“When you’re no longer able to be a competitive athlete, I’m all about giving back,” says Ms Hutchings.
“You want to give athletes a positive experience. When you’ve been an athlete, you can relate to what other athletes are going through.”
Officiating at surf lifesaving events is not just about applying rules, she says.
“You have to apply the rules but you have that empathy so you can work with the athletes.
“If you have to make a decision to disqualify someone or a team, you know how hard that is. The way you share that message is massive.”
Officiating is in Ms Hutchings’ blood. Her father Dick Glover was an official for many years and has worked in capacities that include district carnival controller and deputy referee for the Northern Regional Championships (now the Eastern Region Championships).
“I’ve learned from the experience of amazing people over the years, including Dad,” says Ms Hutchings.
“Some really good people have believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Mr Cairns coached Papamoa SLSC athletes for three years during his time in the Bay of Plenty.
He has rejoined Waikanae since returning to Gisborne two and a half months ago.
Mr Cairns’ father Brian coached the club’s nippers when Matt first got into surf lifesaving.
“I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t a surf club person,” he says.
“Waikanae has always been my family club. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the club.”
Taking up coaching was definitely his father’s influence, says Mr Cairns.
“We all picked up the coaching bug.”
‘Example to us all of the enjoyment’ in coachingMr Cairns’ brother Sam is coach of the Gisborne Boys’ High Second 15 rugby team while other brother Tom was for many years coach of the school’s First 15.
“Dad was an example to all of us of the enjoyment you get from coaching.”
Mr Cairns still coaches the Junior Black Fins. The team created a “little history” last year when the New Zealand athletes were the first junior team to beat Australia in a test match.
Regardless of how good athletes are, they are always lifeguards first, says Mr Cairns.
“The more competencies in the sport they have, the better they will be on the beach and in rescues where those competencies can make all the difference.”
With coaches such as Midway’s Matt Sutton, Wainui’s Dion Williams and Cory Hutchings at Waikanae, surf lifesaving in this region is in good hands, he says.
“I look forward to supporting Cory in his coaching role.”
Waikanae SLSC member Murray Kemp was also awarded a 50-year badge in the services awards category for his dedication to surf lifesaving.
