This year, we proudly recognised Alexia with the Volunteer Award, celebrating 14 years of quiet dedication and unwavering support for her swim club community.

Her journey began with a chance poolside conversation that changed everything. Brian, the club patron, struck up a chat with Alexia’s grandad at a public pool. That conversation led Alexia to join the club to improve her butterfly technique. What started as a simple visit turned into a lifelong connection. After two years as a swimmer herself, Alexia stepped into volunteering, a role that would become part of the rhythm of her life.

Alexia was nominated by Te Mahi Ako Kaitohutohu Hononga ā-Motu Ngāwai Johnston, and the award was personally presented by Ngāwai, making the recognition even more special. Brian, whose encouragement first opened the door, remains a key figure in the club’s story and a reminder of how one conversation can spark a lifetime of contribution.

Winning this award is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the time, energy, and consistency Alexia has given. Often behind the scenes for more than a decade. And it was one particular piece of her story that made our team select Alexia as the overall winner: her unwavering commitment to volunteering even when life got busy. After long shifts in the pool, heading to another pool was the last thing she felt like doing, but she showed up. She even arranged work shifts around volunteering and made it clear in job interviews that volunteering was a priority. That level of dedication truly embodies the spirit of this award.

Volunteering has shaped Alexia’s career and perspective. It helped her gain her swim teacher qualification, which led to her first job, and taught her the value of patience, adaptability, and community. She’s developed problem-solving skills, mastered stroke correction, and strengthened her communication, all while fostering a positive, family-focused environment. For Alexia, the reward isn’t a single big moment; it’s seeing swimmers grow in confidence and skill, session by session.

Her advice to aspiring volunteers is simple:

 “Just start. Show up consistently, be willing to learn, and don’t worry about being perfect.”

She believes volunteers are the backbone of the club, bringing stability, passion, and culture that programmes alone cannot buy. They create a welcoming space where caregivers are engaged, swimmers thrive, and everyone feels part of something bigger.

We celebrate Alexia not only for her service but for reminding us that volunteering doesn’t just help others — it shapes who we are. Her journey, sparked by Brian’s conversation and sustained by her commitment, is proof that small, consistent acts can create a lasting impact.