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Finalists Announced for the Gisborne/Tairāwhiti Awards of Excellence
Friday, 12 June 2026Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is pleased to announce the finalists for the Gisborne/Tairāwhiti Awards of Excellence.
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, “Congratulations to all finalists of the Gisborne/Tairāwhiti Awards of Excellence. It’s always special to come together as a community to celebrate the incredible mahi happening across our local clubs. The passion, commitment, and strong sense of whānau in this region really stand out, and whether you’re on patrol or working behind the scenes, your contribution plays a vital role in keeping our beaches safe for everyone.”
The Gisborne/Tairāwhiti Awards of Excellence will bring together Midway, Wainui, Waikanae, Ūawa Tiaki Tai and Ngāti Porou Surf Life Saving Clubs.
This year’s awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 19th June at 5pm at the Midway Surf Life Saving Club. More information on the Gisborne Tairāwhiti Region Awards can be found here
Full list of finalists:
DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year
- Mako Fukushima-Hall, Wainui
- Andrew Shelton, Waikanae
- Calvin Braybrook, Midway
DHL U19 Surf Lifeguard of the Year
- Zyanja Rudge, Wainui
- Ashar McKnight, Waikanae
- Calvin Braybrook, Midway
DHL Patrol Support of the Year
- Jo Wickham, Wainui
- Rama Robertson, Midway and Waikanae
bp Powercraft Contribution of the Year
- Connor Mitchell, Waikanae
Toyota Financial Services Coach of the Year
- Dion Williams, Wainui
- Arna Majstrovic, Waikanae
- Jack Gavin, Midway
Toyota Financial Services Surf Sportsperson of the Year
- Rori Fukushima-Hall, Wainui
- Briana Irving, Waikanae
- Ella Sutton, Midway
Aon Surf Sports Official of the Year
- Eric Clearwater, Waikanae
- Miah Phelps, Midway
Aon Surf Sports Team of the Year
- Open Women's Canoe, Wainui
- Open Mixed Taplin Relay, Midway
- Waikanae Open Male IRB team, Waikanae
Aon Event Safety Contribution of the Year
- Kevin Weatherley, Wainui
- Connor Mitchell, Waikanae
Junior Surf Contribution of the Year
- Zoe Findlay, Wainui
- Joseph Williams, Waikanae
- Richard McPhail, Midway
Instructor of the Year
- Rama Robertson, Midway and Wainui
- Ana Naden, Waikanae
Examiner of the Year
- Sonia Keepa, Wainui
- Nigel Hope, Waikanae
Paid Lifeguard of the Year
- Mako Fukushima-Hall, Wainui
- Clayden Hope, Waikanae
- Riley Knight, Midway
NZ Lottery Grants Board Volunteer of the Year
- Chris Tilghman, Wainui
- Eric Clearwater, Waikanae
- Rachael Matthews, Midway
Gisborne Tairāwhiti Frother of the Year
- Aengus Bettridge, Waikanae
- Bella Barclay, Midway
- Jessica Tait, Uawa
- Lucas Thompson, Waikanae
- Zyanja Rudge, Wainui
Patrol Captain of the Year
- Mike King, Wainui
- Eric Clearwater, Waikanae
- Greg Ackroyd, Midway
Beach Education Instructor of the Year
- John Minogue, Wainui
- Ian Procter, Wainui
Emerging Surf Official of the Year
- Tracey Konig, Wainui
- Storm Baynes Ryan, Waikanae
- Simon Bunyan, Midway
Volunteer Coach of the Year
- Rachael Williams, Wainui
- Rodney Richards, Waikanae
- Shaun Pahina, Midway
Emerging Coach of the Year
- Klara Pauwels, Wainui
- Joseph Williams, Waikanae
- Alice Sparks, Midway
Coaches Commitment Award
- Faith Evans, Wainui
- Georgie Beaufoy, Waikanae
- Tyson Ignoe, Midway
Patrol Club of the Year
- Wainui Surf Lifesaving Club
- Waikanae Surf Lifesaving Club
- Midway Surf Lifesaving Club
Overall Club of the Year
- Wainui Surf Lifesaving Club
- Waikanae Surf Lifesaving Club
- Midway Surf Lifesaving Club