Three of Tauranga's surf lifesavers have been named as finalists at this year's Surf Life Saving New Zealand Awards of Excellence, to be held this Saturday.

Thomas Yule (Omanu), Naomi Daveren (Papamoa) and Gary King (Mount Maunganui) are finalists for the Lifeguard of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Instructor of the Year awards respectively.

Thomas Yule. Photo: File.

Some of New Zealand's elite Surf Lifeguards and members will be recognised for their dedication to preventing drowning and injury on New Zealand's beaches at a formal awards ceremony.

The awards will be held at the Amora Hotel in Wellington.

Every year, national and local awards are given to Surf Life Saving members to officially recognise them for their hard work and dedication.

Most awards are nominated locally, with winners then becoming finalists for the national Awards of Excellence.

Some of the night's top awards include NZ Lottery Grants Board Lifeguard of the Year, DHL Volunteer of the Year and the BP Surf Rescue of the Year.

TV presenter Stephen McIvor will act as MC for the evening.

Along with the lifeguarding and sporting awards, there will be a number of Service Awards presented on the night and these will be announced this week.

Award finalists:

NZLGB Lifeguard of the Year

* Zane Rademaker, United North Piha

* Thomas Yule, Omanu

* Christiaan Maarhuis, Waihi Beach

* Samuel Teteina, Midway

* Aidan Charman, Westshore

* Scott Busing, East End

* David Clarke, Palmerston North

* Kate Suter, Sumner

* Paige Newman, Brighton

DHL Volunteer of the Year

* Malcolm Beattie, Sunset Beach

* Naomi Davoren, Papamoa

* Rob Ford, Tairua

* Tracy Low, Wainui

* Anne Cooper, Pacific