Aquatics Awards 2026 - Announcing the Winners

Our annual Aquatics Awards recognise the innovation, leadership, and dedication at the heart of New Zealand’s aquatics sector. This year, the awards were held on Thursday 27 August in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, bringing together professionals from across the motu to celebrate this year’s outstanding achievements.

Congratulations to our winners!

OPSEC National Pool Lifeguard Competition

The OPSEC National Pool Lifeguard Competition brings together lifeguard teams from across Aotearoa, offering them a chance to test their skills, knowledge, and teamwork in a bid to be crowned the New Zealand National Pool Lifeguard Champions. This was a particularly big year for the competition with 8 different teams battling it out.

Winner: For the fourth year in a row now, Auckland Council has claimed the top spot with their team of veterans, Hold My Beer.

Aquatic Innovation Award - Operations

This award recognises the success of a project that shows innovation, community engagement, industry leadership, and overall sustainability. It celebrates innovations that enhance the aquatic experience, improve facility operations, and contribute to the wider industry. In addition to our winner this year, we also had two merit awards to present.

Merit Awards: University of Auckland with Efficiency in Action: The Hiwa Performance Story, and Bay Venues with ‘Sup Bro: Digital Staff Feedback & Meeting Form

Winner: Belgravia Leisure with Cérge Implementation. The judges agreed that this was a fantastic community-centric project which focused on inclusion and accessibility for all users. The website enhances service for those with all ranges of disabilities by utilising a wide range of tools, including virtual tours, sensory guides, communication boards, audio guides, and more.

Aquatic Innovation Award - Programmes

This award recognises the success of a programme that demonstrates innovation, community engagement, industry leadership, and sustainability. It celebrates initiatives that enhance the aquatic experience and contribute to the broader aquatics sector.

Merit Award: Kāpiti Coast District Council & Coastal People Southern Skies with Kauora Te Ao Māori Swimming & Water Safety Programme

Winner: Christchurch City Council with Sensory Aqua Centre – Parakiore Sport and Recreation Centre. While all entries here were of an extremely high calibre, the judges felt this programme demonstrated outstanding growth through a strong foundation of both quality research and meaningful community engagement – successfully building local capability and empowering participants with new skills and knowledge.

Aquatics Facility of the Year

This award honours an exceptional aquatic facility where the principal purpose of the structure is recreation. Judging considers factors such as usage, finance, and PoolSafe® status. It celebrates excellence in facility design, operation, and community impact.

Merit Award: Bay Venues & Western Bay of Plenty District Council with Dave Hume Pool

Winner: University of Auckland with Hiwa Recreation Centre. Our judges agreed that Hiwa was exceptional; a modern and inventive new facility designed to meet the needs of its community while also prioritizing energy efficiencies and sustainability. The amount of use this facility has already received clearly demonstrates the significant value it has, both financial and social.

Aquatics Leader of the Year Award

This new award recognises an individual working at a PoolSafe® facility who demonstrates exceptional leadership in the aquatics sector. Someone whose mahi already makes a tangible difference in their facility, team, or community.

Winner: Mike Page from Bay Venues. This nomination was extremely strong, reflecting Mike’s 19 years of experience in the aquatics sector and as a leader. His decades of impact, people-centred approach, and strong operational leadership skills made this a nomination which was hard to fault.

Lifeguard of the Year Award

This award recognises an outstanding lifeguard who contributes to their facility, community, and the aquatics industry in Aotearoa. It celebrates exceptional individuals who enhance the aquatic experience for both customers and staff through their enthusiasm and professionalism.

Winner: Ben Aveyard from Christchurch City Council. While we had a high standard of entries for this award, the judges felt Ben stood out from the rest through his consistent demonstration of commitment to customers, colleagues, and the improvement of aquatic facilities. He has helped shape a positive team culture through leading by example, and continues to develop skills in people, plant, and administration.