New performance squad announced for 2026

Surf Life Saving New Zealand is pleased to announce this year’s Ocean and Beach performance squad athletes, who have been selected after the summer lifesaving sport season. 

Alongside squad selection, SLSNZ has also taken a significant step forward in how we build our age group pathway. To better link with New Zealand’s domestic sport programme, we are introducing a new performance pathway built around U17, U19, and Open squads. 

This is more than a structural adjustment; it’s a shift toward clarity and long‑term sustainability for lifesaving sport in Aotearoa. 

One of the most immediate benefits of the new structure is its simplicity, as athletes, coaches and parents can more easily navigate a pathway that aligns with domestic age categories and competition dates. The new model creates a logical progression: U17 → U19 → Open. 

Each squad will now have clearly defined target competitions that match their stage of development. These competitions, alongside the international teams to be selected for each year gives athletes meaningful benchmarks, help coaches plan seasons, and ensure that progression is targeted, purposeful, and aligned with international standards. 

The U19 and Open squads are designed to prepare athletes for the demands of senior international competition.  

A stronger high‑performance programme: 

When the Black Fins succeed, the entire movement benefits. This new structure provides the strong foundation required for consistent, long‑term achievement. The end goal remains clear: our people performing and winning on the world stage.

Congratulations to each of our new ocean/beach squad members. We’re looking forward to a rewarding year of training! 

Open Squad  

Briana Irving (Waikanae)

Claudia Kelly (East End)

Cory Taylor (Midway) 

Gus Shivnan (Omanu) 

James Scott (Orewa)

Jayden Murphy (Mount Maunganui) 

Joe Collins (Fitzroy)

Julia Padrutt (East End)

Madison Kidd (Whangamatā) 

Molly Shivnan (Omanu)  

Tiago Chamberlain (Taylors Mistake)

Tara Shotter (East End) 

U19 Squad  

Isobella Davoren (Pāpāmoa)

Izzy Milne (Whangamatā)

Jacqueline Kennedy (Midway) 

James Hamblyn (Midway)

Jordin Fitzpatrick (Red Beach)

Sam Chaffer (Omanu)

Trelise Chote (Pāpāmoa) 

Yahni Brown (Midway)

U17 Squad  

Abigail Moxon (Mairangi Bay)

Caleb Maunder (Mairangi Bay) 

Charlize Duncan (Fitzroy) 

Chloe Jorgensen (South Brighton)

Dylan Blanchard (Red Beach) 

Emily O’Driscoll (Omanu) 

Ethan Storey (Mairangi Bay)

Finn Freemantle (Whangamatā) 

Georgia Duske (Omanu) 

Harlow Horn (Omanu)

Henry Moore (Mairangi Bay)

Hudson Cooper-Ross (Mairangi Bay) 

Lilah Eagar (East End)

Lucy Kinnear (Waimārama)

Luke Gillbanks (Pāpāmoa)

Oliver Pepers (Pāpāmoa)

Olivia Verryt (Omanu) 

Sam Shivnan (Omanu) 

Sophie Warren (Midway)

Vivi Hale (East End)

Will Robinson (Whangamatā)

For more information on our performance pathways and a list of the full squads including Pool Rescue athletes please visit: https://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/sport/high-performance