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Experience Meets Emerging Talent in 2026 World Cup Team
World champions, returning athletes and new elite selections headline the squad preparing to race in Spain and Bulgaria.
After a successful summer of racing, testing, and selection, the 2026 Rowing New Zealand World Cup team has officially been named. Following months of performance benchmarking, including a demanding week of 2km erg tests, time trials, and seat racing, the athletes selected have demonstrated both impressive potential and the ability to compete at the highest level on the world stage.
The team will begin their international campaign at the 2026 World Rowing Cup in Seville, Spain (29–31 May), before racing again at the World Rowing Cup in Plovdiv, Bulgaria (12–14 June). Following these regattas, the squad will return to New Zealand to continue preparation ahead of the World Championship confirmation trials and the 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam in August.
This year’s team is an exciting one. It features several returning crews who performed strongly on the world stage last season, the reunion of a World Championship-winning combination, athletes returning to the programme, and some interesting shifts in boat classes. There are also a number of rowers earning their first selection to the New Zealand Elite Team.
Notably, the squad is significantly larger than last year's, highlighting the growing depth of high-performance elite talent across New Zealand.
Let’s take a closer look at the athletes selected for the 2026 World Cup team.
Men’s Double Scull
Ben Mason, Avon Rowing Club
Finn Hamill, Waikato Rowing Club
Gary Roberts, Coach
Men’s Coxless Pair
Ben Taylor, Avon Rowing Club
Oliver Welch, Avon Rowing Club
Mike Rodger, Coach
Men’s Quad
Arie Magasiva, Star Boating Club
Callum Tutbury, Waikato Rowing Club
Oscar Ruston, Waikato Rowing Club
Ben Olifiers, Waikato Rowing Club
Gary Roberts, Coach
Men’s Coxless Four
Fred Vavasour, Wairau Rowing Club
Campbell Crouch, Waikato Rowing Club
Joshua Vodanovich, Waikato Rowing Club
Harry Fitzpatrick, West End Rowing Club
Mike Rodger, Coach
Women’s Double Scull
Eva Hofmans, Waikato Rowing Club
Sophie Egnot-Johnson, Waikato Rowing Club
James Coote, Coach
Women’s Coxless Pair
Alice Fahey, Star Boating Club
Katie Lush, Waikato Rowing Club
Tom Stannard, Coach
Women’s Quad
Stella Clayton-Greene, Hauraki Plains Rowing Club
Olivia Hay, North Shore Rowing Club
Veronica Wall, Ashburton Rowing Club
Kathryn Glen, Avon Rowing Club
James Coote, Coach
Women’s Coxless Four
Alana Sherman, Waikato Rowing Club
Isla Blake, Waikato Rowing Club
Kate Haines, Waikato Rowing Club
Ella Cossill, Waikato Rowing Club
Tom Stannard, Coach
Team Manager
Lisa Holton
The four men’s crews selected this year to represent New Zealand at the World Cup series combine proven international success with exciting new talent.
Ben Mason and Finn Hamill will return to the men’s double sculls for another international season together, maintaining the same combination that proved successful in 2025. The duo won both a silver and bronze medal at last year’s World Cups, with both finals coming down to incredibly tight photo finishes. Having been on the wrong side of those margins, Mason and Hamill will no doubt be looking to turn those narrow losses into wins this season.
Another unchanged combination sees Ben Taylor and Oliver Welch back in the men’s pair after their outstanding victory at the World Championships in Shanghai last year. The world champion duo will be an exciting crew to follow as they continue their progression through the new Olympiad.
In the men’s four, Campbell Crouch and Josh Vodanovich return from last year’s World Cup crew and will be joined by Fred Vavasour and Harry Fitzpatrick, who have both earned their first selection to the New Zealand Elite Team - an incredible achievement.
The men’s quad is made up entirely of first-time Elite Team members, with all four athletes earning their first selection this season. Each member has shown impressive ability throughout the domestic summer racing season, and it will be exciting to see how this new combination develops and grows together as they compete on the international stage.
Harry Fitzpatrick (stroke) and Fred Vavasour racing at Nationals back in February. They will join Campbell Crouch and Joshua Vodanovich in the Men's Four at the World Cups. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Four women’s crews have been selected for this year’s World Cup campaign, with each crew bringing a mix of experience and emerging talent, and all showing great promise as they prepare to take on the rest of the world.
The women’s quad features three returning members - Veronica, Stella, and Kathryn - from the crew that finished fifth at last year’s World Championships. They are joined by Olivia Hay, who earns her first Elite Team selection after previously representing New Zealand at U23 level and completing her studies at the University of Washington. This quad has significant potential and will be aiming to push further up the rankings on the world stage this season.
The women’s four returns with strong momentum after winning bronze at last year’s World Championships. Stroke seat Alana Sherman and three-seat Isla Blake return to the boat and will be joined by the writer of this article, Kate Haines, returning to the international stage after taking a break following the Olympic cycle. Ella Cossill also joins the crew, transitioning back to sweep rowing after competing in the women’s quad at last year’s World Championships. This new combination will be looking to build on the boat’s success from last season and see how they stack up against the rest of the world.
