In a celebration of skill, courage and dedication, the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty regions are honouring their surf life-saving heroes with prestigious awards of excellence for the 2022/23 season.

Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club was packed and aglow on Saturday evening as the exceptional individuals and clubs who safeguard the coast and make extraordinary contributions to water safety were recognised.

The Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Awards of Excellence brought together Surf Lifesaving Clubs from across the area, including Hot Water Beach LS, Tairua SLSC, Pauanui SLSC, Onemana SLSC, Whangamatā SLSC, Whiritoa LS, Waihi Beach LS, Mt Maunganui LS, Omanu Beach SLSC, Papamoa SLSC, Maketu SLSC, Pukehina SR, Whakatāne SLSC and Ōpotiki SLSC.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand motto ‘In it for life' is exemplified in the spread of ages that attended the dinner awards event, with surf life guards who qualified in the 1970s moving on to other club roles in the following decades, and clearly bringing their families with them.

Each club, seated at their own table across the packed venue, were joined by sponsors and invited guests including Bay of Plenty Regional Councillors Stuart Crosby and Kat Macmillan.

Brian Kelly did a superb job as the MC, taking on the marathon speaking role of reading out the numerous citations. Dinner during the evening was served by The Big Smoke BBQ Company with a group of ‘thirst-aiders' – surf life guards - who acted as waiters.

The event served as a poignant reminded of the invaluable role these surf life savers play in protecting lives, as expressed in a letter from a UK tourist that SLSNZ Eastern Region Lifesaving Manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell read out to the audience.

Bay of Plenty Regional Councillors Stuart Crosby and Kat Macmillan at the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Awards of Excellence event. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Winners of Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Awards of Excellence for the 2022/23 season

The winners of the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Awards of Excellence for the 2022/23 season have made significant contributions and demonstrated unwavering dedication to their roles within SLSNZ.

John Svendsen

John Svendsen from Mt Maunganui Lifeguard Service (LS), took home a number of prestigious awards, including the Bay of Plenty Pacific Medicare Volunteer Lifeguard of the Year, iLine Construction Search and Rescue Team Member of the Year, and the Supreme Volunteer of the Year.

Despite joining the Surf Life Saving movement relatively recently, John has quickly ascended through the ranks and assumed various leadership roles within the club.

An example of his dedication was during one of the seasons biggest storm swells. John worked tirelessly to lead his patrol, and made sure the clubhouse was kept safe. He also went above and beyond by raising awareness among beachgoers about the risks imposed by the swell and beach surges.

'Jono's energy, passion and leadership within Surf Lifesaving is infectious and he is a great role model for all. Without passionate and driven members like Jono, Mt Maunganui LS and SLSNZ wouldn't be the same,” says Mt Maunganui LS Committee Member Grant Davis-Calvert.

Bay of Plenty Volunteer Life Guard of the Year John Svendsen. Photo: Supplied.

Jack Sewell

Jack Sewell, a member of the Onemana Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), was honoured with the Coromandel Pacific Medicare Volunteer Lifeguard of the Year Award.

Within the club, Jack fulfils a number of roles, serving as Patrol Captain, Lifeguard Development Coordinator, and Head IRB Instructor and Examiner. He's also on the club's Committee and Lifeguard Sub-Committee and plays an instrumental role in fundraising efforts.

During his patrols, Jack is always enthusiastic and proactive. Each season, he willingly takes on additional responsibilities, setting a good example for younger surf lifeguards and always offering assistance.

'Jack continues to better himself through upskilling by saying yes to new opportunities and he encourages other surf lifeguards to do the same. Jack is a great surf lifeguard for our SLSC and goes above and beyond in his duties,” says Onemana SLSC Captain Phoebe Havill.

Coromandel volunteer lifeguard of the year Jack Sewell. Photo: Supplied.

Nick McLeay

Nick McLeay from Onemana SLSC, took home the Coromandel Volunteer of the Year Award. Nick is the Club Chair and oversees the club's management, spearheading its strategic direction, and continuously setting ambitious goals. With unwavering commitment, he ensures the Club Committee operates seamlessly.

Nick's passion for Surf Life Saving extends beyond the club, as he actively seeks out new opportunities to support and develop its members.

