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 2025/26 winners were announced on 19 June 2025 at a function held at the Midway 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 Andrew Shelton from Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club.

Clara Wilson, Waikanae SLSC Club Manager, says Andrew Shelton is a valued member of the club. “Andrew is a highly observant Patrol Captain with excellent communication skills, and he plays a key role in keeping both his team and the public safe. He’s also a quiet but consistent contributor who leads by example, supports others to grow, and is always willing to step up where needed.”

Another standout has been Rama Robertson, a long-term member of all clubs in the Gisborne/Tairāwhiti region, who has taken out DHL Patrol Support of the Year and Instructor of the Year, and has also been honoured with a regional distinguished service award. Rama’s long-term commitment, passion and leadership have helped shape stronger, more capable clubs in the Gisborne/Tairāwhiti region and ensured knowledge is passed on to the next generation. Rama’s contribution reflects the very best of surf lifesaving: dedicated service, community focus, and an enduring drive to make a difference.

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

Full list of winners:

DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year 

Andrew Shelton, Waikanae

DHL U19 Surf Lifeguard of the Year

Ashar McKnight, Waikanae

DHL Patrol Support of the Year

Rama Robertson, Midway & Waikanae

bp Search and Rescue Contribution of the Year

Mike King, Wainui

bp Powercraft Contribution of the Year

Connor Mitchell, Waikanae

bp Rescue of the Year

Gisborne SAR Squad, 13 January

Toyota Financial Services Coach of the Year

Jack Gavin, Midway

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

Waikanae Open Men IRB Team - Harry Allan, Travis Mitchell, Aengus Bettridge

Aon Event Safety Contribution of the Year

Connor Mitchell, Waikanae

Junior Surf Contribution of the Year

Joseph Williams, Waikanae

Instructor of the Year

Rama Robertson, Wainui & Midway

Examiner of the Year

Sonia Keepa, Wainui

NZ Lottery Grants Board Volunteer of the Year

Rachael Matthews, Midway

Paid Lifeguard of the Year

Mako Fukushima-Hall, Wainui

Gisborne Tairāwhiti Frothers of the Year

Aengus Bettridge, Waikanae

Lucas Thompson, Waikanae

Bella Barclay, Midway

Jessica Tait, Ūawa

Zyanja Rudge, Wainui

Patrol Captain of the Year

Eric Clearwater, Waikanae

Beach Education Instructor of the Year

Ian Procter, Wainui

John Minogue, Wainui

Emerging Surf Official of the Year

Tracey Konig, Wainui

Volunteer Coach of the Year

Rodney Richards, Waikanae

Emerging Coach of the Year

Alice Sparks, Midway

Coaches Commitment Awards

Georgie Beaufoy, Waikanae

Tyson Ingoe, Midway

Faith Evans, Wainui

Athletes of the Year

Blake Taylor, Midway

Charlotte Willoughby, Midway

Tyson Ingoe, Midway

Lola Stewart, Wainui

Maxwell Latu, Waikanae

Celia Willoughby, Midway

James Hamblyn, Midway

Jacqueline Kennedy, Midway

Joseph Williams, Waikanae

Leigh Sheldrake, Wainui

Cory Taylor, Midway

Service Award

Jack Gavin, Midway

Matthew Kemp, Midway

Alan Thorpe, Midway

Tim Petro, Midway

Sean Hovell, Wainui

Mike King, Wainui

Rachael Williams, Wainui

Distinguished Service Award

David Corrin, Midway

Jared Phelps, Midway

Miah Phelps, Midway

Rama Robertson, Midway

Mike King, Wainui

Gisborne Tairāwhiti Patrol Club of the Year 

Wainui Surf Lifesaving Club

Gisborne Tairāwhiti Club of the Year

Midway Surf Lifesaving Club