Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services is celebrating a standout season, with nine members named as finalists in the 2026 Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) Coromandel and Bay of Plenty Awards.
The awards, to be held on 25 July, recognise excellence across a range of areas including lifeguarding, patrol support, coaching, officiating, examining, volunteering, powercraft and athlete development.
The club has also been named a finalist for Overall Club of the Year, recognising the collective efforts of its members throughout the season.
Among the individual finalists are Sharlene Manukau (Patrol Support of the Year), Luke Butler (Under-19 Lifeguard of the Year), Nicholas Wagstaff (Powercraft Contribution of the Year), Maddie Scown (Examiner of the Year), Andrew Cochrane (Volunteer of the Year), Fiona Swain (Official of the Year), Connor Miller (Coaches’ Commitment Award), Max Morley (Emerging Coach of the Year), and Max Page, who has been named an age-group finalist for Athlete of the Year.
The club is also celebrating several members who will receive special regional service honours during the awards evening.
Rian Butler and Aron May will receive Regional Service Awards, while Director of Sport and lifeguard Madeline Schnackenberg will also be recognised for her service to surf lifesaving.
Long-serving board member Natalie Lloyd will receive the Regional Distinguished Service Award, and senior lifeguard and independent board member Christiaan Maarhuis will be honoured with Regional Life Membership in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the movement.
Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services said it was incredibly proud to see so many members recognised for their commitment, service and contribution to surf lifesaving across the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.
