HBPB SWIMMING AWARDS

2025 HBPB SWIMMING AWARD RECIPIENTS

KAREN BUSCH (SUNDEVILS) - SERVICE HONOURS AWARD

Karen has made an exceptional and enduring contribution to swimming across the Hawke’s Bay Poverty Bay region through many years of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment.

A highly experienced Technical Official and qualified Referee, Karen has given countless hours supporting club, regional, and championship meets, while sharing her knowledge and mentoring developing officials. Her contribution to strengthening technical officiating has been invaluable.

Through her roles in club leadership, regional administration, and governance with Swim HB and the HBPB Swimming Board, Karen has provided valuable insight and support to the ongoing development of swimming across the region.

Karen’s commitment, generosity, and willingness to support others have made her a valued member of the swimming community and a deserving recipient of an HBPB Service Honours Award.

​​​​​​​DAVID KAMPER (SUNDEVILS) - SERVICE HONOURS AWARD

David Kamper has made an exceptional and enduring contribution to swimming across the Hawke’s Bay Poverty Bay region for more than 15 years. Since becoming involved as a swimming parent in 2008, David’s commitment has continued well beyond his own children’s swimming journeys.

A Regional Referee and dedicated Technical Official, David has contributed countless hours to club, regional, and national competitions, while sharing his expertise and supporting the development of others. His knowledge of technology and systems has been invaluable in improving timing systems, software, and equipment to enhance competition delivery across the region.

Through his governance role with the HBPB Swimming Board, David has provided valued insight, leadership, and support to the wider swimming community. His willingness to help, mentor, and encourage volunteers has made him an integral part of swimming in Hawke’s Bay Poverty Bay and a deserving recipient of an HBPB Service Honours Award.

BEN HUTTON (TROJANS) - SERVICE AWARD

Through his longstanding commitment and countless hours of volunteer service, Ben Hutton has made an outstanding contribution to both Trojan Swimming Club and Hawke's Bay Poverty Bay Swimming. Whether supporting the control room, officiating poolside as a Technical Official, assisting with the organisation of competitions, or sharing his experience through regional administrators' meetings, Ben is always willing to help wherever needed. His leadership, knowledge, and dedication have strengthened swimming across the region, and his selfless service has made a lasting impact on our swimming community.

SONIA KEEPA (COMET/ENTERPRISE) - SERVICE AWARD

Sonia Keepa has made an outstanding contribution to swimming across the Hawke's Bay Poverty Bay region through almost 10 years of dedicated technical service and leadership. As a Technical Official, including as a qualified Referee, Sonia has supported club, regional, and national-level competitions, bringing experience, professionalism, and a commitment to maintaining high standards. Beyond officiating, Sonia has provided leadership in the technical space in Gisborne and across the region through her role on the HBPB Technical Committee. Her knowledge, dedication, and willingness to support the development of officials make her a highly valued member of our swimming community.

ALLISTER KILPATRICK (TROJANS) - SERVICE AWARD

Through his technical expertise and countless hours of volunteer service, Allister has provided outstanding support to clubs and Hawke's Bay Poverty Bay Swimming. He plays a critical role in the delivery of regional and inter-regional championships, undertaking extensive preparation and ensuring timing and results systems operate seamlessly. Beyond competitions, Allister has helped strengthen the region's technical capability by improving systems and equipment, sharing his knowledge freely, and supporting clubs whenever needed. His professionalism, reliability, and willingness to help have made a lasting impact on swimming across our region.

AMANDA MCENTEE (SUNDEVILS) - SERVICE AWARD

Through almost 10 years of dedicated volunteer service, Amanda McEntee has made an outstanding contribution to swimming across the Hawke's Bay Poverty Bay region. As Chair of Heretaunga Sundevils, a regional team manager, Technical Official (Inspector of Turns and Starter), and now a member of the HBPB Swimming Board, Amanda has consistently gone above and beyond to support swimmers, coaches, clubs, and competitions. Her involvement in regional initiatives, collaboration with clubs, and commitment to developing and strengthening swimming across Hawke's Bay Poverty Bay have made a lasting impact on our swimming community.

RIA BOTES (AQUAHAWKS), SUSAN RABBITTE (SUNDEVILS), NEIL STUTTLE (SUNDEVILS), ANNA WAIRAMA (AQUAHAWKS), SASKIA VAN VELDHUIZEN (SUNDEVILS)

.These awards recognise individuals who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to technical excellence over a number of years through their willingness to volunteer, support swim meets, develop their skills, and progress through the technical officiating pathway. Their readiness to take on new challenges, provide leadership, support the development of others, and consistently contribute their time and expertise has played an important role in strengthening the quality and sustainability of swimming officiating within our region.

The region is proud to have so many volunteers, who over many years, have contributed greatly to the sport of swimming.

Some of these special people are acknowledged through HBPB Awards  - Service with Honours, Service and Official.

that contribute at a very high level are awarded Life Membership of the organisation. 

Below are full lists of HBPB Swimming Life Members (current and deceased) and other previous HBPB Swimming award recipients.