One example of this was his role in organising the club's inaugural Lifeguard Development Camp at the start of summer. He also established the club's first-ever winter inflatable rescue boat (IRB) training programme.

'He is so encouraging and supportive of anything the surf lifeguards would like to achieve, and keeps our club so organised and tidy, always making sure we have the best equipment available,” says Phoebe.

'If ever we need a hand with anything, Nick is always ready to help. He even arranges for food and drinks to be available for our volunteers so they can have a BBQ on every patrol.”

Jayden Murphy

Jayden Murphy from Mt Maunganui LS was recognised for his sports performances in the U19 Male Category, he also took out the International Sports Performance of the Year award.

'Jayden works hard in everything that he does, he trains hard and is always pushing for excellence,” says Eastern Region Sport Manager Sonia Keepa.

'Achieving Gold in the Under 19 Ski and Silver in the Ironman at the World Lifesaving Championships. Murphy has had a stunner of a season.”

Bruce Matheson

Bruce Matheson from Omanu Beach SLSC won the Surf Official of the Year Award after serving as the referee for the Eastern Regional Championships, Eastern Region IRB Championships and the TSB New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships.

'Both events were hit by bad weather and Bruce was outstanding with his preparation and leadership during the events,” says Omanu Beach SLSC Director of Sport Mark Weatherall.

'His decision-making was great and saw both events successfully delivered. We are very proud of Bruce and what he achieved.”

John Bryant

John Bryant from Mt Maunganui LS took home Coach of the Year. As Head Coach of the club, he has achieved outstanding success over the past 12 months.

Notably, the club won its 10^th consecutive Allan Gardner Trophy at the TSB New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships and won the New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships.

In addition to his club responsibilities, John has been an ardent supporter of Surf Life Saving clubs across the country, offering guidance to other coaches and athletes.

His efforts have been instrumental in the development of Lifesaving Sport and fostering a positive sporting community. He also has a keen eye for identifying areas of improvement and opportunity within the club.

'John is the backbone of our club and membership,” says Mount Maunganui Sport Committee Member and Board Member Katrina Madill.

'It is testament to him that we have had 20 years of fantastic members come through with an enormous range of success, on and off the beach. There is no one with more experience, as hard working, or as selfless as John.”

'These individuals represent the true spirit of SLSNZ, and their accomplishments inspire us all. We would like to congratulate them on their well-deserved recognition and their contributions to SLSNZ,” says SLSNZ Eastern Region Manager Avan Polo.

Winners of the Volunteer Lifeguard of the Year, Patrol Support Person of the Year, Instructor of the Year, Coach of the Year, Surf Official of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year will go forward as finalists at the SLSNZ National Awards of Excellence. These will take place on September 23 at Te Papa in Wellington.

SLSNZ Eastern Region Lifesaving Manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Full List of Winners:

Eastern Region

Rookie of the Year

Liam May – Waihi Beach LS

Bay of Plenty Lifesaving Awards:

Instructor of the Year

• Poppy Crouch – Omanu Beach SLSC

Examiner of the Year

• Boyd Harris – Pukehina SR

Beach Education Instructor of the Year

• Roisin Boyle – Omanu Beach SLSC

Paid Lifeguard of the Year

• Roisin Boyle – Omanu Beach SLSC
  

Patrol Captain of the Year

• Liam Shanahan – Mt Maunganui LS
  

Patrol Support Person of the Year

• Wade Meads – Maketu SLSC
  

iLine Construction - Search & Rescue Team Member of the Year

• John Svendsen – Mt Maunganui LS
  

Emerging U19 Volunteer Lifeguard of the Year

• Nicole Baker – Pukehina SR

Pacific Medicare - Volunteer Lifeguard of the Year

• John Svendsen – Mt Maunganui LS

Pacific Medicare – Patrol Club of the Year

• Maketu SLSC

Coromandel Lifesaving Awards:

