Nelson Aquatics has capped off a standout year by winning three major honours at the 2026 CLM Awards, recognising excellence across CLM-managed aquatic and recreation facilities nationwide.
The team behind Riverside Swimming Pool and Nayland Park Pool took home the prestigious Griffin Latimer Trophy for Facility of the Year. Riverside Swimming Pool was also named SwimMagic Swim School of the Year in the under-800 students category, while SwimMagic coordinator Odette Watson received Staff Member of the Year.
The Griffin Latimer Trophy is CLM's highest facility honour and recognises outstanding performance across customer service, community programmes, innovation, facility presentation, participation growth and team culture.
Nelson Aquatics facility manager Dave McKenzie says the awards reflect the commitment, passion and teamwork shown by staff every day.
"This is an incredibly proud moment for Nelson Aquatics. Every member of our team works hard to keep our facilities clean, safe, welcoming and enjoyable for our community," Dave says.
"Whether they work as a lifeguard, swim teacher, fitness instructor or at reception, everyone has contributed to this achievement. These awards belong to the entire team."
The recognition comes amid significant growth, with participation across Nelson Aquatics pools, fitness centres and swim school increasing by about 25 per cent during the past year.
The Facility of the Year award also carries personal significance for Dave.
"When I first heard there was a Facility of the Year award, I decided one day I wanted to bring it home. For years I went to the annual awards with a speech just in case," he laughs.
"It's particularly special because I first set my sights on this award about the time my son Maika was born. Today he's part of our team as a lifeguard, so to achieve this now is incredibly meaningful."
The award follows a period of exceptional growth and activity across both facilities.
At Riverside Swimming Pool, the swim school now teaches more than 650 students each week while also delivering water safety and swimming programmes at seven local schools.
During the summer season, Nayland Park Pool attracts thousands of visitors and hosts school swimming sports, community events and swimming carnivals. Family Fun Days and Manu World Champs qualifier events remain major attractions, while the pool's community programmes continue to provide positive opportunities for young people.
A key initiative is the NPV volunteer programme, which focuses on creating a safe and welcoming environment by building positive relationships with youth, offering guidance and encouragement, supporting positive behaviour and providing kai for full tummies.
Riverside Swimming Pool's recognition as SwimMagic Swim School of the Year highlights the impact its instructors have on developing water confidence, swimming ability and water safety skills throughout the community.
"Our Swim School team is passionate about helping children and adults become safer and more confident in the water," Dave says.
"This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of the care, energy and professionalism they bring to every lesson."
To round out a successful night for CLM-managed facilities in the Nelson region, Saxton Stadium took home CLM Stadium of the Year, recognising the team's work with a range of stakeholders.
