Black Fins announce squad update for the International Surf Rescue Challenge

Squad Update: Anika Pihema Joins the Black Fins

Surf Life Saving New Zealand is excited to confirm a change to the athlete lineup, as Anika Pihema (Red Beach) joins the Black Fins for the 2025 International Surf Rescue Challenge (ISRC). Pihema replaces Pippa Nicol (Mount Maunganui), who has withdrawn from the ISRC team in order to be able to compete for the Black Fins at this year's European Pool Rescue Tour (more here).

“We’re stoked to welcome Anika into the Black Fins whānau,” said Campaign Lead Steve Kent. “She’s shown incredible form and commitment over the past season, and this is a fantastic opportunity for her to step up from the Youth ranks and begin making her mark internationally. Pippa has an exciting opportunity with the Black Fins in Europe and we know Anika will bring great energy, talent, and team spirit to the squad.”

Anika, who has been a standout performer on the domestic surf lifesaving circuit, brings strong skills in both surf and beach disciplines and is excited for the opportunity to represent New Zealand on the world stage.

The full Black Fins team competing at the ISRC from 27 - 30 November 2025 in Mount Maunganui are: Max Beattie, Joe Collins, James Scott, Gus Shivnan, Oska Smith, Cory Taylor, Olivia Corrin, Briana Irving, Claudia Kelly, Molly Shivnan, Pipi Te Pania, and Anika Pihema.

Team Management and Support Staff

Also being announced is the management and support team who will lead New Zealand’s Black Fin, Pathway and Junior Black Fins campaigns at the 2025 ISRC.

The ISRC brings together the world’s top surf lifesaving nations in a unique test of athletic ability, teamwork, and lifesaving skill. This year’s event will see New Zealand represented by a strong squad supported by an experienced support team of managers, coaches and health personnel.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand is proud to confirm the following appointments to the New Zealand ISRC team:

Black Fins

Campaign Lead: Steve Kent

Team Manager: Steve Vaughan

Coach: Kev Morrison

Coach: Andrew McMillan

Physiotherapist: Jodi Milne

Doctor: Dr Theo Dorfling (across all three teams)

Junior Black Fins

Campaign Lead: Byron Reid

Team Manager: Marcus Forbes

Coach: Bjorn Battaerd

Coach: Lauren Johnson

Physiotherapist: Georgia Harris

New Zealand Pathway

Campaign Lead: Arna Majstrović

Team Manager: Hannah Williams

Coach: John Bryant

Physiotherapist: Kayla Briscoe

The Support Teams will play a crucial role for athletes across all areas of preparation and competition. Their focus will be on fostering a high-performance environment, ensuring athletes are ready to perform at their best on the international stage.

“We’re really proud of the group we’ve assembled to lead the New Zealand teams this year,” said Tanya Hamilton, High Performance Manager at Surf Life Saving New Zealand. “Each member of the management team brings a depth of experience and a shared passion for developing our athletes and representing New Zealand with pride. Their leadership, planning, and positivity will play a huge part in helping the team perform at their best.”

Event Information

The 2025 International Surf Rescue Challenge is being hosted in Mount Maunganui from 27 to 30 November 2025. It will feature teams from eleven countries around the world, competing in both surf and beach events that mirror the real-life skills used by surf lifesavers every day. Further details to come in the lead up to the event.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand looks forward to seeing the team proudly represent the silver fern and uphold the standards of excellence that have become synonymous with surf lifesaving in Aotearoa.