SLSNZ Announces Winners of the Gisborne/Tairāwhiti Awards of Excellence 

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is proud to announce the winners of the Gisborne/Tairāwhiti Awards of Excellence. The 2024/25 winners were announced on 13 June 2025 at a function held at the Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club in Gisborne. 

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 Eastern Regional Manager Avan Polo, said, “We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion shown by all our volunteers. Being recognised as a finalist or winner at the Awards of Excellence is a testament to the impact you’ve made in your communities and on our beaches. Your commitment, leadership, and teamwork continue to inspire us all. Thank you for everything you do.” 

This year’s coveted DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year Award was won by Ana Naden from Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club. 

Clara Wilson, Waikanae SLSC Club Manager, said, "Ana’s leadership, dedication, and teamwork have been exceptional this season. She leads by example, uplifts her team, and consistently goes above and beyond to keep our beach safe. We’re proud to have her as a member of our club.” 

Another standout has been Connor Mitchell from Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club, who has taken out bp Powercraft Contribution of the Year, Aon Event Safety Contribution of the Year, Volunteer Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, as well as being honoured with a regional service and regional distinguished service award.  

Clara Wilson, Waikanae SLSC Club Manager said, "Connor’s contribution to our club and the wider surf lifesaving community has been nothing short of extraordinary. His leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to safety have set a new benchmark. Whether mentoring others, leading in challenging conditions, or driving innovation in powercraft, Connor leads with humility and purpose. We are incredibly proud to see his efforts recognised across multiple awards – he truly embodies the spirit of volunteerism and excellence." 

The Gisborne/Tairāwhiti Awards of Excellence brought together Wainui, Tolaga Bay, Midway, Ngāti Porou and Wainui Surf Life Saving clubs.   

Full list of winners: 

DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year  

Ana Naden, Waikanae 

DHL U19 Surf Lifeguard of the Year  

Zyanja Rudge, Wainui 

DHL Patrol Support of the Year  

Susan Quilter, Wainui 

bp Powercraft Contribution of the Year  

Connor Mitchell, Waikanae 

Toyota Financial Services Coach of the Year 

Arna Majstrovic, Waikanae 

Toyota Financial Services Surf Sportsperson of the Year  

Briana Irving, Waikanae 

Aon Surf Sports Official of the Year  

Miah Phelps, Midway 

Aon Surf Sports Team of the Year  

U19 IRB Team, Waikanae - Hamish Swann, Taran Wilson, Michaela Clearwater 

Aon Event Safety Contribution of the Year  

Connor Mitchell, Waikanae 

Junior Surf Contribution of the Year  

Kate Hill, Wainui 

Instructor of the Year  

Ana Naden, Waikanae 

Examiner of the Year 

Sonia Keepa, Wainui 

NZ Lottery Grants Board Volunteer of the Year  

Connor Mitchell, Waikanae 

Paid Lifeguard of the Year 

Clayden Hope, Waikanae 

Gisborne Tairāwhiti Frothers of the Year  

Calvin Braybrook, Midway 

Jocelyn Jong, Waikanae 

Luke Hyland, Wainui 

Nadine McKinnon, Ngāti Porou 

Patrol Captain of the Year  

Rodney Richards, Waikanae 

Beach Education Instructor of the Year  

John Minogue, Wainui 

Emerging Surf Official of the Year  

Greg Akroyd, Midway 

Volunteer Coach of the Year  

Connor Mitchell, Waikanae 

Emerging Coach of the Year  

Sophie Petro, Midway 

Coaches Commitment Awards 

Eric Clearwater, Waikanae 

Riley Knight, Midway 

Xavier Booker, Wainui 

Service Award 

Ana Naden, Waikanae 

Connor Mitchell, Waikanae 

Distinguished Service Award 

Connor Mitchell, Waikanae 

Gisborne Tairāwhiti Patrol Club of the Year  

Wainui Surf Lifesaving Club 

Gisborne Tairāwhiti Club of the Year 

Wainui Surf Lifesaving Club