Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards collected two major honours at the 2026 Āti Awa Toa Wellington Regional Sports Awards.
The Paekākāriki U23 Women’s Surf Boat Crew was named the community Team of the Year, while long-serving club member Matt Warren received the Volunteer of the Year award for his contribution to surf lifesaving and canoe sprinting.
Warren was recognised for more than three decades of service to the two sports.
He joined Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards and became a lifeguard in 1985, and has held leadership roles at the club including serving as chair.
There was further Kāpiti recognition among the awards finalists.
Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards was one of four clubs shortlisted for Club of the Year, while Nic Cecioni was a finalist for Coach of the Year.
Cecioni remains closely involved with the club and currently serves as its youth captain.
The awards capped a strong showing for Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards, with the club represented across team, volunteer, club and coaching categories.
The Āti Awa Toa Wellington Regional Sports Awards were held at Wellington College, recognising athletes, teams, clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers from across the greater Wellington region.