Auckland Council wins in the water

The achievements of Auckland Council's pools and leisure staff were recognised at the recent New Zealand Recreation Association's Just Add Water (JAWS) National Aquatics Seminar.

Over 130 people from across New Zealand attended the two day Seminar in Nelson, where Auckland Council staff won two awards.

Teapanga Varu, from the Otara Pool and Leisure Centre, won 'Lifeguard of the Year' with the prestigious award recognising his commitment in bringing water safety initiatives to the local Otara community and his innovation in delivering the successful 'Point Break' programme.

The 'Point Break' programme has been Teapanga's brainchild and his own proactive way of responding to the water-related deaths of local teens.

Other council winners at JAWS were the Auckland team who won the annual National Lifeguard Championships where the Council's team had been successful in securing the trophy for the third year running.

Competition was fierce with three teams competing and only a few points separating the teams. The award winning Auckland Council team was made up of Sean Teaukura and Megan Ramsey from Tepid Baths and Cameron Lovett and Nick Te Puni from CLM.

Commenting on the awards, Auckland Council Manager Leisure Rob McGee stated that the New Zealand Recreation Association had presented an excellent conference with innovation at its heart.

McGee stated "it was inspiring to see Auckland Council staff and programmes recognised for their continuous hard work and determination to provide outstanding service to their communities.

"We are very proud of all our staff and in particular of Teapanga who stole the show with his heartfelt acceptance speech. The enormity of how we impact our communities cannot be underestimated. Our work can save lives."

For more information go to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/parksfacilities/PoolsLeisureCentres/Pages/home.aspx

31st December 2012 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL WINS FITNESS AND RECREATION AWARDS