2022 WINNERS & RECIPIENTS Booklet - National Awards of Excellence

Awards of Excellence
2022 WINNERS

Introduction
The Surf Life Saving National Awards of Excellence recognises
the contribution of our amazing members from the grass roots
of Surf Life Saving during the 2021/2022 season.
We are delighted to recognise our member's achievements
and to announce this year's SLSNZ Awards Of Excellence
winners and recipients.
We are incredibly proud and thankful for all that you do and
achieve. The contribution you make to Surf Lifesaving, your
clubs and communities is incredible - even more so
because you do this all as volunteers!
Congratulations to each and every one of you!
Your success is an inspiration to us all.
Awards of Excellence

Contents
MEDIA AND RESCUE AWARDS
bp Media Award
bp Rescue of the Year Award
LIFESAVING SPORT AWARDS
TSB Official of the Year
TSB Coach of the Year
TSB International Sport Performance of the Year
SERVICE AWARDS
Service Awards
50 Year Badges
Awards of Excellence

INSTRUCTOR & VOLUNTEER AWARDS
DHL Instructor of the Year
DHL Volunteer of the Year
DHL Innovation of the Year
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS
LIFE MEMBERSHIPS
SURF LIFESAVING AWARDS
Patrol Support of the Year
London Trophy
Gudsell Trophy
NZ Lottery Grants Board Lifeguard of the Year
Awards of Excellence

Message from the President
Marilyn Moffatt
SLSNZ President
During my time as President over the last 3 years I have
continued to be amazed and appreciative of all the mahi that
our volunteers do. As Covid restrictions eased I have been able
to visit clubs and members around the country to see your
activities first-hand. Whether it’s raising money to build a new
clubhouse, training the next generation of lifeguards, or
completing a mass rescue, I see such a great spirit and
willingness to give to surf life saving. In return I know that you
get a lot back for being involved in surf life saving as I do and
I’m especially proud to receive my 50-year badge at these
awards. How the time has flown.
Congratulations to all the award nominees and winners for the
2022 SLSNZ Awards of Excellence. I look forward to meeting
many of you at the 2022 Awards of Excellence.
Awards of Excellence

Message from the Chair
Paul Carlyon
SLSNZ Chair
Surf Lifesaving in Aotearoa continues to shine brightly as a
trusted and essential community service that is delivered by an
amazing team of nearly 19,000 members. The sum of our parts
is much greater than any individual effort but there are those
members who undoubtedly rise above and contribute more
than their fair share. Our SLSNZ awards evening is a brilliant
opportunity to celebrate, recognise, and reward outstanding
service. I know that behind each of our award recipients is a
larger team of club mates, whanau, and supporters, who can
quietly also share in that success. There is no question in my
mind that with your success, comes more success for us all.
To each of the award recipients, and on behalf of the SLSNZ
Board of Directors, please accept our gratitude and
congratulations for your service. We are proud of your efforts
and so grateful for it. Surf Lifesaving is nothing if not the
aspiration for excellence and contribution, and we salute your
commitment to it. Take some time to reflect on your
achievements and our best wishes to you for the coming
season.
Awards of Excellence

Media &
Rescue Awards

This year marks our 54th year of partnership with bp and
continues to be Aotearoa’s longest commercial partnership.
We are thankful for bp’s unwavering support and the efforts of
their committed team who work alongside us and bring the
relationship to life.
bp continues to make every day brighter for Surf Lifesaving
with their support of the highly successful bp Leaders for Life
programme, providing $500 of bp gift cards to every single
club to assist with fuel costs for rescue vehicles, donating an
inflatable rescue boat (IRB) to our newest Surf Life Saving Club
– Bayley’s Beach as well as recognising the efforts of our heroic
lifeguards monthly and annually with bp’s Rescue of the Month
and Year Awards.
During Summer bp worked with their in-store partners to
fundraise for Surf Lifesaving and created an award winning
animated video of the Taranaki Search & Rescue Squad’s bp
Rescue of the Year to honour the great work undertaken by
our volunteer Surf Lifeguards.

Matt Elliott
Head of Country
bp New Zealand Ltd
Our bp team are hugely proud of bp’s long standing
partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand, which began in
1968.
Surf Clubs and Surf Lifeguards work tirelessly on and around
our beaches nationwide to help make our Kiwi beaches safer.
We’re delighted to support these efforts through bp’s
community partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
Congratulations to all of the 2022 SLSNZ Awards of Excellence
winners and nominees on behalf of all of our bp team.
Keep up the awesome work, we appreciate it.
Awards of Excellence

Media Award
Surf lifesavers have clear message for New
Zealanders hitting the beach this summer.
Journalist: SHARON REDSTALL

With an exceptionally busy 2021-22 season, surf lifesaving
efforts were widely reported in the media, with numerous
stories on rescues, patrols, beach safety and SLSNZ initiatives.
One news piece received top marks from the judges. The
Newshub Live story ran on the first day of summer. The recent
warm weather and Auckland lockdown had people flocking to
beaches across the region, with three fatal drownings and 62
rescues taking place. The Newshub story helped give a clear
message to New Zealanders about to hit the beach over the
summer - swim between the flags.
Reporter, Shannon Redstall, interviewed surf lifesaving family,
the Wanden Hannay's, who had recently saved a father and his
two sons from a deadly rip at Karekare beach. The story also
highlighted the previous year’s 513 rescues and urged the
public to swim between the flags.
SLSNZ would like to thank Newshub for the engaging story
that reached thousands of viewers, helping keep beachgoers
safe and showing the positive impact our lifeguards make.
Awards of Excellence

