News

Surf Life Saving New Zealand announces finalists for the 2022 Central Region Awards of Excellence

Friday, 20 May 2022

The Surf Life Saving New Zealand Awards of Excellence recognise volunteers who dedicate many hours to being on patrol, those that keep clubs running behind the scenes, and lifesaving sport athletes who have shone in competition. 

The Awards are held every year in each Surf Life Saving New Zealand (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.  In the Central Region, the local awards acknowledge the achievements of those in the Capital Coast, Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki.

Charlie Cordwell, SLSNZ Central Regional Manager says, “This year was another tough one with the changing Covid-19 restrictions, which presented many difficulties for our patrols and Sport events. Despite this, our many volunteers rose to the challenges they faced and it's wonderful to be able to celebrate the standout achievements in our annual Awards of Excellence”.

Capital Coast Major Awards Finalists

Lifeguard of the Year

Finalist

Club

 

Ben Wickens

Maranui

 

Damien Doyle

Otaki

 

Jago Dellow

Paekakariki

 

James Groombridge

Worser Bay

 

Ollie Phillips

Riversdale

 

Steven Williams

Foxton

 

Warren Neal

Titahi Bay

 

Nikita Bublitz

Lyall Bay

Sportsperson of Year

 

 

 

Ella Kingi

Otaki

 

Holly Reynolds

Maranui

 

Pippa Nicol

Lyall Bay

Volunteer of Year

 

 

 

Adam Radich

Foxton

 

Dave Wells

Worser Bay

 

Julie Reddish

Maranui

 

Nicholas Fleming

Otaki

 

Sarah Sherriff

Paekakariki

 

Simon Kerr

Riversdale

 

Cam Turchie

Lyall Bay

 

Hawke’s Bay Major Awards Finalists

Lifeguard of the Year

Finalist

Club

 

Alfie Wilson

Waimarama

 

Isla Prins

OBK

 

Temepara Reihana

Westshore

Sportsperson of the Year

 

 

 

Bella Bassett-Foss

Waimarama

 

Harriett Lynch

Westshore

 

Thomas Kay

OBK

Volunteer of the Year

 

 

 

Mike Finlayson

Waimarama

 

Harry Machiela

Pacific

 

Sue Kay

OBK

 

Taranaki Major Awards Finalists

Lifeguard of the Year

Finalist

Club

 

Colwyn Cations-Velvin

Fitzroy

 

Harrison Smith

Wanganui

 

Macy Sinclair

Opunake

 

Richard Hales

East End

 

Richie Matheson

NPOB

 

 

 

Sportsman of the Year

 

 

 

Joe Collins

Fitzroy

 

Joel Meuli

East End

 

 

 

Sportswoman of the Year

 

 

 

Anne Cairns

Fitzroy

 

Claudia Kelly

East End

 

 

 

Volunteer of the Year

 

 

 

Aimee Leigh

Opunake

 

Daniel Comp

Wanganui

 

Darren James

Fitzroy

 

Hailey Foster-Ander

NPOB

 

Nicola Watson

East End

 The Central Region winners will be announced at Awards of Excellence events later in May and in June:

  • Capital Coast - Saturday 28th May
  • Hawkes Bay - Sunday 29th May
  • Taranaki - Friday 10th June

The regional awards culminate in the National Awards of Excellence which will be held later this year.