New Zealand Pathway Development Team Heads to Queensland State Pool Rescue Championships 

For the first time ever, Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is sending a New Zealand Pathway Development team to compete at the Queensland State Pool Rescue Championships, held on the Gold Coast from July 12–13, 2025. 

This exciting milestone sees 19 promising youth athletes travel to Australia, supported by two experienced coaches, two development coaches, and a development team manager. The group will compete both individually and in relay teams, proudly representing New Zealand in the high-performance development pathway. 

The Queensland State Championships are a premier event, attracting some of the best surf lifesaving talent from across the region and beyond. For SLSNZ, this international campaign is an important step in preparing young athletes for the pressures of elite competition, with eyes already on the 2026 Junior Lifesaving World Championships and the upcoming New Zealand domestic season. 

The tour also includes valuable off-the-pool learning, with a strong focus on performance preparation—covering race planning, recovery strategies, and continuous learning.  

Athletes benefit from the guidance of Black Fins Pool Rescue coaches Andy McMillan (St Clair) and Steve Kent (Mairangi Bay), alongside development coaches Zac Reid (Fitzroy) and Rob McLaren (Waimarama). 

“This trip isn’t just about the final scoreboard time,” says Andy McMillan “It’s about building resilient, knowledgeable athletes who can contribute to the culture of excellence back home. It’s also a reminder that New Zealand surf lifesaving has a strong squad of youth athletes coming through.” 

The team departs New Zealand on July 9th, ready to make the most of this unique development opportunity and proudly represent the Youth Performance Squad on the international stage. 

Athlete & Staff List