Rescue of the Year Award
Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard
Service
Glenn Cowthorpe, Nick Thompson,
Mark Goodhew, Carlin O'Neill, Craig Smith,
Neil Reid, Nigel Sorenson, Darrell Watt,
Wayne Sutton, Nick Fryer

Muriwai SAR Squad’s daring rescues after a flash flood
captured the nation's attention. They have been awarded this
year’s bp Rescue of the Year for their outstanding efforts.
In August 2021, heavy rain in West Auckland flooded buildings,
closed roads, brought down trees, and trapped people in their
homes. Due to the scale of the flooding and multiple people
requiring immediate assistance, the Police enlisted the services
of the Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard Service SAR Squad.
The initial response required IRBs and crew to assist in the
rescue and evacuation of several residents in Huapai, 17km
away from Muriwai Beach. Five SAR Squad members
responded with two IRBs, First Aid and Rescue equipment. The
debris-strewn, flooded roads and farmers moving livestock to
safety made transit difficult.
Lifeguards crossed a swiftly flowing ‘road and paddock’ to the
first two patients. One man was rescued from a shed roof, and
another man had been stuck inside his garden shed since the
previous night, with 1.5m of water flowing around him. The
lifeguards removed the shed windows and helped the elderly
and fatigued gentleman through the window into the IRB.
Awards of Excellence

The Police then informed the SAR Squad of people in distress
across several incident sites. The Squad Coordinator called for
backup from a third IRB crew and additional support staff.
A total of 11 people were rescued, and a further 47 were
assisted to safety, reunited with family and friends, or their
welfare and immediate needs assessed.
News of the Muriwai SAR Squad’s endeavours was widely
reported in the media, and formal recognition was received
from Local Labour MP Maria Lubeck.
Surf Life Saving Northern Region CEO Matt Williams said the
rescues and checks were a heart-warming demonstration of
the valuable role played by lifeguards in such emergencies.
“We’re so proud of these volunteers. Even during a global
pandemic, we have people putting their hand up to help
others and look at the incredible difference they’ve made.”
Awards of Excellence

Lifesaving
Sport
Awards

The extension of our agreement with TSB this year will see us
enter into our 7th year of partnership. TSB supported the
essential work done by our clubs and volunteer Surf Lifeguards
by distributing another $100,000 in grants. The grants were
used to fund a range of essential equipment including a new
ATV for Brighton SLSC to observation cameras for New
Brighton SLSC and new rescue and patrol equipment for many
others. Taking into account this year, SLSNZ clubs will have
directly received over $600,000 worth of TSB grants!
TSB also support SLSNZ’s Beach Education Programme which
allows us to teach thousands of primary and intermediate Kiwi
kids’ practical beach and water skills in a real setting - we know
this programme saves lives.
Over Summer, TSB extended their support by helping get out
the “Swim Between the Flags” message across New Zealand by
using sand artists at Orewa, Whangamata and Fitzroy, plus
billboards and videos on digital platforms. With zero drownings
between the flags, this is one of the most critical safety
messages to share! Thanks TSB!

Donna Cooper
TSB Chief Executive Officer
TSB is delighted to help support your volunteers across the
motu, and to be involved with the annual awards which
recognise their exceptional efforts and achievements.
We are incredibly proud of the mahi Surf Lifesaving NZ does to
help save the lives of New Zealanders every year, and that we
are able to put our profit to purpose through our six-year
partnership.
The past year has seen TSB distribute more than $600,000
directly to clubs throughout the motu, with a particular focus
on rescue equipment, training gear and innovation. And as a
result, we have now supported 56 clubs from Waipu Cove in
the North, all the way to Oreti in the South.
Ka nui te mihi for helping keep Kiwis safe at our local beaches.
When the difference between life and death in the water can
be counted in just a few minutes, you make every second
count.
Awards of Excellence

Surf Official of the Year
Craig Todd
Sumner SLSC

Craig Todd has a wealth of experience officiating at local and
regional surf lifesaving competitions, usually holding the
position of overall Event Official.
Craig’s experience, being involved in the surf lifesaving
movement for many years, is easy to see - his confidence rubs
off on others, giving them knowledge and confidence too.
Craig delivers a high level of officiating, ensuring events are run
safely and efficiently without detracting from the fun. He
demonstrates a great presence on the beach and shows the
other officials how to interact with coaches, managers, athletes
and spectators, ensuring everyone is onboard and enjoying the
competition.
Despite his considerable experience, Craig upskilled again to
ensure he knew the Covid requirements required to conduct
Surf Lifesaving competitions. Craig then guided other officials
on operating successful competitions under the various Covid
restrictions and guidelines.
A widely known and well-respected member of the surf
lifesaving community, Craig is incredibly experienced and
knowledgeable and willing to guide, advise and mentor less
experienced members.
Awards of Excellence

