SLSNZ Announces Winners of the Otago/Southland Awards of Excellence 

SLSNZ Announces Winners of the Otago/Southland Awards of Excellence 

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is proud to announce the winners of the Otago/Southland Awards of Excellence. The 2024/25 winners were announced on Friday 23 May at a function held at the Edgar Centre in Dunedin. 

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 Life Saving sport.  

SLSNZ Southern Regional Manager Stu Bryce, said, “Our annual Otago/Southland 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 Otago and Southland”. 

This year’s coveted DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year Award was won by Aedan Dinnissen from Brighton Surf Life Saving Club. Scott Weatherall, Brighton Surf Life Saving Club Head Instructor, said, “Aedan is an absolutely outstanding lifeguard. He’s always down at the club, offering positive support to both younger and older members. His approach and attitude are consistently excellent, and he genuinely encourages everyone to be their best. It’s fantastic to see his efforts recognised with this award." 

Another notable award recipient is Charlotte Aburn, from St Clair Surf Life Saving Club, who was awarded Otago/Southland Toyota Financial Services Sports Person of the Year. SLSNZ Southern Region Sport Manager, Luke Smith, said, “Charlotte has once again had an incredibly consistent season across both the ocean and the pool. Her effort this season has seen her selected for the Surf Life Saving New Zealand Youth Team, to compete at the 2025 Battle of the Tasman this August, which will be held on the Gold Coast.” 

Jody Mowat, from St Kilda Surf Life Saving Club, was awarded Otago/Southland New Zealand Lottery Grants Board Volunteer of the Year. Felix Cook, Otago/Southland Club Support Lead, said, “Jody exemplifies outstanding leadership within her club and beyond. She leads by example balancing numerous roles such as IRB team Manager, Patrol Captain, Nipper Coach and Surf Lifeguard Award Examiner. She consistently demonstrates a proactive attitude, stepping in whenever needed without hesitation.”  

The President’s Trophy for Outstanding Contribution to Surf Life Saving in Otago/ Southland was won by Joel Davies from St Clair Surf Life Saving Club. Joel wears a number of hats within the organisation; he is the head coach at St Clair and leads the clubs sports programme, with a particular focus on sand-base disciplines, as well as sitting on the Local Operational Committee as the Sport Delegate. In the lifesaving realm, Joel is a patrol captain and has contributed to delivery of regional-based lifeguarding development sessions. 

The Otago/Southland Awards of Excellence brought together Oreti, Kaka Point, Brighton, St Clair, St Kilda and Warrington Surf Life Saving Clubs. Clubs were also able to celebrate alongside Jarrad Booyens and Kelly Anderson from Aon, and Renee Millin from Toyota Financial Services, who were in attendance to present awards.  

Full list of winners: 

NZ Lottery Grants Board Volunteer of the Year  

Jody Mowat, St Kilda SLSC 

Presidents Trophy for Outstanding Contribution 

Joel Davies, St Clair SLSC 

DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year  

Aedan Dinnissen, Brighton SLSC 

DHL U19 Surf Lifeguard of the Year  

Nathan Alcock, Oreti SLSC 

DHL Patrol Support of the Year  

Gregor Chrystal, St Kilda SLSC 

bp Search and Rescue Contribution of the Year  

Niam Chronican St Clair SLSC 

bp Powercraft Contribution of the Year  

Matthew Bradley, St Clair SLSC 

bp Rescue of the Year 

Otago SAR Callout Team (Phoebe Aburn, Felix Cook, Max Corboy, Imogen Doyle, M Lloyd, Cameron Third) 

Toyota Financial Services Coach of the Year 

Mark Hastie, Warrington SLSC 

Toyota Financial Services Surf Sportsperson of the Year  

Charlotte Aburn, St Clair SLSC 

Aon Surf Sports Official of the Year  

Maaike Duncan, Warrington SLSC 

Aon Surf Sports Team of the Year  

St Kilda Open Male IRB Team (Danyon Noakes, Matt Lloyd, Zoë Allibone) 

Aon Event Safety Contribution of the Year  

Andria McGhie, Warrington SLSC 

Junior Surf Contribution of the Year  

Gareth Hargreaves, St Kilda SLSC 

Junior Surf Coach of the Year 

Isaac Davies, Kākā Point SLSC 

Instructor of the Year  

Fiona Wilkinson, Kākā Point SLSC 

Examiner of the Year 

Felix Cook, St Kilda SLSC 

Paid Lifeguard of the Year 

Liam Lawlor, Kākā Point SLSC 

Beach Education Instructor of the Year 

Gabrielle Trotter, Brighton SLSC 

Club of the Year 

St Clair SLSC 

Patrol Club of the Year 

Kākā Point SLSC