SLSNZ Announces Winners of the Canterbury Awards of Excellence 

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is proud to announce the winners of the Canterbury Awards of Excellence. The 2024/25 winners were announced on Saturday 24 May at a function held at the Black Box Theatre in Christchurch. 

The annual Awards of Excellence recognise and celebrate the skill and commitment of surf lifeguards who make a meaningful contribution towards saving lives, developing great New Zealanders, and keeping beachgoers safer. That mahi not only includes the hours watching over people on our beaches, but also those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes training current and future surf lifeguards, managing administration, and coaching and participating in surf lifesaving sport.  

SLSNZ Southern Regional Manager Stu Bryce, said, “our annual Canterbury Awards of Excellence is a fantastic opportunity for our members to come together and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our volunteers, who provide exceptional service to the communities of Canterbury, Tasman, and the West Coast.” 

This year’s coveted DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year Award was won by Ben Isles from Sumner Surf Life Saving Club. 

Kate Suter, Sumner SLSC President, said, “Ben is a strong and promising young leader, that many members look up to and aspire to be like. His achievements this season are numerous, including Patrol Captain, Sumner Board Intern, Lifeguard, Rock and IRB Instructor, success in Surf Sports and Pool Championships, SAR Team Leader, Junior Surf helper, and recognition as a top candidate at the National Lifeguard School. A well-rounded club member and dedicated Lifeguard, Ben's contributions and accomplishments make us incredibly proud. He is highly deserving of the DHL Lifeguard of the Year Award.” 

Maia Smith from Waimairi SLSC won the Innovation of the Year Award, following the successful pilot of All Star Nippers. Luke Smith, Southern Region Sport Manager said “All Star Nippers was developed as a programme for young people with physical and intellectual disabilities to engage in Surf Life Saving. The impact of this programme has been significant. Families shared that it was the first time in a long time they’d seen their child genuinely smile, connect with peers, and feel confident at the beach. A highlight was seeing sone of these athletes participate in the Canterbury Juniors alongside their peers. This added deeper purpose and excitement to their training. For many surf families with children with disabilities, it was especially meaningful, offering them the chance to participate together as a whole whānau.” 

The highly anticipated NZ Lottery Grants Board Volunteer of the Year Award was won by Lachlan Hill, New Brighton SLSC.  

Amy Philip, Canterbury/Tasman Club Support Lead said, “Lachlan is a dedicated and influential leader within Surf Life Saving New Zealand, recently stepping down as new Brighton Club Chairperson after being appointed Youth Intern on the SLSNZ Board, where he continues to drive excellence through leadership, coaching, and advocacy. His extensive involvement, from governance roles and competition success, to mentoring lifeguards and participating in both SLSNZ BP leaders for Life and the Australian leadership programme, has had a significant impact on both his club and the broader Southern Region.” 

The Canterbury Awards of Excellence brought together Nelson, Rarangi, Kotuku, Buller, Waikuku, Spencer Park, Waimairi, North Beach, New Brighton, South Brighton, Sumner and Taylors Mistake Surf Life Saving clubs. Clubs were also able to celebrate alongside Jeremy Benzie from bp, and David Sutherland from Aon, who were both in attendance to present awards.  

Full list of winners: 

DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year  

Ben Isles, Sumner 

DHL U19 Surf Lifeguard of the Year  

Markus Jorgensen, South Brighton 

DHL Patrol Support of the Year  

Gina Eccersall, Taylors Mistake 

bp Search and Rescue Contribution of the Year  

Mike Smith, Taylors Mistake 

bp Powercraft Contribution of the Year  

Daryl Poulsen, Spencer Park 

bp Rescue of the Year 

New Brighton, North Beach, Sumer, Taylors Mistake Combined Search and Rescue Response, 23 January 2025. 

Toyota Financial Services Coach of the Year 

Dean Isherwood, New Brighton  

Toyota Financial Services Surf Sportswoman of the Year  

Chloe Ah Kuoi, South Brighton 

Toyota Financial Services Surf Sportswoman of the Year 

Tiago Chamberlain, Taylors Mistake 

Aon Surf Sports Official of the Year  

Julie Jorgensen, South Brighton 

Aon Surf Sports Team of the Year  

Taylors Mistake U19 Male Ski Relay - Lewis Monk, Dylan Monk, Tiago Chamberlain 

Aon Surf Sports Team of the Year (Large Craft) 

New Brighton U23 Female Surf Boat Crew- Caitlin Knudsen, Joanna Penrose, Grace Western, Hannah Western 

Aon Event Safety Contribution of the Year  

Tim Harris, North Beach 

Junior Surf Contribution of the Year  

Maia Smith, Waimairi 

Junior Surf Coach of the Year  

Patrick Anderson, South Brighton 

Paid Lifeguard of the Year 

Ben Isles, Sumner 

Beach Education Instructor of the Year 

Lucy Stroud, Taylors Mistake 

Rookie Lifeguard of the Year 

Gus McPherson, Spencer Park 

Instructor of the Year  

Carl Bangma, North Beach 

Examiner of the Year 

Dean Le Warne, North Beach 

NZ Lottery Grants Board Volunteer of the Year  

Lachlan Hill, New Brighton 

Innovation Award 

All Star Nippers, Maia Smith