Coach of the Year
Shane Edwards
Sunset Beach LS

Shane Edwards is a Volunteer Coach at Sunset Beach LS,
spending many hours planning the IRB coaching programme,
which has continued to increase its members’ skill level in their
ability to perform rescues and compete at competitions.
Shane is also a Volunteer Lifeguard, Director of Lifesaving (Club
Captain), SAR squad member, IRB examiner, Sunset Beach
Board Member, member of the building sub-committee and
IRB competitor.
Shane encourages competitors to attend club training days
and ‘duck rallies’ to improve their racing skills. Opportunities
for training during the week include sprints, swimming, dry
land training, and Shane also arranges a training weekend
before each major competition.
Shane's coaching has helped deliver outstanding IRB racing
results for Sunset Beach LS, which won top club at the bp
North Island IRB Championships, where the U19 men’s team
won three golds despite it being their debut season. Top club
was received at the bp New Zealand IRB Championships
along with the title of top open women’s and men’s crew and
the team coming 1st and 2nd in the open teams.
Awards of Excellence

International Sport
Performance of the Year
Danielle McKenzie
Mairangi Bay SLSC

Danielle McKenzie was New Zealand's dominant surf lifesaving
athlete on the international stage for the 2021/22 season. She
won the Australian women's ski title ahead of a decorated field
and subsequently became one of a select group of Kiwis to win
an Open title at the Australian Nationals.
Finishing off her remarkable season at the Aussies, Danielle
achieved second in the Open women's Taplin with an epic ski
paddle to chase down her Alexandra Heads rival, a fourth in
the ski relay and eighth in both the board race and ironwoman.
Danielle had an outstanding summer, finishing second in the
Nutri Grain Iron Series behind Harriet Brown with consistent
results through the first four rounds of competition. This set her
up for another podium finish amongst some of the sport's
greats.
Outside the lifesaving arena, Danielle continued to dominate
ocean ski paddling events around Australia and capping off the
summer, Danielle was named in the NZ Black Fins team for the
Lifesaving World Championships.
Awards of Excellence

Toyota Financial Services are Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s
exclusive vehicle partner providing sponsored vehicles to
support regional lifesaving delivery. Vehicles are a necessity
within our field of work and without this partnership, as a
charity, this expense would be a huge financial burden to our
bottom line.
Thank you TFS for not only providing us with access to a high
quality, reliable fleet of vehicles but also connecting us to our
network of nationwide clubs.

50 Year
Badges

50 Year Badges
Brian Cairns
Waikanae SLSC
Colleen Chapman
Orewa SLSC
Don Colebourne
Papamoa SLSC
Russell Forster
South Brighton
SLSC
Jessica Given
Mt Maunganui LS
Peter Jacobs
Mt Maunganui LS
Marilyn Moffatt
Lyall Bay SLSC

50 Year Badges
David Pipe
North Beach SLSC
Rod Railey
Piha SLSC
Murray Robertson
Wainui SLSC
Malcolm Rowsen
Whakatane SLSC
Murray Wilson
St Clair SLSC
Alistair Thorpe
Waikanae SLSC

Instructor &
Volunteer
Awards

DHL’s commitment to drive safer beaches in Aotearoa is
evident in our partnership of 19 years. DHL continued to
support Surf Lifesaving with another innovative summer beach
safety campaign.
Together we launched “DHL Claim Your Spot” - an interactive
digital game to encourage Kiwis to set up, sit up and scan for
dangers at the beach before entering the water. After watching
beach safety videos by our volunteer Surf Lifeguards, players
had to answer water safety questions correctly in order to be
given a towel to claim their spot on a DHL’s digital beach.
$4,000 was up for grabs, which included $2,000 for a randomly
selected correct entrant and $2,000 for their club of choice,
which happened to be Mount Maunganui Surf Life Saving
Club.
With no direct government funding for beach safety messaging
campaigns, initiatives like this are crucial for educating the
public as we know education saves lives.

Selina Deadman,
DHL Express NZ Senior Director
Commercial
Since 2003, DHL Express has been a proud sponsor of
Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
DHL is passionate about supporting the work SLSNZ do and
are committed to the mission of creating a safe
environment on New Zealand beaches.
We are proud to be associated with such an iconic New
Zealand organization and would like to acknowledge the hard
work that all Surf Life Saving members undertake every day.
On behalf of DHL, congratulations to all of the 2022 Awards of
Excellence winners.

Instructor of the Year
Ashleigh Hurring
Fitzroy SLSC

Ashleigh Hurring is a truly worthy recipient of this award. Ash’s
contribution to upskilling lifeguards saw Taranaki’s biggest year
of regional development in a long time.
Ash organised and facilitated an impressive number of club
and regional courses while also being heavily involved in club
duties at an operational level. Her drive for self-improvement
enables her to provide better instruction and guidance to new
and developing lifeguards.
A big advocate of water safety in the community, Ash has
taught water safety and surf awareness to members of local
and regional sports clubs and introduced people to surf
lifesaving at “beach afternoons”, explaining what we do and
teaching basic water safety skills.
Ash is always professional when representing surf lifesaving,
engaging with the public and surf lifesaving members, and
leading and mentoring lifeguards. She advocates for wahine in
surf, not just in boats or on the water, but also in different roles
within surf.
Ash continues to lead within the surf lifesaving movement at a
local, regional and national level, and she has gained
experience in leadership roles at many levels. This is reflected in
the trust and confidence of many lifeguards, young and old,
who look up to her, seeing Ash as a mentor and going to her
for peer support during difficult life moments.

