News
Surf Life Saving Taranaki Awards of Excellence Finalists Announced
Tuesday, 23 May 2023The finalists for Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s (SLSNZ) Taranaki Awards of Excellence have been announced.
These awards not only recognise the outstanding skills, commitment, and effort put in by individuals to safeguard beachgoers, but also acknowledge those who have trained others, managed administration, and competed in surf sports throughout the 2022/23 season.
Charlie Cordwell, SLSNZ Central Region Manager, said, “It was a busy season for our Taranaki teams as warm weather saw hundreds of people flock to the regions beaches. But, like always, their dedication ensured others were kept safe with zero drownings between the flags.”
The SLSNZ Taranaki Awards of Excellence will bring together members from Opunake Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), New Plymouth Old Boys SLSC, East End SLSC, Wanganui SLSC, and Fitzroy SLSC.
Cordwell said, “It will be a great night celebrating the remarkable individuals who consistently go above and beyond every season. The judging process will be challenging since all the nominees have left a big mark on their clubs and communities. Congratulations to everyone for their outstanding work, whether it was on patrol, within the club, or while competing in sports.”
This year’s awards ceremony will take place on June 2nd at The Devon Hotel in New Plymouth.
Full list of finalists:
Instructor of the Year
Aimee Leigh - Opunake
Anna Beavis - Fitzroy
Dean Spicer - NPOB
Hywel Davies - East End
Lifeguard of the Year
Dean Spicer – NPOB
Joe Edwards – Opunake
Max Toa – Fitzroy
U19 Sportswoman of the Year
Bella Pivac – Opunake
Emma Brimelow – Fitzroy
Riley Grylls – NPOB
Tara Shotter – East End
U19 Sportsman of the Year
Daniel Callebaut – East End
Jerram Sinclair – Opunake
Logan Smith – NPOB
Sportsman of the Year
Fletcher Moles – East End
Joe Collins – Fitzroy
Sportswoman of the Year
Claudia Kelly – East End
Jordan Grylls – Opunake
U19 Sports Team of the Year
East End U17 Male Relay Team – East End
Fitzroy U19 Male Double Ski Team – Fitzroy
Sports Team of the Year
East End Open Female Pool Rescue Relay Team – East End
Coach of the Year
Amelia Riddick – Fitzroy
Anthony Ander – NPOB
Joel Mueli – East End
Surf Official of the Year
Andrew Sorensen – Fitzroy
Glen Rankin – Opunake
Melanie Visser – East End
Pip Dinnison – NPOB
Innovation of the Year
East End Junior Skills Development Programme – East End
Volunteer of the Year
Francie O’Sullivan – NPOB
Julia Johnston – East End
Michael Taylor Award
Ben Nelson – NPOB
Emma Brimelow – Fitzroy
Hayden Corkin – East End
Overall Sportsperson of the Year
Joe Collins – Fitzroy
Overall Sports Team of the Year
East End Open Female Pool Rescue Relay Team – East End