Captains announced for Junior Black Fins and Pathway teams

Surf Life Saving has announced the captains for New Zealand’s Pathway and Junior Black Fins teams competing at the International Surf Rescue Challenge (ISRC) in Mount Maunganui from 27 to 30 November. 

The Pathways team provides an opportunity for next tier athletes to compete at the highest level as they continue to develop, with a view to making future Black Fins teams. And the Junior Black Fins team is made up of the top under-19 lifesaving athletes. 

The co-captains for the Pathways team are Olive Pearce and Hamish Miller – both from Mount Maunganui SLSC, competing on their home beach. 

The captain of the Junior Black Fins is Ella Sutton, from Midway SLSC in Gisborne. 

Holly Fletcher, Surf Life Saving’s Performance Pathway Lead, says; “We are proud of Olive, Hamish and Ella who have all shown outstanding leadership qualities this year. It’s exciting to see their progress, and especially to watch as they gain international experience on home soil.” 

Olive Pearce says; “Being named in the New Zealand Pathway team for the ISRC is a dream come true for my younger self, who always wanted to represent New Zealand in sport. To be competing on my home beach, where I started Surf Lifesaving ten years ago, makes it even more special. I still remember watching the 2019 ISRCs and meeting athletes I’ll now be lining up against; it’s a surreal, full-circle moment.”

Hamish Miller says; “It’s a huge honour to be named co-captain of the Pathways team. We have an amazing team and I’m really excited to race together over the three tests. Racing on my home beach in front of home crowds is also very special.” 

Ella Sutton says; “Racing under the fern means so much to me, and being given the opportunity to compete on the international stage with such a great group of people in a few weeks' time is so exciting. Wearing the (black) cap on a New Zealand beach makes this experience all the more special this year, and I can't wait to see what our team can do!" 

The ISRC is taking place at Mount Maunganui from 27 to 30 November, and New Zealand will be competing against 11 visiting nations. 

The three New Zealand teams competing at the 2025 ISRC are: 

Black Fins: Cory Taylor (captain), Max Beattie, Pipi Te Pania, Joe Collins, Olivia Corrin, James Scott, Briana Irving, Gus Shivnan, Claudia Kelly, Oska Smith, Molly Shivnan, Anika Pihema. 

Junior Black Fins: Ella Sutton (captain), Chris Callebaut, Trelise Chote, Sam Chaffer, Alyssa Tapper, Oli Hansen, Charlize Duncan, Lewis Monk, Jacqueline Kennedy, Charlie Shivnan, Freya Stolte, Josh O’Sullivan. 

Pathway Team: Olive Pearce and Hamish Miller (co-captains), Daniel Callebaut, Kate McHardy Jack Keepa, Seven Mapu, Julia Padrutt, Jayden Murphy, Sophie Petro, Braith Swanberg, Tara Shotter, Bella Wansbrough. 

More info on the ISRC, visit: International Surf Rescue Challenge 2025