Instructor of the Year

• Gabriella Hughes – Tairua SLSC

Examiner of the Year

• Spencer Raymond – Pauanui SLSC
• Georgia Eldridge – Waihi Beach LS

Beach Education Instructor of the Year

• Gabriella Hughes – Tairua SLSC

Paid Lifeguard of the Year

• Maggie Lowe – Whangamatā SLSC

Patrol Captain of the Year

• Rian Butler – Waihi Beach LS

Patrol Support Person of the Year

• Sharlene Manukau – Waihi Beach LS
  

Search & Rescue Team Member of the Year

• Sean Ridler – Tairua SLSC

Emerging U19 Volunteer Lifeguard of the Year

• Bella Muir – Tairua SLSC

Pacific Medicare - Volunteer Lifeguard of the Year

• Jack Sewell – Onemana SLSC

Pacific Medicare – Patrol Club of the Year

• Onemana SLSC

Sport Awards:

Coaches Commitment Award

• Damian Munro – Mt Maunganui LS
• Isobella Davoren – Papamoa SLSC

Emerging Coach of the Year

• Hunter Robinson – Whangamatā SLSC

Volunteer Coach of the Year

• Matthew Waide – Mt Maunganui LS

Coach of the Year

• John Bryant – Mt Maunganui LS

Emerging Surf Official of the Year

• Karen Bark – Mt Maunganui LS

Surf Official of the Year

• Bruce Matheson – Omanu Beach SLSC

Sports Team of the Year

• Whangamatā SLSC Surf Boat Crew - Sergio Schuler, Zane Sweetman, Joshua Nicholas, Taine Wilson, and Steve Pipe (Sweep)

International Individual Sports Performance of the Year

• Jayden Murphy - Mt Maunganui

International Team Sports Performance of the Year

• Mt Maunganui LS U17 Female Board Rescue Team – Olivia Marshall, Talitha McEwan

U14 Female Sports Person of the Year

• Lola Lowry – Mt Maunganui LS

U14 Male Sports Person of the Year

• Finn Freemantle – Whangamatā SLSC

U15 Female Sports Person of the Year

• Amelie Pearson – Papamoa SLSC

U15 Male Sports Person of the Year

• Edward Webb – Mt Maunganui LS

U17 Female Sports Person of the Year

• Talitha McEwan – Mt Maunganui LS

U17 Male Sports Person of the Year

• Braith Swanberg – Omanu Beach SLSC

U19 Female Sports Person of the Year

• Pippa Nicol – Mt Maunganui LS

U19 Male Sports Person of the Year

• Jayden Murphy – Mt Maunganui LS

Open Female Sports Person of the Year

• Molly Shivnan – Omanu Beach SLSC

Open Male Sports Person of the Year

• Hamish Miller – Mt Maunganui LS

Masters Female Sports Person of the Year

• Naomi Davoren – Papamoa SLSC

Masters Male Sports Person of the Year

• Damian Munro – Mt Maunganui LS

Supreme Awards:

Sustainable Action of the Year

• Pukehina SR

Bay of Plenty Volunteer of the Year

• John Svendsen – Mt Maunganui LS

Coromandel Volunteer of the Year

• Nick McLeay – Onemana SLSC

Bay of Plenty Overall Club of the Year

• Papamoa SLSC

Coromandel Overall Club of the Year

• Waihi Beach LS

Regional Service Awards

• Greg Akroyd
• Roisin Boyle
• Chase Cahalane
• Andrew Hitchfield
• Max Jones
• Thomas Lowe
• Jim Pearson
• Kim Saunders
• Jack Sewell
• Kathryn Stewart
• Betsie Warner

Regional Distinguished Service Awards

• Haven Bellamy
• Sandra Boubee
• Chase Cahalane
• Naomi Davoren
• Max Jones
• Joanne Miller
• Tyler Nitschke
• Spencer Raymond

Regional Life Membership Awards

• John Bryant
• Sheryl McLay
• Dennis Mundy
• Hamish Reid

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ):

SLSNZ represents 74 Surf Lifesaving clubs with 18,000+ members, including more than 4,600 volunteer surf lifeguards.

'Our surf lifeguards patrol over 90 locations each summer, saving hundreds of lives each year, and ensuring thousands return home safe after a day at the beach,” says Avan.

'Our volunteer search and rescue squads provide emergency call-out rescue services throughout the year across Aotearoa.

'We do all this as a charity and rely on the generosity of the public, commercial partners, foundations and trusts for donations and financial contributions.”

Additional reporting: SLSNZ