Volunteer of the Year
Harry Mellor
Red Beach SLSC

Harry is a valued and respected member of Red Beach SLSC,
demonstrating the essence of lifeguarding as a fundamental part of
the club and the lifesaving culture. His commitment to the club,
Northern Region and SLSNZ is evident in his input on lifeguard
development and lifeguarding practice improvements.
As Head Instructor of Northern's Intermediate Lifeguard School and
Head Mentor of Northern's Youth Development Camp, Harry
organised and prepared these camps even though circumstances
did not allow them to run. He has also attended the online Instructor
Inductions & Workshops in preparation for the season.
Harry is also a Northern Region Peer Support and Local Duty Officer,
is a member of the Membership Development Committee, helping
develop the Female Leadership Network and reestablishing the
Senior Leadership Experience. As a patrol advocate, Harry provided
clubs with an opportunity to upskill and further their knowledge
regularly.
Harry is also a member of the National Volunteer Strategy Working
Group who has provided valuable insight and knowledge around
our younger membership needs.
Harry seeks opportunities to improve, learning from those more
experienced than himself, along with self-assessment following
involvement with incidents. This has resulted in Harry being a highly
capable lifeguard at a club and regional level.

Innovation of the Year
Charlotte Becconsall-Ryan
Warrington SLSC

Charlotte Becconsall-Ryan receives the Innovation of the Year
Award for developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Rip
Detection system.
The end goal of this system is to provide the public with
localised ocean safety information, specifically identifying
hazardous coastal regions and reporting these publicly. Beach
users can then make better-informed decisions and keep
themselves safe without needing lifeguard intervention.
Lifeguards are fantastic at preventing drowning between the
flags, but there is a huge need to move beyond this, as people
continue to drown at unacceptable rates across the country.
Aerial surveying is carried out using drones or webcams, which
capture a series of images along a coastal region. AI is then
used to detect which images contain rips. This information is
automatically published onto a map which is viewable publicly.
Further development is required before being at the stage of a
product that can be rolled out with determinable costs.
Warrington SLSC volunteered to be the test case for this
project and believes the system will have very positive
outcomes for the club in the future. The club has already
developed a drone operator pathway, and many members are
keen to learn more in this area.
Awards of Excellence

The club wishes to provide a better service for the local
community that is more prevention-focused and can operate
outside the flags. There has been a positive response to the
available data, and people are looking forward to seeing future
outcomes.
This innovation has the potential to move surf lifesaving into
the preventative space, giving a pathway for action outside the
flags. This applies regionally, nationally and internationally, with
the opportunity to set up a wide network of safety information
that helps people make safer decisions at the beach. It doesn’t
take away from Surf Life Saving New Zealand's current work
but could make a real difference to the safety of beach users.
This innovation could help to fill a huge gap in our ability to
save lives on our beaches. Currently, we are largely limited by
our volunteer capacity, unable to scale to different beaches
and beyond standard patrol hours and seasons. Helping
people make safer decisions when they can’t swim between the
flags is a big step towards prioritising prevention over rescue
and reducing our coastal drownings
Awards of Excellence

Patrol Support of the Year
Cushla McLaren
Waimarama SLSC

Cushla McLaren has been in a Patrol Support role for two years
at Waimarama SLSC and completed an impressive 38 hours of
Patrol Support in 2021-2022. Cushla is a fantastic role model
portraying exceptional knowledge, capability, credibility and
leadership.
Cushla is one of the key go-to members for first aid incidents.
Her expertise as a practicing and experienced mid-wife has
provided critical first aid support and skills on patrol. These
skills were highlighted during two major first aid incidents that
occurred in quick succession on a sunny Boxing Day in 2021
with 2,000 people on the beach.
The first incident happened at the boat ramp with a young
male receiving a large laceration to his leg from a boat
propeller. James Laver was patrol captain during that day and
was able to leave Cushla to manage the incident which allowed
him to concentrate on patrolling the rest of the beach. Cushla
was able to control the severe bleeding and quickly recognised
the need for assistance from St Johns Ambulance. Cushla
managed the scene; monitoring the patient and administering
oxygen with the assistance of 2 other lifeguards for 40 minutes
before an ambulance arrived. Her efforts undoubtedly saved
the man’s leg. Twenty minutes later, a surfer came in with a
deep laceration to his thigh from a surf board fin. Again,
Cushla managed this scene, stemming the bleeding and
monitoring the patient for a further 60 minutes before an
ambulance arrived.

Distinguished
Service
Awards

Distinguished
Service Award
Max Corboy
St Kilda SLSC

Since being given his Surf Lifeguard Award in 2007, Max
Corboy has demonstrated his commitment and dedication to
the movement, which is recognised with the Distinguished
Service Award.
As a clubbie, Max has taken on many roles and responsibilities,
including Lifeguard Coordinator (2018- 2019), Radios Officer
(since 2009), Patrol Captain (2009-2022), Lifesaving
Instructor/Facilitator (2012-2020), Active Competitor (paddled
canoe 2009 and raced IRBs 2016-2017), SAR Squad
Coordinator (since 2016) and SAR Squad Member (2010-2016)
receiving the Club Service Award in 2018.
Max has also been very active on a regional level as an
Advisory Committee Member (since 2018), Event Referee
/Carnival Controller (2014-2020), Event Water Safety/First Aid
(2008-2014) and Otago Gear and Equipment Officer (since
2015). He was given a Regional Service Award in 2020 for his
contribution.
Nationally, Max was a NZ appointed Event Referee (2021-2022)
and done Event Water Safety/First Aid (2018-2021). Max
attends the NZ SAR Inter-agency Conference, is a member of
the SAR Summit working group (2020-current) and National
Radio Network Project Group (2021-2022). He received his
National Service Award in 2020.

