News

Junior Black Fins squad named for international campaign

Saturday, 4 July 2026

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) has named its 2026 Junior Black Fins squad, with New Zealand's most promising young lifesaving athletes set to take another important step in their high performance journey.

The squad will travel to the Gold Coast, Queensland in October for a week-long Performance camp, gaining valuable experience alongside the yet to be named Black Fins Team as they continue building towards the 2026 Lifesaving World Championships in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in December.

The selection reflects the depth of emerging talent across New Zealand's surf lifesaving clubs and the strength of the sport's development pathway.

SLSNZ High Performance Manager Holly Fletcher said the squad had earned the opportunity through consistent performances across the domestic season.

"Congratulations to everyone selected. This is an exciting milestone and a chance to experience international competition while continuing to grow as athletes and teammates. The future of New Zealand surf lifesaving is looking incredibly strong, and we're excited to see this group take the next step together."

Our 2026 Junior Black Fins are:

Charlie Shivnan - Omanu
Charlize Duncan - Fitzroy
Charlotte Aburn - St Clair
Chris Callebaut - East End
Dylan Blanchard - Red Beach
Ella Sutton - Midway
India Vaughan - Mairangi Bay
Jack Rust - East End
Lucy Kinnear - Waimarama
Max Cave - East End
Ollie Harland - Lyall Bay
Olivia Verryt - Omanu

With an outstanding Junior Black Fins Support Team:

Arna Majstrović - Waikanae - Campaign lead
Bjorn Battaerd - Red Beach - Team Coach
Natalie Peat - Papamoa - Team Coach
Lauren Johnson - Red Beach - Team Coach
John Bryant - Mount Maunganui - Team Manager
Georgia Tucker - Physiotherapist
Doctor Theo Dorfling - Campaign Doctor