2025 Aquatics Awards Finalists Announced
We’re excited to reveal the finalists for this year’s Aquatics Awards — a celebration of excellence, innovation, and commitment across the aquatic sector in Aotearoa.
These awards shine a light on the facilities, programmes, and people who help create safe, inclusive, and inspiring aquatic experiences in our communities.
Outstanding Pool
Recognising excellence in facility design, operation, and community impact.
New to Waves! Traditionally presented at the Recreation Conference, this award now takes pride of place at the Aquatics Awards, recognising the vital role our pools play in local communities.
Congratulations to our Finalists:
- Mount Hot Pools – Bay Venues
- Napier Aquatic Centre – Napier City Council
- Gore Multisport Centre – Gore District Council
- Alpine Aqualand – Queenstown Lakes District Council
Aquatic Innovation – Operations
Celebrating new ways of delivering quality operations.
Congratulations to our Finalists:
- Alpine Winter Festival Ice Rink – Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
- Partner Pools Programme – Hamilton City Council
- Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool – Auckland Council
- The Deep End of Innovation: AI and Pool Safety – Selwyn District Council
Aquatic Innovation – Programmes
Recognising programmes that engage, include, and inspire.
Congratulations to our Finalists:
- BaySwim: Commercially Community – Bay Venues
- Women’s Wednesdays – Central Otago District Council, Sport Otago & Welcoming Community
- The WAVES Programme – Selwyn District Council
- Swimtopia – Napier City Council
- Community Day – Hamilton City Council
Lifeguard of the Year
We’ll also be recognising one outstanding individual whose mahi sets the gold standard for safety, leadership, and care in and around the water. We're keeping the Finalists under our cap until the Awards dinner...
Join us for the celebration
The winners will be revealed at the Aquatics Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday 21 August, as part of the Waves Conference. Don’t miss your chance to join us for a night of celebration and connection – registrations close on 8 August 2025.