Distinguished
Service Award
Andrew Lancaster
Muriwai VLS

Previously receiving his Regional Service Award in 2009 and
National Service Award in 2013, Andrew Lancaster is now given
a Distinguished Service Award for his ongoing contribution to
surf lifesaving.
Andrew was also recognised on a club level with a Club Service
Award in 2008, Club Distinguished Service Award in 2013 and
Club Life Membership Award in 2021.
Holding numerous club roles over the years, Andrew has been
Club Captain and Head Lifeguard (2005-2007), Club Board
Member (2008-2014), Junior Committee Member (2002-2005),
Patrol Captain and Lifeguard (since 1999), IRB Coach and
Instructor (2005-2009) and Active Competitor (1999-2014).
Andrew was a Surf Life Saving New Zealand Board Member
from 2011-2015 and a local chair from 2007-2010. He also held
the Powercraft Selector and Manager role from 2017 – current.
Awards of Excellence

Distinguished
Service Award
Damian Molloy
Muriwai VLS

Three decades since starting as a lifeguard at Mangawhai
Heads VLS (1982-1987), then joining Muriwai VLS in 1988,
Damian Malloy is recognised with a Distinguished Service
Award.
Damian has carried out a wide array of club roles and
responsibilities, including Mangawhai Gear Steward and Head
Lifeguard for six years, Muriwai Head Lifeguard (2016-2020),
Patrol Captain (since 1989), Instructor (1992-2022) and Active
Competitor (1987-2000). His extensive involvement saw
Damian receive the Club Service Award in 1997, Club
Distinguished Service Award in 2005 and Club Life Membership
Award in 2017.
Damian’s regional roles comprise Local Chair/Advisory
Committee Member (1994-2020), AEG Lifeguard Squad
Member (1990-1996), Powercraft Examiner (1994-2022), and
Patrol Auditor (1994-2006). He was given the Regional Service
Award in 2004 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2014.
Nationally Damian was a Rescue Watercraft Committee
Member (2016-2022) and on the Chief Examiner Committee
(2018-2021), and he received a National Service Award in 2017.
Awards of Excellence

Distinguished
Service Award
Leif Neilson
United North Piha LS

A United North Piha Lifeguard Service member since 1997, Leif
Neilson is receiving the Distinguished Service Award for his
ongoing dedication to the surf lifesaving movement.
Leif was Club Chair from 2021-2022, Club Captain (2014-2016),
Patrol Captain (2011-2015), Powercraft Officer (2016-2021), RWC
Coordinator (2019-2022), IRB Instructor and Rock Module
Instructor (2009-2021), Active Competitor (1997-2020), SAR
Squad Coordinator (2010-2017/ 2021-2022) and U20 Camp
Head Instructor (2020-2021). He received the Club Service
Award in 2016 and Club Distinguished Service Award in 2018.
Leif’s regional involvement has included being a Lifeguarding
Operational Committee Member (2014-2017), Area Examiner
(2011-2021), Regional SLS Duty Officer (since 2014), Head RWC
Operator (since 2012), and he was given the Regional Service
Award (2017) and Distinguished Service Award (2021).
Leif was a member of the Powercraft Advisory Group (2019-
2021) and on the Chief Examiner Committee (2018-2021). He
took part in the RWC Manual and qualification review (2019-
2020) and was a National RWC Instructor/Examiner (2011-
2022), gaining a National Service Award in 2018.
Awards of Excellence

Distinguished
Service Award
David Shanks
Orewa SLSC

A member of Orewa SLSC since 2003, David Shanks is being
bestowed the Distinguished Service Award.
David received a Club Service Award in 2013 and Club
Distinguished Service Award in 2019, having been Junior
Coordinator (2006-2007) and sitting on numerous club
committees - Junior Committee (2005-2008), Awards
Committee (2015-2020), Oceans Committee (2017-2018),
Community Committee (2010-2015).
Regionally, David was on the Sport Committee (2018-2022), a
Local Competition Official (2003-2006) and Area
Manager/Coach/Selector (2007-2018). He also received the
Regional Service Award (2013) and Regional Distinguished
Service Award (2016).
Nationally, David was in the Officials Leadership Group and
Sport Committee (since 2010), Pool Championships Event
Referee (2015-2018), Arena Referee (2012-2015), Official (2007-
2011) and received a National Service Award in 2015.
Awards of Excellence

Distinguished
Service Award
Shaun Smith
Papamoa
SLSC

Shaun Smith received his Surf Lifeguard Award in 1977,
receiving his Distinguished Service Award 45 years later. This
marks an impressive span of involvement and dedication to
surf lifesaving in New Zealand.
With Opotiki (1977-1980) and then Papamoa (1996-2022),
Shaun has been an active club member - as a
Board/Committee Member (2000-2011), Club Captain (2008-
2016), Patrol Captain (2010-2016), Lifeguard Committee
Member (2017-2022), Instructor/Facilitator (2009-2022),
Refreshed Lifeguard (since 1977), Active Competitor (1977-
1993) and SAR Squad Member (2008-2022).
Receiving the Regional Service Award (2014) and then Regional
Distinguished Service Award (2021), Shaun has had the
following regional involvement – Local Competition Official
(2000-2005), Event Water Safety/First Aid (2001-2022) and
Area Examiner (2013-2022).
Nationally Shaun was given the National Service Award in 2013,
having been National Event Water Safety/First Aid (2007-2022)
and Regional Guard (2007-2022).
Awards of Excellence

