Surf Life Saving New Zealand Eastern Region Manager Chris Emmett said she had put a great deal of time and effort into her club.
"She is a great asset to Mount Maunganui and her community," he said.
Volunteer of the Year for the Bay of Plenty went to Paul Treanor from Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, and the club also took out Rescue of the Year for the region.
The rescue took place on February 25 when "Patrol Six" was deployed three times in an hour for a series of rescues as a rip developed.
Numerous swimmers were caught out and found themselves in need of rescue, despite the presence of warning signs.
Eastern Region lifeguarding - 2016-2017 from Dscribe Media Services on Vimeo.
Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service dominated the sporting side, claiming eight of the 17 sports awards.
They included Coach of the Year John Bryant, Official of the Year Greg Rieger, Under 14 Male Sportsperson of the Year Daniel Shanahan, Under 16 Male Sportsperson Lochlainn O'Connor, Under 16 Female Sportsperson Isabelle Akroyd, Under 19 Male Sportsperson Hamish Miller, Under 19 Female Sportsperson Libby Bradley and Open Male Sportsperson Adam Simpson.
Zespri General Manager Grower and External Relations Dave Courtney said around 85 per cent of Zespri kiwifruit is grown in the regions served by the Eastern Region surf clubs.
"Supporting these awards and providing free training for local lifeguards is our way of recognising the people who do so much for our communities, keeping our beaches safer for everyone to enjoy."