Waves of Excellence

This year, 143 attendees gathered at Addington Raceway for the 2023 Annual Awards, where hard work, dedication, and excellence within the region's swimming community took centre stage.

The event featured an inspiring speech by Guest Speaker William Stedman PLY and was hosted by Connor Kitto from The HITS Radio.

Todd Mason was awarded with this years Life Membership award. Todd delivered a moving acceptance speech that highlighted his unwavering perseverance throughout his successful career.

The introduction of the Kaimahi Tūao Trophy added an extra layer of excitement to the event. This trophy recognizes the club providing the most Technical Officials at meets in the region, making it a notable addition to this year's awards.

Congratulations to all the finalists and award winners for their achievements in the past year. We appreciate the support from all the attendees during the event.

Service Awards

• Kaimahi Tūao Trophy

  Presented to the club providing the most Technical Officials at meets in the region.

  Winner:
  > Wharenui Swimming Club

• Official of the Year Award

  Finalists:
  > Christine Cassin
  > Lee Hill
  > Glenys McKenzie

  Winner:
  > Christine Cassin

• Service Awards

  Winners:
  > Dale Lilley
  > Rachel Close
  > Andrew McCormick
  > Andy Benn
  > Dale Lilley
  > Anna Knowles
  > Gerald Cunningham

• Honours Awards

  Winners:
  > Simon Moore
  > Steve Kelliher
  > Stuart Challenger
  > Nicola Catchpole
  > Merryn Maguire

• Life Membership Award

  Winner:
  > Todd Mason

Athlete Awards

• Female Swimmer of the Year 16 & Over

  Finalists:
  > Hanna Abdou
  > Hope Chmiel
  > Brooke Bennett

  Winner:
  > Hanna Abdou

• Male Swimmer of the Year 16 & Over

  Finalists:
  > Taiko Torepe-Ormsby
  > Christopher Elson
  > Lochlan McKenzie

  Winner:
  > Taiko Torepe-Ormsby

• Female Swimmer of the Year 15 & Under

  Finalists:
  > Bridie Quayle
  > Charlotte Parmenter
  > Millie Bell

  Winner:
  > Bridie Quayle

• Male Swimmer of the Year 15 & Under

  Finalists:
  > Hamish Giddens
  > Soeren Wells
  > Harrison James

  Winner:
  > Hamish Giddens

• Female Para Swimmer of the Year

  Finalists:
  > Gabriella Smith
  > Lili-Fox Mason
  > Sophie Pascoe
  > Ella Benn

  Winner:
  > Gabriella Smith

• Male Para Swimmer of the Year

  Finalists:
  > Luka Willems

  Winner:
  > Luka Willems

• Female Emerging Swimmer of the Year

  Finalists:
  > Brooke Bennett
  > Laura Menzies
  > Anabel Scott

  Winner:
  > Brooke Bennett

• Male Emerging Swimmer of the Year

  Finalists:
  > Tyson Lynch
  > Soeren Wells
  > Hugo Wrathall

  Winner:
  > Soeren Wells

• National Representatives

  > Lili-Fox Mason
  > Gaby Smith
  > Ella Benn
  > Ieuan Edwards
  > Matt Houston
  > Todd Mason
  > Chris Elson
  > Brooke Bennett
  > Hanna Abdou
  > Hope Chmiel
  > Charlotte Parmenter
  > Sophie Pascoe
  > Brett Naylor
  > Bridie Quayle
  > Hannah King
  > Hugo Wrathall
  > Ollie Lutton
  > Amber Proudfoot
  > McKenzie Drage
  > Charlotte Murphy
  > Millie Long
  > Genevieve Watson
  > Luka Willems

• New Zealand Squad Qualifiers

  > Hamish Giddens (Gold)
  > Brooke Bennett (Silver)
  > Harrison James (Silver)
  > Hanna Abdou (Bronze)
  > Hope Chmiel (Bronze)
  > Charlotte Parmenter (Bronze)
  > Bridie Quayle (Bronze)
  > Jackson Close (Bronze)

• Regional Squad Qualifiers

  > Click here to view the full squad lists.