gained his Surf Lifeguard Award in 1979 as a member of the Mowhanau Surf Life Saving Club before joining Wanganui Surf Life Saving Club in 1990.
He has been the club’s president for 25 years, a lifesaving instructor for 29 years and the chairperson for five years.
James spent 15 years as a patrol captain, 20 years as an active competitor and 12 years as a volunteer coach.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand Central Region Manager Charlie Cordwell says James is an integral part of Wanganui’s surf lifesaving movement, a member of the Emergency Call Out Squad, and has been a key driver in and around the financial sustainability of the club.
James Newell at the 2019 Central Region Taranaki Awards of Excellence receiving the Rescue of the Year award.
COVID-19 restrictions meant the Awards of Excellence ceremony to acknowledge all the members of Taranaki Surf Life Saving New Zealand clubs will not go ahead on June 5.
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.
Life Memberships are presented to those who have provided exemplary service.
Finalists for the Central Region’s lifeguarding and sports awards will be revealed soon.
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.
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Central Region Taranaki Awards of Excellence 2020
Service Award, Distinguished Award and Life Membership recipients:
Service Awards
James Newell - Wanganui Surf Life Saving Club
Distinguished Service Awards
James Newell - Wanganui Surf Life Saving Club
Life Membership
James Newell - Wanganui 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