News
Winners of Surf Life Saving New Zealand Hawke’s Bay Awards of Excellence Announced
Monday, 19 June 2023The winners of Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s (SLSNZ) Hawke’s Bay Awards of Excellence have been announced, many of whom were recognised for their exceptional efforts during and after Cyclone Gabrielle, which devastated the region earlier this year.
Jessica Bennett, from Ocean Beach Kiwi Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), was honoured with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Bennett has been managing the Hawke’s Bay Search and Rescue callout squad for years but her work around Cyclone Gabrielle was outstanding. She proactively planned for the event, weeks in advance, leading the team with authority and respect.
When Cyclone Gabrielle did eventually hit, Bennett left her young family to spend weeks at the centre of the major rescue response in Hawke’s Bay. The Search and Rescue team, consisting of over 30 members and utilising 15 inflatable rescue boats (IRBs), conducted extensive search and rescue operations under her coordination. She led this team into uncharted territories but despite being tested in various ways, Bennett remained approachable and compassionate.
Helen Jackson, Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC Director of Sport, said, “Jess deserves more than just the Volunteer of the Year award; she deserves New Zealander of the Year award at a national level. From all of us to you, Jess, we want to thank you for giving tirelessly, for all that you have done, and all that you do.”
Michael Peterson, a dedicated member of the Waimārama SLSC, won the Lifeguard of the Year award. Peterson plays a vital role in the SLSC as a patrol captain, inflatable rescue driver, inflatable rescue boat examiner, power craft director, and event guard. He is also in the process of being one of the few rescue water craft (RWC) drivers in Hawke’s Bay.
With his varied skill set and knowledge, Peterson was an essential member of the response team following Cyclone Gabrielle, going out of his way to help those in need.
Cornelius Venter, Waimārama SLSC Surf Lifeguard Director, said “Michael is committed to serving the community and improving the local club and regional guarding performance. He is a pillar of leadership when it comes to the IRB programmes and in general, he encourages young lifeguards to work towards achieving more awards and success within the service through hard work.”
Jonty Laver, representing Waimārama SLSC, was honoured with the Sportsperson of the Year award. He is currently part of the national kayak development squad and has relocated to Hamilton to train with the national team.
His talent and dedication are evident in his achievements, securing a bronze medal in the Open Ski race at the TSB New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships, and picking up three gold medals at the Hawke’s Bay Championships in the Open Board, Ironperson and Ski competitions.
Beyond his athletic abilities, Laver is highly respected by his teammates as a coach and mentor. He contributes behind the scenes, assisting with tasks such as towing trailers, loading gear, and organising team merchandise.
Michael Bassett-Foss, Waimārama SLSC Director of Sport, said “The thing I’m most inspired by, is his enthusiasm to help out the younger seniors. Older male athletes are a scary proposition for young seniors. Jonty actively encourages them and gives them tips.”
The Hawke’s Bay Awards of Excellence brought together members from Westshore, Waimārama, Ocean Beach Kiwi, and Pacific.
Charlie Crodwell, Central Region Manager, said, “This season was particularly challenging for our teams in Hawke’s Bay as they were an integral part of the emergency response following Cyclone Gabrielle. I am incredibly proud of the way they carried themselves, demonstrating unwavering dedication to their community. They also overcame a number of obstacles to be able to compete in local and national sporting competitions, working together and giving it their all.”
The SLSNZ National Awards of Excellence will take place on 23 September at Te Papa in Wellington.
NOTE: This media release is subject to a strict embargo until 19 June, 2023. The Awards will be held on the night of 18 June, 2023. No part of this release should be published, distributed, or shared in any form prior to the specified embargo date.
