Congratulations to all the recipients of trophies and awards at the
Annual Swimming Taranaki Prizegiving
held at Stratford War Memorial Function Rooms on Saturday 11th October 2025.
Below is a full list of the recipients this year:
Awards at Prize Giving 2025.pdf
Taranaki Development Swimmer of the Year 2025
Luke Mottern
Taranaki Development Coach of the Year
Fiona Lacey
,
Taranaki Age Group Swimmer
AND
Taranaki Swimmer of the Year
Max Cave
Taranaki Age Group Coach of the Year
AND
Taranaki Coach of the Year 2025
Mariano Garcia Nani
Taranaki Volunteer of the Year
Ali Hickford Aquabladz
Swimming Taranaki proudly award Ali Hickford ‘Volunteer of the Year 2025’ in recognition of over 10 years of outstanding voluntary service. As Club President, Ali has been the driving force behind Aquabladz, dedicating countless hours to supporting swimmers, parents, and the wider Taranaki swimming community. She leads with energy and compassion, organising club nights, coordinating operations, and managing logistics at local and national meets. Ali also creates a strong team culture, encourages parent involvement, and is always ready to help wherever needed. A proud Waitara local, she actively supports community swimming initiatives and the Waitara pool. She is a constant presence at Taranaki Championships, volunteering in multiple roles including timekeeping, marshalling, team managing, and enthusiastically supporting all swimmers.
Kane Bretherton Stratford Flyers
Swimming Taranaki proudly award Kane Bretherton ‘Volunteer of the Year’ in recognition of his four years of dedicated voluntary service. Kane began as a timekeeper and has become both chief timekeeper and marshal at both local and away events, also supporting the club on trips. He regularly attends Taranaki Championships, contributing to multiple roles. Kane’s consistent commitment and reliability have made him an invaluable volunteer and a key part of The Stratford Flyers success.
Taranaki Club Coach of the Year 2025
Brooke van Eijk Okato Swimming Club
Swimming Taranaki is proud to award Brooke van Eijk as ‘Taranaki Coach of the Year 2025’ in recognition of her six years of outstanding voluntary service as Squad Coach and Learn to Swim Coordinator. Brooke has transformed our Learn to Swim programme, expanded and trained a team of capable young coaches, and created a supportive, innovative, and fun environment for 50–60 children each season. Her personalised coaching approach builds confidence and skill, while her leadership strengthens club resources, events, and community presence. Brooke’s passion, expertise, and humility have left a lasting positive impact on our swimmers, coaches, and the wider community.
Taranaki Official of the Year 2025
Fiona Craig Stratford Flyers
Swimming Taranaki proudly awards Fiona Craig ‘Taranaki Official of the Year 2025’ in recognition of her dedication and commitment as an official over the past three years. A club member for five years, Fiona began as a timekeeper at club nights and quickly progressed to assisting with event operations. She has gained IOT knowledge and is now training towards JOS, demonstrating her eagerness to upskill and support swimming at higher levels. Fiona regularly officiates at local inter-club meets, regional championships and Taranaki Championships as an IOT, and is always one of the first to volunteer her time to ensure events run smoothly.
Service Award 2025
Kim Agent 15+ years of service with Stratford Flyers
Swimming Taranaki proudly awards Kim Agent a Service Award in recognition of over 15 years of dedicated voluntary service. Since joining the club around 2010, Kim has supported swimmers and families at all levels, from club nights and local carnivals to national meets such as Division II Championships and NAGS. She has carried out multiple roles including team manager, timekeeper and Chief Timekeeper, and has frequently travelled with the team to provide support. Kim remains an active and invaluable member of The Stratford Flyers, always ready to assist with events and ensure swimmers are well cared for.
Gayton Trophy
Rowan Williams Aquabladz
Swimming Taranaki proudly awards Rowan Williams the Gayton Award in recognition of over 15 years of exceptional service to swimming in the region. A highly respected official and long-serving member of the Swimming Taranaki Technical Committee since 2017, Rowan holds national qualifications as an IOT and Starter and is a Regional JOS and Referee. Rowan is highly respected for her fairness, professionalism, and dedication to maintaining high standards at competitions. Rowan is also a mentor and trainer of new officials, sharing her broad knowledge and ensuring events run smoothly. Her leadership, reliability, and passion for the sport continue to make her an invaluable asset to Swimming Taranaki and the wider swimming community.
