May 27, 2021 
Press Release 

Hawkes Bay Awards of Excellence winners announced 

The best and bravest volunteers, athletes and Surf Lifeguards have been honoured at Surf Life Saving NZ’s Hawkes Bay Awards of Excellence. 

Hawke’s Bay Club Support Officer Debbie Moodie says the awards recognise the members who have made major contributions to Surf Lifesaving in the Hawkes Bay.  

“It is that time of year to recognise our members that have made major contributions to Surf Lifesaving in the Hawkes Bay. There are a number of people in each club that contribute to this success but we can only recognise a few. Many have put in long hours to achieve success.” 

Overall, the lifeguards completed 17 rescues, 42 assists, 36 first aid incidents and 28, 950 people were involved in 4,912 preventative actions.  

Senior member Helen Jackson from Ocean Beach Kiwi Surf Lifesaving Club was awarded Lifeguard of the Year. Helen was praised for her punctuality, preparedness and happy demeanour.   

Senior member Helen Jackson from Ocean Beach Kiwi Surf Lifesaving Club was awarded Lifeguard of the Year.

Her achievements include dealing with numerous preventative actions, first aid and communicating with the public in the water with a tube/fins, board or IRB.  

This season’s Volunteer of the Year is Jacob Crawley for his commitment to the Surf Life Saving New Zealand movement. Jacob was praised for his humility, integrity, reliability and resilience and commended on his service to many others within the Hawkes Bay region.  

“His dedication is the epitome of ‘In it For Life’ – when action is required in a voluntary capacity, Jacob is one of the first to put his hand up, both at a club and district level,” says Debbie.  

Sportsperson of the Year is Bella Bassett-Foss from Waimarama Surf Lifesaving Club. Bella remains the dominant female athlete in Hawke’s Bay and battles alongside the best in the country at regional and national events.  

Sportsperson of the Year is Bella Bassett-Foss from Waimarama Surf Lifesaving Club. 

Despite being able to perform at the National Championships, which were unfortunately cancelled, she is the fittest that she has ever been and a significant coach and mentor in the club. Bella is well respected by her teammates for being a dependable and hard trainer. 

Surf Life Saving NZ Awards of Excellence are held every year in each SLSNZ region to recognise and celebrate the many club members putting in considerable time, effort and skills at a grass-roots level to make sure Kiwis who head to the beach get home safe.  

The regional awards for each area are held May through July and precede the National Awards of Excellence which will be held at a later date. The Hawkes Bay awards are being announced at an event taking place on Saturday 29 May. 

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Hawkes Bay Awards of Excellence 2020 Winners 

Lifeguard of the Year  
Helen Jackson - Ocean Beach Kiwi  

Instructor of the Year  
Biance Sanko - Waimarama   

Coach of the Year  
Liam Bowden - Westshore   

Most Outstanding Beach Athlete - Male 
Corban Watson - Ocean Beach Kiwi   

Most Outstanding Beach Athlete - Female
Charlotte Swayn - Westshore 

Sportsperson of the Year  
Bella Bassett-Foss - Waimarama  

Sports Team of the Year  
Waimarama U23 Male IRB Team  

Masters Sportsperson of the Year  
Alistair Hunter - Waimarama  

Masters Sports Team of the Year 
OBK Masters Hombre Male Boat Crew  

Legend Ironman 
Jonty Lever - Waimarama  

Legend Ironwoman 
Bella Bassett-Foss - Waimarama  

Most Improved Athlete (Hume Cup) 
Harriet Lynch - Westshore  

Surf Official of the Year 
Sarnia Brewer - Westshore  

Outstanding Contribution to Junior Surf 
Neil Galland - Westshore  

Outstanding Sportsmanship Junior Surf  
Lucy Angland - Waimarama  

Outstanding Contribution to Powercraft  
Taylor Dick - Westshore  

Volunteer of the Year  
Jacob Crawley - Ocean Beach Kiwi  

For more information please contact:  

Charlie Cordwell 
Central Regional Manager  
Phone: 027 557 1015  
Email: Charlie.Cordwell@surflifesaving.org.nz 

Debbie Moodie 
Hawke’s Bay Club Support Office 
Phone: 027 421 3506 
Email: debbie.moodie@surflifesaving.org.nz 

Rajal Middleton  
Head of Commercial & Marketing  
Phone 027 457 1001 
Email: Rajal.Middleton@surflifesaving.org.nz