For More Information Please Contact:
Charlie Cordwell – SLSNZ Central Region Manager
charlie.cordwell@surflifesaving.org.nz
027 557 1015
Full List of Winners:
Lifeguarding Awards and Trophies:
Top 3 Patrollers – OBK
Jared Fritchley, Maggie Drain, Helen Jackson
Top 3 Patrollers – WMR
Cornelius Venter, Michael Peterson, Madison Holmes and Wyatt Holmes
Top 3 Patrollers – PAC
Leah Cooper, Amelie Anstasopoulos, Ashlinn Stevenson
Top 3 Patrollers – WSS
Aidan Callaghan, Benz Booth, Temepara Reihana and Aidan Charman
Top Patrol Captain – OBK
Jacob Crawley
Top Patrol Captain – WMR
Bianca Sanko
Top Patrol Captain – WSS
Aidan Charman
Top Patrol Captain – PAC
Leah Cooper
Outstanding Contribution to Power Craft
Rhys Harman
Most IRB Awards
Waimārama
Bart Dennehy Trophy – Most Surf Awards and Surf Instructors Awards
Waimārama
Coach of the Year
Lenny Kay
Surf Official of the Year
Trina Wills
Life Member Cup (Sportsperson of the Year)
Jonty Laver
Dickson Cup Sports Team of the Year
OBK Female Canoe Team
Innovation of the Year
Waimārama IRB Racking System
Volunteer of the Year - Durrand Cup
Jessica Bennett
Instructor of the Year
Lexxie Cunningham
Lifeguard of the Year - Tremains Shield
Michael Peterson
Masters Sportsperson of the Year
Rebecca Wright
Masters Sports Team of the Year
OBK Masters Team
Club of the Year
Waimārama
Sport Trophies - Overall/General:
Most Outstanding Beach Athlete – Male
Logan Magerison
Most Outstanding Beach Athlete – Female
Lucy Angland
Legend Ironwoman - All Ages
Bella Bassett-Foss - Waimārama
Legend Ironman - All Ages
Alex Finlayson – Waimārama
Carroll Cup - Open Ironman Aggregate (Male)
Jonty Laver – Waimārama
Open Ironwoman Aggregate (Female)
Bella Bassett-Foss - Waimārama
Humes Cup - Most Improved Athlete
Tia List – Waimārama
Ice Breaker Cup Mens
Calum Sutherland – Waimārama
Ice Breaker Cup Womens
Isabella Bassett-Foss - Waimārama
Ice Breaker Cup Teams
Alfie Wilson, Bertie Bassett-Foss, Jack Stone – Waimārama
U11
U11 Female 1st - Emma Mill
U11 Female 2nd - Ella Fritchley
U11 Female 3rd - Clara Barber and Olivia Mahoney
U11 Male 1st - Hamish McLaren
U11 Male 2nd – Kadin Bewick
U11 Male 3rd - Cameron Wagstaff
U12
U12 Female 1st - Mia Scott
U12 Female 2nd - Tamarah Messervy
U12 Female 3rd - Aliana Watson
U12 Male 1st - Tamati Geary
U12 Male 2nd - Knox Allen
U12 Male 3rd - Thomas Birkett
U13
U13 Female 1st - Charlotte McLaren
U13 Female 2nd - Maggie Hammond
U13 Female 3rd - Ellen Wagstaff
U13 Male 1st - Thomas Mill
U13 Male 2nd - Oliver Fritchley
U13 Male 3rd - Hunter Scott and Finn Clarke
U14
U14 Angus Russell - Top Jnr Surf Female - Sophie Tasker
U14 Female 2nd - Lily Hammond
U14 Remale 3rd - Rosa Angland and Lucy Kinnear
U14 Andresen Memorial - Top Jnr Surf Male - Max MacInnes
U14 Male 2nd - Elliot Wickham
U14 Male 3rd - Tom Holder and Eliot Webber
Maude Russell Cup, Top Jnr Surf Club
Waimārama
Metropolitan Life, Outstanding Sportsmanship Junior Surf
Lucy Kinnear – Waimārama
Outstanding Contribution to Junior Surf
Richard Holder - Waimārama
Points Trophies from Hawke’s Bay Champs:
Pania Cup - Open Women’s Aggregate Points at HB Champs
Waimārama
Challenge Shield - Open Men’s Aggregate Points at HB Champs
Waimārama
Allan Christie Trophie - Most Points Overall at HB Champs
Waimārama
Canterbury Trophy
Waimārama
Welsh Ladies Trophy (OW Ski Race)
Bella Bassett-Foss - Waimārama
Atherfold Cup (OM Surf Race)
Alex Finlayson – Waimārama