Distinguished
Service Award
Cameron Third
St Kilda
SLSC

This year Cameron Third is receiving the Distinguished Service
Award.
Cameron has taken on many duties at his club, St Kilda
receiving the Club Service Award in 2019. These include Asset
Manager (since 2014), other Club/Service Committee positions
(2008-2014), Patrol Captain (since 2013), Instructor/Volunteer
(since 2012), Refreshed Lifeguard/Patrol Support (since 2007),
Instructor/Facilitator (since 2012), Active Competitor (2009-
2010), SAR Squad Member (since 2010), Building Renovations
Project Manager (2016) and Manager and Creator of the
Coastal Otago Classic long haul IRB race (2016-2020).
Regionally, Cameron has also been active as a Local Area
Advisory Committee Member (since 2018), Event
Referee/Carnival Controller (since 2015), Event Water
Safety/First Aid (2008-2015), Patrol Auditor/Advocate (2018-
2021) and Otago Gear and Equipment Officer (since 2015). He
was given the Regional Service Award (2018) and Regional
Distinguished Service Award (2020).
Cameron has been heavily involved as a National Event Water
Safety/First Aid officer since 2010, and is an administrator for
the Otago Search and Rescue Squad. He is also a member of
the SLSNZ App Project Working Group (2021-2022). He was
given the National Service Award in 2020.

Distinguished
Service Award
Joss Urbahn
Foxton
SLSC

Joss Urbahn has been acknowledged with a Distinguished
Serice Award.
Previously recognised for her work on a club level, Joss
received a Club Service Award (Palmerston North 1998 /
Foxton 2019), Club Distinguished Serice Award (Palmerston
North 2013 / Foxton 2021) and Club Life Membership
(Palmerston North 1998 / Foxton 2019). She was Foxton Club
President/Patron from 2020-2022, Club Captain (Palmerston
North 1996-2000 / Foxton 2015-2019), Committee Member
(Palmerston North 1987-1994 / Foxton 2013-2019), Patrol
Captain (Palmerston North 1996-2000 / Foxton 2015-2018),
Mentor to Palmerston North SLSC (2010-2017), Palmerston
North Jubilee Secretary (1995-1998) and ILS World Champs
Technical Official (2012).
On a regional level, Joss has received a Service Award (1998),
Distinguished Serice Award (2002) and Life Membership (2019).
She was on the Sport Committee (1999-2010) and LLC (2017-
2021), a Local Competition Official (1999-2022), and a Local
Team Manager (2000-2006 / 1991-2001 / 2004).
Joss received the National Service Award in 2005, supports the
National H&A Committee (2010-2022) and been a NZ
Appointed Official (2008-2022).
Awards of Excellence

Life Membership
Michael Bassett-Foss
Waimarama
SLSC

Since receiving his Surf Lifeguard Award in 1978, Michael has
been a member of three clubs, Otaki, Fitzroy and Waimarama.
His contribution to these clubs, and surf lifesaving on a regional
and national level has been considerable.
Michael has held numerous roles at his clubs over the years,
including Otaki Committee Member and Gear Steward (1981-
1984), Waimarama Board Member (2014- 2022), Otaki Patrol
Captain (1983-1990), Otaki Craft Coach (1983-1985),
Waimarama Coach (2013-202), Lifeguard at Otaki (1978-1993),
Fitzroy (1994-1995) and Waimarama (2009-2022), and Active
Competitor at Otaki (1978-1993), Fitzroy (1994-1995),
Waimarama (2010-2022). He received the Waimarama Club
Service Award in 2016 and the Club Distinguished Service
Award in 2021.
Also active within the region, Michael was a BAP Member on
behalf of Central Region (2017-2021) and a member of the
Regional Sports Committee (2016-2019) and Local Sports
Committee (2017-2019). He was Organiser and Event Controller
at the Hawkes Bay Pool Championships (2015-2019), Hawkes
Bay Development/Head Coach (2016-2019), Head Selector
(2017-2019) and Strategy Development for Western Districts
and Gisborne (1995-1996). His commitment to the region has
been acknowledged with a Regional Service Award (2016),
Regional Distinguished Service Award (2017) and Regional Life
Membership (2022).
Nationally, Michael was SLSNZ Chairperson (2011-2013) and
Board Member (2010-2013). He was a SLSNZ Delegate to
Water Safety NZ (2014, 2017-2022), ILS (2017-2022), and the
NZSAR Council (2020-2022). Michael was co-opted to the
Recreational Safety and Search and Rescue Review (2021-
2022). Michael received the National Service Award in 2016 and
the National Distinguished Service Award in 2017.

