Waihī Beach Takes Top Honours – Named Coromandel Club of the Year!

Celebrating our people, our purpose, and a season to remember.

Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services Inc. has been crowned 2024–25 Coromandel Club of the Year at the Surf Life Saving New Zealand Eastern Region Awards of Excellence – a huge honour that shines a light on everything our club stands for.

This top regional accolade celebrates excellence across all areas of surf lifesaving – from patrol hours and surf lifeguard development, to sport, education, and community involvement. It is a tribute to every volunteer, coach, rookie, junior, committee member, patrol support person, and lifeguard who gave their time and energy to keep our beach safe and our club thriving.

Alongside the club-wide recognition, individual Waihī Beach members also took out major awards:

– Nick Wagstaff – Patrol Captain of the Year and the top honour, DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year

– Luc Rochat – Paid Lifeguard of the Year

– Andrew Cochrane – bp Powercraft Contribution of the Year

– Simiosi Tukia – U15 Surf Lifesaving Sport Athlete of the Year (also selected for the SLSNZ High-Performance Development Squad for Pool Rescue)

– Donna Pfefferle and Maddie Scown – Distinguished Regional Service Awards

We also had several proud finalists:

– Chiara Woodford – Instructor of the Year

– Zac Armstrong – Rookie Lifeguard of the Year

– Fiona Swain – NZ Lottery Grants Board Volunteer of the Year

The 2024–25 season saw our lifeguards contribute more than 4,600 patrol hours, carry out 3 rescues and 4 assists, perform multiple first aids, and complete 889 preventative actions with over 53,000 safety interventions – all part of our commitment to protecting the beach and our community.

From our Junior Surf tamariki and Rookie Lifeguards to our qualified lifeguards, instructors, sport athletes, powercraft drivers, and passionate volunteers – this win belongs to all of us.

“Every year, the calibre of finalists and award winners is incredibly impressive — and this year was no exception,” said Lucy Scown, Director of Lifeguarding for 2024–25.

“We’re proud of our lifeguards and volunteers who’ve each given so much of their time and heart to the movement.”

“Our volunteers are exceptional people who make a real impact on the lives of others,” added Club Chair Donna Pfefferle. “This award reflects the strength of our club and the positive difference we make – not just at the beach, but across our wider community.”

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