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 2025/26 winners were announced on Friday, 8 May 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 Region Manager Stu Bryce said, “The awards were an opportunity to acknowledge the vital work carried out by volunteers throughout the season. As acknowledged tonight, our members continue to demonstrate incredible dedication, often in challenging conditions, to ensure the safety of others. These awards reflect their hard work and commitment to our communities.  We need to highlight the exceptional commitment and skill shown by Oreti members throughout the season, reflecting the strong development of the club and its dedication to keeping their local beach safe, with Amelia Donnelly named DHL Under 19 Lifeguard of the Year, Natalia Smellie awarded DHL Lifeguard of the Year, and Ava Allan recognised as DHL Patrol Support of the Year.” 

This year’s coveted Otago Surf Lifeguard of the Year Award was won by Natalia Smellie from Oreti Surf Life Saving Club. Natalia has excelled in her personal development this season, gaining her Patrol Captain Award, IRB Crewperson Award, Rock Training and Rescue Module and attending Intermediate Lifeguard School in Otago, all whilst being an active patrol member with 106 hours of patrolling. Southern Region Lifesaving Manager, Helena Cook, said, “Natalia is a highly valued member of the club who consistently brings a positive attitude and strong team spirit to everything she does. She is always willing to help out, whether on patrol, at training, or behind the scenes supporting club activities. Natalia is approachable, inclusive, and contributes to a great club culture, and we are incredibly proud of her.” 

Amelia Lane, from Brighton 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, “Amelia wears several hats both at her club and regionally. Club Captain, Instructor, Examiner, and Patrol Captain, to name a few. From guiding and developing older members to supporting the Rookie Lifeguard programme, Amelia ensures every volunteer feels valued and capable. The NZLGB Volunteer of the Year award recognises her passion and commitment to the Surf Life Saving movement and the positive impact she has had on our members”.   

Another notable award recipient is Ruby Heath, from Brighton Surf Life Saving Club, who was awarded Otago/Southland Toyota Financial Services Sports Person of the Year. SLSNZ Southern Region Sport Manager, Dylan Neal-Hill, said, “Ruby has had an outstanding season both in competition and through her contribution to the club environment. Her results at Otago/Southland and Southern Region Championships highlight her talent and consistency across multiple disciplines. At the same time, her ongoing support of coaching sessions and development of younger athletes reflects the positive impact she has beyond competition.” 

The President’s Trophy for Outstanding Contribution to Surf Life Saving in Otago/Southland was won by Wayne Fa’asega from Warrington Life Saving Club. Felix Cook, Otago/Southland Club Support Lead, said, “Wayne played a key role as the Designer and Project Manager of the recent Warrington SLSC club build, which has hugely contributed to the beautiful facility that was opened earlier this year, a building that will be an asset to the community for years to come. Beyond the building project, Wayne has been a committed and reliable volunteer across a variety of roles for many seasons; his dedication and willingness to help make him a very deserving recipient of this award.”

The Otago/Southland Awards of Excellence brought together Oreti, Kaka Point, Brighton, St Clair, St Kilda and Warrington Surf Life Saving Clubs.

NZ Lottery Grants Board Volunteer of the Year   

Amelia Lane, Brighton SLSC  

President's Trophy for Outstanding Contribution  

Wayne Fa’asega, Warrington SLSC

DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year   

Natalia Smellie, Oreti SLSC  

DHL U19 Surf Lifeguard of the Year   

Amelia Donnelley, Oreti SLSC  

DHL Patrol Support of the Year   

Ava Allan, Oreti SLSC 

bp Search and Rescue Contribution of the Year   

Imogen Doyle, St Clair SLSC  

bp Powercraft Contribution of the Year   

Matthew Bradley, St Kilda SLSC  

bp Rescue of the Year  

David Armagon & Jake McDowall, St Kilda SLSC 

Toyota Financial Services Coach of the Year  

Alex Margerison, St Clair SLSC  

Toyota Financial Services Surf Sportsperson of the Year   

Ruby Heath, Brighton SLSC  

Aon Surf Sports Official of the Year   

Maaike Duncan, Warrington SLSC  

Aon Surf Sports Team of the Year   

St Clair U23 Female IRB Team, Mereana Martin, Charlotte Underwood-Nicol, Olivia Harrex 

Aon Event Safety Contribution of the Year   

Paul Gager, Warrington SLSC  

Junior Surf Contribution of the Year   

Sarah Chittock, Kaka Point SLSC  

Junior Surf Coach of the Year  

Isaac Davies, Kākā Point SLSC  

Instructor of the Year   

Mereana Martin, St Clair SLSC  

Examiner of the Year  

Chris Haig, St Clair SLSC  

Paid Lifeguard of the Year  

Aidan Blair, St Clair SLSC  

Beach Education Instructor of the Year  

Mereana Martin, St Clair SLSC  

Club of the Year  

St Clair SLSC  

Patrol Club of the Year  

Brighton SLSC 

View the full Awards of Excellence Winners Book