A Bay of Plenty recreation leader has been recognised nationally, winning a top honour at the Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics Awards.

Mike Page, aquatic operations manager at Bay Venues, was named Aquatics Leader of the Year, recognising leadership, innovation and commitment within New Zealand’s aquatics sector.

Page has worked in the industry for 19 years and oversees seven aquatic facilities across the Bay of Plenty.

He supports a team of 90 lifeguards, supervisors and shift leaders who collectively welcome more than 2300 visitors each day.

The judging panel recognised Page’s people-focused leadership style, operational expertise and commitment to developing staff.

Among the initiatives highlighted was “Sup Bro”, a digital staff feedback programme designed to support and engage employees.

The initiative received a merit award in the Aquatic Innovation Operations category.

Outside his role at Bay Venues, Page contributes to the wider industry as a national PoolSafe assessor, helping aquatic facilities around the country strengthen safety and operational standards.

Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics programme manager Rhiann Collins said the award recognised Page’s decades of impact and the mana with which he is held across the industry.

“Mike is a strong, capable leader who believes in his team, drives innovation and improvement, and supports others into leadership.

“His positive impact is felt not just by those who work closely with him, but across the New Zealand aquatics industry, and that’s what this award is all about.”

As Aquatics Leader of the Year, Page will be a finalist in the Recreation Leader of the Year category at the 2026 Recreation Awards, held in Tauranga in November.

The Bay of Plenty’s success extended beyond the individual awards, with Bay Venues and Western Bay of Plenty District Council receiving a merit award for David Hume Pool in Katikati in the Aquatic Facility of the Year category.

The award recognised the community collaboration and innovative approach that has helped extend the life of the popular outdoor pool.