Ben Olifiers

Ben Olifiers began his rowing journey in 2016 at Trident High School in Whakatāne, where he quickly established himself as a talented and determined single sculler. From an early stage, Ben showed strong individual capability, laying the foundation for a highly successful rowing career.

In 2019, Ben delivered standout performances at the North Island Secondary Schools Championships, winning gold in the Boys U16 Single Scull and placing fourth in the older U17 Single Scull category—an impressive achievement across two highly competitive events. He continued this momentum at the Maadi Cup, New Zealand’s Secondary School Regatta, where he secured a silver medal in the U16 Single Scull.

Ben represented Whakatāne Rowing Club in 2020 and claimed a national title at the New Zealand Rowing Championships, winning gold in the Men’s Club Double Scull. The following year saw continued success. At the 2021 North Island Championships, Ben won gold in the U18 Single Scull and silver in the Senior Coxless Quad. He then returned to the Maadi Cup, where he earned a bronze medal in the prestigious Boys U18 Single Scull.

After finishing school, Ben remained with Whakatāne Rowing Club and made an immediate impact at the senior level. In his first year out of school, he won a silver medal in the Men’s Senior Single Scull at the 2022 New Zealand Rowing Championships—an achievement that caught the attention of national selectors.

Ben was subsequently invited to trial for the New Zealand U23 team and was selected into the Men’s Quad Scull alongside Ben Mason, Jonte Wright, and Jack Ready. After a strong preparation block at Lake Karapiro, the crew delivered an outstanding performance at the 2022 World Rowing U23 Championships, securing a bronze medal—Ben’s first international podium and a significant milestone in his career.

Following his international debut, Ben relocated to Waikato Rowing Club, where he enjoyed a dominant 2023 domestic season. At the New Zealand Rowing Championships, he won three gold medals in the Men’s U22 Single Scull, U22 Double Scull, and the Premier Men’s Quad Scull. Notably, his victory in the Premier Quad earned him his first prestigious red coat, awarded to national premier champions. Off the back of this success, Ben was reselected for the U23 team and competed at the 2023 World Rowing U23 Championships in Bulgaria.

Across 2024 and 2025, Ben continued to develop within the Waikato club environment, with highlights including a bronze medal in the Men’s U22 Double Scull at the 2025 New Zealand Rowing Championships.

The 2026 season marked a defining step in Ben’s progression as a premier-level sculler. He claimed bronze medals in the Premier Men’s Single Scull at both the North Island Championships and the New Zealand Rowing Championships. He also returned to the top of the podium, winning gold and a national title in the Premier Men’s Quad Scull. 

These performances earned Ben selection to trial for the 2026 New Zealand Elite World Cup Team. After a demanding week of erg testing, seat racing, and time trials, Ben was selected into the New Zealand Elite Men’s Quad—his first senior elite team.

This milestone reflects years of dedication, resilience, and consistent progression. Ben and the Men’s Quad are set to represent New Zealand on the world stage at the 2026 international season, including racing in Europe.