2025 Aon New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships sees crowning of new top club in an action-packed weekend

The Alan Gardner Trophy, New Zealand’s oldest surf lifesaving trophy, is heading to a new home at Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club in the Bay of Plenty after a thrilling 2025 Aon New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships, hosted by Midway Surf Lifesaving Club in Tairāwhiti Gisborne last weekend.

Following four action-packed days of racing on sand and in the surf, Omanu proved their dominance, securing 28 gold medals across various divisions and clinching the top spot in both the Open and Masters categories.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s National Sport Manager, Lewis McClintock, described the event as a showcase of the nation’s best surf lifesaving talent.

“The Aon New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships are the pinnacle event of the season for our athletes, and this year was no exception. With more than 1,300 competitors―all of whom are qualified and active surf lifeguards―giving it their all. We saw fierce competition, incredible displays of athleticism, and a true demonstration of what makes surf lifesaving such a special sport.

“Omanu’s performance across multiple divisions was outstanding, and they fully deserve to take home the Alan Gardner Trophy.”

The victory by Omanu marks the end of a decade-long dominance by Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, who finished third behind East End Surf Life Saving Club, who secured second place. The top five was rounded out by the host club Midway in fourth, and Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club in fifth.

Cory Hutchings, head coach at Omanu Surf Life Saving Club reflected on their club’s achievement, saying it was an historic moment for the club.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our athletes. Every competitor, from our youngest team members to our seasoned Masters, put in the hard work to make this happen. Winning the Alan Gardner Trophy and breaking Mount Maunganui’s reign is a huge accomplishment for us.”

In the Masters division, Omanu’s strength continued as they finished ahead of Gisborne clubs Midway in second and Wainui in third.

It was also a landmark year for New Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club, the oldest surf lifesaving club in New Zealand, founded in July 1910. In 2025, they topped the tables to win the “oar” for the first time ever, becoming the first-ever South Island club to win the surf boat competition in the process.

Lachlan Hill, one of the victorious rowers and the chair of New Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club shared their excitement.

“To not only compete but get our first-ever overall win in surf boats is beyond what we imagined. It’s a testament to our team’s dedication and the rich legacy of New Brighton. We hope this inspires more South Island clubs to get involved in surf rowing.”

Meanwhile, East End Surf Life Saving Club, who finished second overall, celebrated their strong club performance. East End coach Joel Meuli says the club gave it everything.

“To finish second in such a competitive field is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s been an amazing championship, and the level of competition this year was next level. We’ll be back even stronger next time,” he says.

With new champions crowned, historic milestones achieved, and surf lifesaving’s tight-knit community on full display, the 2025 Aon New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships will be remembered as one of the most exciting in recent history.

The 21 Club plaques―a recognition program for outstanding athletes in the SLSNZ championships for best individual athlete in each age/gender were awarded to Indie Scholes for Mount Maunganui (U15 female), Caleb Maunder of Mairangi Bay (U15 male), Pipi Te Pania of Omanu (U17 female), Charlie Shivnan of Omanu and Chris Callebaut of East End jointly for U17 male, Tara Shotter of East End (U19 female), Daniel Callebaut of East End (U19 male), Joe Collins of Fitzroy Surf Lifesaving Club (open male), and Claudia Kelly of East End (open female).

The competition delivered thrilling performances at both individual and club levels, with new events making their debut—the Mixed Taplin and Mixed Canoe Relay—as well as the introduction of six new women’s trophies: the Pat Ellison Trophy for Open Female Surf Teams, the Marilyn Moffatt Trophy for U19 Female Surf Teams, the Natalie Peat Trophy for the U19 Female Surf Race, the Helen Velvin Trophy for the U19 Female Tube Rescue, the Steve Mexted Trophy for the Open Female Short Course Canoe, and the Leon Peters Trophy for the Open Female Short Course Boat.

Some of New Zealand’s finest athletes took to the beach, including Olympians Zac Reid, Aimee Fisher, Kurtis Imrie, Max Brown, and Grant Clancy, ensuring the competition was at its absolute highest level.

Among the standout individual performances, Tara Shotter of East End showcased her dominance once again, claiming her third consecutive U19 Women’s Iron title. Over in the Men’s Open Iron, Max Beattie of Omanu, a four-time New Zealand Ironman Champion and three-time World Life Saving Champion, secured victory more than a decade after winning his first title—a true testament to his longevity in the sport.

The youth division was equally impressive, with Tiago Chamberlain of Taylors Mistake Surf Life Saving Club living up to his Interclub Youth World Champion status by securing gold in the U19 Ski Race, U19 Ski Relay, and U19 Double Ski. Taylors Mistake continued their winning streak by also taking out the U19 Male and Female Double Ski titles.

At the club level, East End made history by winning the inaugural Open Mixed Taplin, while Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club from Gisborne swept the podium in the Men’s Open Sprint, securing first, second, and third place in a dominant display.

Beyond the medals, the competition also highlighted strong family ties in the surf.

The Shivnan siblings—Molly, Gus, Sam, and Charlie—all claimed podium finishes across a number of races, including gold for Sam, Charlie and Gus and silver for Molly in the Surf race, making it an event to remember for the Omanu-based family. Similarly, the Padrutt family of East End also had a strong showing with siblings Mortiz, Juila, Mia, and Leo all achieving medals across respective individual and team events.

Reflecting on the competition, Lewis McClintock praised the athletes for their dedication and exceptional performances.

“It’s been an incredible event, not just in terms of the fierce competition but also in the way the surf lifesaving community has come together to support and celebrate each other. The introduction of new events like the Mixed Taplin and Mixed Beach Relay has added another exciting dimension, and it’s fantastic to see so many athletes—both seasoned champions and rising stars—pushing themselves to new heights.”

“Events like this don’t happen without the help of all our volunteers, water safety, event organisers, partners, event sponsors and suppliers. We thank them all wholeheartedly for their support in bringing the Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships to life. In particular, wethank Aon, our naming rights partner and Trust Tairāwhiti, our regional partner, as well as our generous hosts, Midway Surf Lifesaving Club and Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club,” he says.

With outstanding individual achievements, tight club rivalries, and a spirit of camaraderie, this year’s competition was one for the books—setting the stage for even bigger things to come.

SLSNZ is pleased to confirm that Aon will continue as event naming partner in 2026 and 2027, with the nationals moving to Whakatāne.