New Zealand Surf Life Saving volunteer of the year Antony Mason at the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Antony Mason was last night announced the 2012 New Zealand Surf Life Saving volunteer of the year at a ceremony at Queens Wharf in Wellington.

"I think my name just got pulled out of a hat. This award is a reflection of what the club's achieved," Mr Mason said.

"It's an individual recognition, but we're an organisation that prides itself on teamwork. I'm just the general dogsbody. It's good for surf life-saving in Otago and Southland to have this recognition, but I'm a bit humbled and embarrassed about it, really, because you're just one person in an organisation. I've been reflecting on it, thinking, do I deserve this? Have I done enough?"

Mr Mason (42) has been a tireless supporter of the club since he qualified as a lifeguard in 1984, raising sponsorship, managing accounts, instructing inflatable rescue boat crews and lifeguards, organising club events and even washing the club patrol kit every week.

"I remember kicking around the club when I was 5 years old. I was lucky to grow up at the surf club and fell in love with being at the beach as a kid. Somehow, I've never been able to walk away," he said.

"Surf life-saving sets kids up for life. We like to think that we help create better people through involvement with surf life-saving. We get kids starting in our junior programme now when they're 5 years old. They bring their families and parents along and it's a real family environment. It's quite unique, compared to other sporting clubs. It's a sports club which also provides an important community service."

Mr Mason's other job is as a firefighter at the Dunedin central station.

"Surf life-saving sets people up for careers in the police, fire and emergency services. You're learning to do things like driving boats, dealing with situations and doing St John first aid courses," he said.

"I used to compete, but now I get a real buzz from seeing others achieving."

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Otago life-saver wins NZ award