Richmond Aquatic Centre Celebrates Outstanding Success at the 2026 CLM Awards
Richmond Aquatic Centre Celebrates Outstanding Success at the 2026 CLM Awards
Last week, CLM celebrated the outstanding people and facilities that make a difference in communities across New Zealand at the 2026 CLM Awards Night.
We're incredibly proud to celebrate an exceptional night for the Richmond Aquatic Centre, with our team recognised across multiple categories for excellence in leadership, customer service, fitness, sustainability, and health and safety.
These awards are a reflection of the people behind Richmond Aquatic Centre. From our lifeguards and SwimMagic instructors to our fitness team, customer service team, and behind-the-scenes staff, everyone plays a part in making the facility what it is. It's something we're incredibly proud to celebrate together.
Emerging Leader of the Year
Hayley Milne
Sustainability Facility of the Year
Richmond Aquatic Centre
Health & Safety Management of the Year
Richmond Aquatic Centre
Fitness Centre of the Year
Richmond Aquatic Centre
Staff Member of the Year
Samara Loper
Facility Manager Vaughan Hope had the following to say - “What a night for the Richmond team. To come away with five awards is an incredible achievement, but for me, the biggest takeaway is what these awards represent, the collective effort of our entire team.
Every day, our people come through the doors and contribute in different ways to make this facility a great place for our community. Whether you're on pool deck, teaching lessons, working in the Fitness Centre, looking after customers, keeping the facility safe and sustainable, or doing the many jobs behind the scenes, your contribution matters.
I'm incredibly proud of the team and the culture we continue to build at Richmond. These awards belong to everyone who plays a part in making this place what it is. A huge congratulations to Hayley and Samara on their individual awards, and to the entire Richmond team on an outstanding result. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a great group of people.”
We're especially proud of Hayley Milne for being recognised as Emerging Leader of the Year, and Samara Loper for taking home Staff Member of the Year, a testament to the incredible people who help make Richmond Aquatic Centre such a special place.
"Winning Emerging Leader of the Year was a really special surprise. I've been lucky to work alongside such an amazing team who've supported me every step of the way. Seeing Samara recognised as Staff Member of the Year made the night even more special, watching her grow and seeing the impact she has on both our team and our customers is something I'm incredibly proud of."
A huge congratulations also goes to our fellow Nelson facilities, with Saxton Stadium winning Stadium of the Year and Riverside Pool taking home the prestigious Facility of the Year award.
Thank you to our amazing team and our community for being part of what makes the Richmond Aquatic Centre so special. We're proud to celebrate these achievements together and look forward to continuing to deliver outstanding experiences for everyone who walks through our doors.
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