Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club is proud to reflect on another outstanding season, marked by regional honours across lifesaving, surf sport, and service at the 2024-25 Eastern Region Awards of Excellence.

Ryan Hohneck was awarded the prestigious DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year for the Bay of Plenty, reflecting his unwavering commitment to surf safety and club values.

“It’s an incredible feeling and I am honoured,” said Hohneck folllowing the awards at the club on Saturday, July 26.

“I do this for the love of the surf movement and really have to thank Pāpāmoa SLSC for the support.

“While we don’t do this for the recognition, it is nice to have received this award, and I look forward to carrying on the good work.”

Hohneck’s patrol captain role is core to maintaining the club’s standard of proactive beach safety, ensuring no one drowns between the flags, and fostering an enjoyable, team-oriented patrol experience.

“Our bread and butter is to ensure no one drowns between the flags,” he said.

“Being proactive lifeguards through keeping ourselves and the public safe through preventative actions.

“It’s important to ensure everyone comes to the beach to have fun and goes home safe.”

Sandra Boubee, a member of the Pāpāmoa Lifeguard Committee, described what Hohneck brings to the club culture:

“Hohneck is the kind of lifeguard who brings people together,” said Boubee. “He’s approachable, calm, and supportive – someone everyone feels comfortable around.

“Whether mentoring rookies, chatting with parents, or backing his fellow lifeguards, Hohneck’s warmth and humility shine through. His presence strengthens our club’s culture and community, making him not only a skilled lifeguard but a truly respected and well‑loved member.”

Under lifeguarding committee chairwoman Marama Mateparae, the club earned the title Bay of Plenty Patrol Club of the Year. Mateparae points out that the award is based on stats, rather than subjective opinion.

“It really is down to our people,” said Mateparae. “Points are awarded to clubs based on criteria including membership growth, numbers of refreshed lifeguards and IRB [inflatable rescue boat] drivers, accumulated patrol hours, and achieving two patrol audits with 100% compliance. It truly reflects the hard mahi of our people stepping up.”

Initiatives that drove this success include:

Lifesaving, surf sport, and service at the 2024-25 Eastern Region Awards of Excellence.

Reflecting on the strength behind all achievements, Mateparae said:

“He tangata, he tangata, he tangata – it’s the people who are the strength of our club. Never underestimate how much everyone’s contribution makes, regardless of how small it may seem. We are a family club, we want everyone to feel welcome, valued, and purposeful. From those training in winter, fixing engines, turning up for patrol, making coffee – it’s the people who make our club the amazing place it is.”

Looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, Mateparae’s ambition is clear. “More of the same, please,” she said.

“Our focus over recent years has been on preventative actions – talking with beachgoers about not swimming in rips, discouraging unsafe use of pool toys, and removing hazards like smouldering logs after a beach bonfire.

“Those everyday conversations help keep our beach safer.”

Pāpāmoa SLSC also had a standout season in surf sport, with multiple members taking top honours in the Bay of Plenty region.

The club’s sport success across a range of awards – from coaching and officiating to elite performance – highlights Pāpāmoa’s commitment to building strong pathways and supporting people at all levels of surf sport.

At the same time, it’s building the club culture and shared values of fun, respect, encouragement, excellence, and commitment.

BAY OF PLENTY LIFESAVING AWARD WINNERS

DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year: Ryan Hohneck

Ryan Hohneck, Surf Lifeguard of the Year.

BP Powercraft Contribution of the Year: Ryan Hohneck

Ryan Hohneck, Powercraft Contribution of the Year.

Paid Lifeguard of the Year: Ross Cowdrey

Bay of Plenty Patrol Club of the Year: Pāpāmoa SLSC

BAY OF PLENTY LIFESAVING SPORT WINNERS

Volunteer Coach of the Year: Matthew Strange

Matthew Strange, Volunteer Coach of the Year.

Emerging Surf Sports Official of the Year: Stephanie Mardon

Stephanie Mardon, Emerging Surf Official of the Year.

Aon Surf Sports Official of the Year: Joanne Miller

Jo Miller, Surf Official of the Year.

Aon Surf Sports Team of the Year: U17 Male Line Throw: Lockie Cairns & Oliver Pepers

Oliver Pepers, Surf Sport Team of the Year.

Coach’s Commitment Award: Oliver Pepers

Oliver Pepers, Coach's Commitment Award.

Athletes of the Year: Naomi Davoren, Owen Miller, Tristan Lim-Yock

Owen Miller, Athlete of the Year Masters.

REGIONAL SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT:

Radleigh Cairns

Radleigh Cairns, Regional Service Award.

REGIONAL DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Poppy Crouch

Robynne Cabusao

Poppy Crouch, Distinguished Service Award.

A full list of the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel award winners can be found here: Surf Lifesaving NZ - Winners of the Coromandel and BOP Awards of Excellence