Life Membership
Johnny Clough
United North
Piha LS

Johnny has been a member of five surf lifesaving clubs, Palmerston
North, Foxton, Otaki, Paekakariki and United North Piha, taking on
many roles and responsibilities over the years. He was Club Captain
at Otaki and Paekakariki, Committee Member at Palmerston
North), Otaki, Paekakariki and United North Piha. Johnny also held
the positions of Palmerston North Lifesaving Director, Patrol
Captain at Otaki, Paekakariki and United North Piha. He was a
Volunteer Coach at Otaki, Paekakariki Ski, Board and Pool Coach
and United North Piha Swim Coach. Johnny was also Team
Manager at Otaki, Paekakariki and United North Piha and
Instructor/Facilitator at Palmerston North, Foxton, Otaki and United
North Piha. Rounding out his impressive array of club
contributions, Johnny has also been a Lifeguard/Patrol Support, an
active competitor, Omaha Club Manager and received his Club
Service Award in 2013.
On a regional level, Johnny was on the Sport Operational
Committee , a District Board Member for the Western Districts and
Wellington and Chair of the Wellington Lifesaving Committee and
Sport Operational Committee . Johnny had the roles of Wellington
Junior Surf Referee, Deputy Event/Area Referee for Wellington and
SLSNR, Local Competition Event Official for the Wellington District
and SLSNR. He was also Western Districts SLA Examiner,
Wellington SLA and IRB Examiner, SLSNR Examiner and
Manager/Coach/Selector for Western Districts Surf League and
Wellington U14/16 Inter-districts. Johnny received a Wellington
District Regional Service Award in 2004, one for the Northern
Region in 2005, and a Northern Region Life Membership in 2013.
Nationally, Johnny sat on the SLSNZ Lifesaving Advisory
Committee, Surf Leadership Group, IRB Working Group and
National Sport Committee. He has been an Event Referee for the
bp IRB Nationals & Pool Rescue Championships, Oceans and the
National Championships, a NZ appointed Official, Event Lifeguard
and TSB Surf Official.

Life Membership
Alan Coates
Mt Maunganui LS

Alan Coates (or Coatzie) is a well-known figure in surf lifesaving
circles. We thank him for his ongoing dedication and
commitment with the SLSNZ Life Membership.
The many club roles Alan has carried out include Omanu
Board/Committee Member (1991-1994), East End Gear
Manager (1970-1975), Omanu Gear Steward (1989-2000),
Omanu Patrol Captain (1990-1992), Refreshed Lifeguard/Patrol
Support at Omanu and East End (1968-2001) and Active
Competitor at East End (1967-1988). He received an Omanu
Club Service Award in 1995 and Club Distinguished Service
Award in 1997.
Regionally, Alan was Director of Sport (2000-2001), was Sports
Advisory Group Member (1996-2002, 2003-2013) and
Disciplinary Group Member (1996-1997, 2001-2002). He was
also an Event Referee/Carnival Controller (1996-2010) and
Equipment Officer (1996-2010). Allan received the Regional
Service Award in 1996, the Regional Distinguished Service
Award in 2000 and Regional Life Membership in 2006.
Allan’s contribution nationally has seen him sit on the Sports
Advisory Group (2003-2005) and have the role of NZ
Appointed Official (2001-2006). He received his 50-Year Badge
in 2017, National Service Award in 2004 and National
Distinguished Service Award in 2010.
Awards of Excellence

Life Membership
Jim Coe
SLS Kariaotahi

Jim Coe has been a dedicated member of SLS Kariaotahi since
1970. His efforts on a local level and his contribution to the
wider world of surf lifesaving are being acknowledged this year
with the SLSNZ Life Membership.
Jims' many club positions include Club Chairperson (1994-
2017), Junior Board Member (1984-2017), SLS Kariaotahi LOG
Committee Member (2012-2022), Club/Service Appointed
Officer (1984-1994), Patrol Captain (1986-2004), Junior Surf
Coach (2008-2013), Team Manager (2008-2013). He was also
an Instructor/Facilitator (1986-2001), Refreshed Lifeguard/Patrol
Support (1979-2022), IRB Team Competitor (1981-2007), SAR
Squad Coordinator (2015-2022), SAR Squad Member (2004-
2022), and also received Club Service Award (2004), Club
Distinguished Service Award (2005), and Club Life Membership
Award (2013).
Jims' regional contribution has also been significant. He was a
Regionally Appointed BAP Representative (2020-2022), District
Board Member (2002-2007), Local Competition Official (2011-
2022) and Regional/Local Area Examiner (2011-2022). Jim was
recognised with a Regional Service Award, a Regional
Distinguished Service Award in 2011, a Regional Life Member in
2013, and is the current SLSNR President.
Jim received the National Service Award in 2005 and the
National Distinguished Service Award in 2012.
Awards of Excellence

Life Membership
Murray Robertson
Wainui SLSC

Murray Robertson received his Surf Lifeguard Award in 1971.
Since then, he has given countless hours to the surf lifesaving
movement on a club, regional and national level. Murray’s
substantial efforts are being recognised this year with a SLSNZ
Life membership.
Murray’s numerous club roles include Wainui Club Patron
(2021-2022), Committee Member (1976-2012), Club Captain
(1990-2000), Patrol Captain (1976-2021), Volunteer Coach
(1976-2020) coaching the first ever women’s canoe crew that
won a national title. He was also Team Manager (1986-2012),
Instructor/Facilitator (1976-2005), Refreshed Lifeguard/Patrol
Support (1976-2012) and Active Competitor (1976-1992).
Murray has received the Club Service Award (1980), Club
Distinguished Service Award (1990) and the Club Life
Membership Award (1995).
Murray’s surf lifesaving involvement has also had an impact on
the region. He was a District Board Member (1990-2010),
serving as the Gisborne Public Relations Officer, Examiner
(1976-2005) and Patrol Auditor/Advocate (1986-2000). Murray
has received the Regional Service Award (1986), Regional
Distinguished Service Award (2000) and the Regional Life
Membership Award (2006).
Nationally, Murray was given the Service Award in 1990 and the
Distinguished Service Award in 2000.
Awards of Excellence

