Northland’s surf lifeguards didn’t take out any of the top honours at the Surf Life Saving New Zealand National Awards of Excellence on Saturday, but plenty came away with recognition for their efforts.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) announced the winners as surf rescue volunteers from around the country gathered at Te Papa in Wellington for the awards, which recognised recipients in the areas of lifesaving, sport, and education.
“The awards are always a highlight in the SLSNZ calendar. It serves not only as an opportunity to acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond, but it’s also a great chance for us to all to come together and take stock of the important work we do before the next season begins,” Steve Fisher, SLSNZ CEO, said.
And while Northlanders did not take out any of the major awards, 10 lifeguards from the region were recognised for their outstanding efforts with SLSNZ Service Awards. These were given to Tania Ahrens, Andrew Forsythe, Adam McKernan, Ben McKernan and Phillipa Taylor from Ruakākā Surf Lifesaving Patrol and Kath Manning, Tim Manning, Ivan McCabe, Angela Stolwerk and Rick Stolwerk from Waipū Cove Surf Life Saving Club.
This year, Jess Bennett from Ocean Beach Kiwi Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) in Hawke’s Bay won DHL Volunteer of the Year and Hawke’s Bay Search and Rescue Squad took out the Rescue of the Year award.