Life Membership
Malcolm Rowson
Whakatane SLSC

A member of Whakatane SLSC, Malcolm Rowson’s
longstanding commitment to surf lifesaving is acknowledged
with a Life Membership this year.
A valued and respected member of his club Malcolm has
received the Club Service Award (1984), Club Distinguished
Service Award (2003) and the Club Life Membership Award
(2011). He was President/Patron (1991-1992), Chairperson (1991-
1992), Committee Member (1972-2022), Appointed Officer
including Club Captain and Vice President (1978-2022), Patrol
Captain (1979-1985) and Volunteer Coach (1974-2022). He was
also a Refreshed Lifeguard/Patrol Support (1971-2022), Surf
Boats Active Competitor (1971-2022), SAR Squad Member
(1983-1990), Craft Captain (1984-2021) and Club Representative
to Bay Meetings (1978-1984).
Regionally, Malcolm was a Patrol Auditor/Advocate (1985-1990)
and received his Regional Service Award in 1994 and Regional
Distinguished Service Award in 1996.
Malcolm was also given the National Service Award in 2003
and the National Distinguished Service Award in 2014.
Awards of Excellence

Life Membership
Joss Urbahn
Foxton SLSC

This year Joss Urbahn has been acknowledged with both a Life
Membership and Distinguished Service Award for her
outstanding contribution and dedication to SLSNZ and the surf
lifesaving movement. She embodies the essence of 'In it for
Life' in both her work as a volunteer and her role as a SLSNZ
staff member. The organisation is hugely grateful for all she
has done for surf lifesaving over the years.
Previously recognised for her work on a club level, Joss
received a Club Service Award (Palmerston North 1998 /
Foxton 2019), Club Distinguished Service Award (Palmerston
North 2013 / Foxton 2021) and Club Life Membership
(Palmerston North 1998 / Foxton 2019). She was Foxton Club
President/Patron from 2020-2022, Club Captain (Palmerston
North 1996-2000 / Foxton 2015-2019), Committee Member
(Palmerston North 1987-1994 / Foxton 2013-2019), Patrol
Captain (Palmerston North 1996-2000 / Foxton 2015-2018),
Mentor to Palmerston North SLSC (2010-2017), Palmerston
North Jubilee Secretary (1995-1998) and ILS World Champs
Technical Official (2012).
On a regional level, Joss has received a Service Award (1998),
Distinguished Serice Award (2002) and Life Membership (2019).
She was on the Sport Committee (1999-2010) and LLC (2017-
2021), a Local Competition Official (1999-2022), and a Local
Team Manager (2000-2006 / 1991-2001 / 2004).
Joss received the National Service Award in 2005, has
supported the National H&A Committee (2010-2022) and
been a NZ Appointed Official (2008-2022).
Awards of Excellence

Surf
Lifesaving
Awards

London Trophy
The London Trophy is awarded to the club that qualifies the
most Surf Lifeguard and Instructor awards per capita
of refreshed members.
North Beach SLSC

Gudsell Trophy
The Gudsell Trophy is awarded to the club that qualifies
the most Surf Lifeguards in one season.
Mairangi Bay SLSC

Lifeguard of the Year
Boyd Harris
Pukehina SR

‘In it for Life' could not better explain Boyd Harris's dedication
and enthusiasm to Pukehina Surf Rescue. Boyd drives change
at all levels of lifeguarding, administration, membership,
fundraising, coaching, examining and competing. His sense of
community and desire to develop a close working relationship
with local clubs and organisations sees Pukehina Surf Rescue
reaping the benefits.
Empowering members of all ages through encouragement and
education, Boyd always makes himself available to fellow
clubbies. At any given time, he may be out training in the IRB,
conducting lifeguard training and skill development sessions,
submitting competition entries or educating local school
groups on beach safety.
The impending surf club rebuild gave Boyd yet another project
to sink his teeth into, with massive fundraising efforts and
supporting others to ensure the fruition of this project and
protect the future of lifesaving services for Pukehina and
surrounding areas.
Awards of Excellence

Boyd has developed robust information and communication
flows amongst members via social media. He has also assisted
many clubs within the Eastern Region, none more so than his
stint in Tolaga Bay with skill enhancement solutions.
Pukehina Surf Rescue has seen promising growth and
continues to thrive in all areas of operation, mostly due to the
unparalleled effort put in year-on-year by Boyd Harris - a
worthy winner of NZ Lottery Grants Board Lifeguard of the
Year.
Awards of Excellence

OUR
PARTNERS
TOGETHER
On behalf of everyone in the Surf Lifesaving community, we would like to pass on our sincere gratitude to all
of our commercial partners. Their investment into our organisation makes a positive difference. Our
partners' commitment and continued support to our cause, enables us to support our wonderful volunteer
Surf Lifeguards and clubs, which means actual lives are saved on Aotearoa's beaches. This year we saved
726 lives across the country - our partners' support helps make this possible. Thank you!
MAJOR PARTNERS
GOLD PARTNERS
SILVER PARTNERS
BRONZE PARTNERS