The women’s double of Eva Hofmans and Sophie Egnot-Johnson will be another exciting crew to follow. Sophie raced in the women’s double at last year’s World Cups and is joined by Eva, who earns her first Elite Team selection after a successful age-group career that included a U19 World Championship title in the women’s quad.
Katie Lush and Alice Fahey combine in the women’s pair after spending much of the summer racing against each other domestically. Katie, representing Waikato Rowing Club, earned her trial through strong performances across the domestic racing season. Alice raced through the Rowing New Zealand Hub Pathway programme and impressed during trials week, with the pair now joining forces to take on the international field.
Ella Cossill (stroke) and Isla Blake pictured racing in the pair at nationals, will join Alana Sherman and Kate Haines in the Women's Four at the World Cups. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Learn a little more about the team through these quick-fire questions…
What advice would you give yourself five years ago on race day?
Katie Lush: “Enjoy the process. This is what you trained for - trust that! Racing is the fun part.”
Ella Cossill: “I would tell myself to trust my fitness and experience. Enjoy the nerves and excitement - pressure is a privilege!”
Olivia Hay: “Take a breath and enjoy it - you’ve done the work. Race days are the fun part!”
Eva Hofmans: “You really can do this! Back yourself and trust your training.”
Ben Mason: “If you think you can, or if you think you can’t… you will probably be right! Back yourself!”
Oli Welch: “Stick to your plan and trust what you have done. The result will take care of itself.”
Josh Vodanovich: “Trust my training and don't overthink the perfect execution. You've put in the work - now just stay present and enjoy the process.”
Go-to pre-race breakfast and pre-race hype song?
Katie Lush: “Overnight oats with blueberries, choc chips and honey! Hype song would be Adrenaline Rush by Sigma.”
Ella Cossill: “At the moment I’m loving raisin fruit toast or a waffle, and always juice and a banana. Depending on the race, either Grey Mix by Cuppa Tea or Don’t Stop the Party by the Black Eyed Peas.”
Olivia Hay: “A big banana, berry and oat smoothie. Hype song would be You Get What You Give by New Radicals.”
Eva Hofmans: “Porridge for first breakfast and then apple and peach crumble for second. My hype song is We Made It by Six60.”
Ben Mason: “I usually put on the Avon Wattfarm playlist and my pre-race meal is always overnight oats with berries.”
Oli Welch: “Scrambled eggs on toast. Hype song: Fast Times in Tahoe by Elemeno P.”
Josh Vodanovich: “Overnight oats with Greek vanilla yoghurt and mixed berries. Try to keep it simple so it’s easy to get down! My pre-race hype song is Can’t Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.”
What’s one word that describes your crew?
Katie Lush: “Tough — I’d say complementary (personalities are Type A and Type B), and also relentless!”
Ella Cossill: “Exciting.”
Olivia Hay: “Fiery.”
Eva Hofmans: “Uplifting.”
Ben Mason: “Fast.”
Oli Welch: “Chill.”
Josh Vodanovich: “Ambitious.”
Both Rowing New Zealand and the wider rowing community will be watching with excitement as this team begins its international campaign. With a blend of proven performers and athletes making their first step onto the elite stage, the 2026 World Cup series will be an important opportunity to gain experience, build combinations, and set the tone for the seasons ahead as the journey toward the LA 2028 Olympic Games continues.
Best of luck to the athletes selected to represent New Zealand at the World Rowing Cups in Seville, Spain, and Plovdiv, Bulgaria - we look forward to following your performances on the world stage. Go NZ!
Stay up to date with all the racing and follow the team’s journey throughout the international season on Rowing New Zealand’s social media platforms and at rowingnz.kiwi.
2026 World Rowing Cup – Seville, Spain | 29–31 May
2026 World Rowing Cup – Plovdiv, Bulgaria | 12–14 June
Kate Haines
Kate Haines has been part of the New Zealand Rowing Team and is studying Accounting at Massey University. She is NZ Olympian #1567, who competed in the Paris Olympics.
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- Experience Meets Emerging...
Experience Meets Emerging Talent in 2026 World Cup Team
World champions, returning athletes and new elite selections headline the squad preparing to race in Spain and Bulgaria.
After a successful summer of racing, testing, and selection, the 2026 Rowing New Zealand World Cup team has officially been named. Following months of performance benchmarking, including a demanding week of 2km erg tests, time trials, and seat racing, the athletes selected have demonstrated both impressive potential and the ability to compete at the highest level on the world stage.
The team will begin their international campaign at the 2026 World Rowing Cup in Seville, Spain (29–31 May), before racing again at the World Rowing Cup in Plovdiv, Bulgaria (12–14 June). Following these regattas, the squad will return to New Zealand to continue preparation ahead of the World Championship confirmation trials and the 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam in August.
This year’s team is an exciting one. It features several returning crews who performed strongly on the world stage last season, the reunion of a World Championship-winning combination, athletes returning to the programme, and some interesting shifts in boat classes. There are also a number of rowers earning their first selection to the New Zealand Elite Team.
Notably, the squad is significantly larger than last year's, highlighting the growing depth of high-performance elite talent across New Zealand.
Let’s take a closer look at the athletes selected for the 2026 World Cup team.
Men’s Double Scull
Ben Mason, Avon Rowing Club
Finn Hamill, Waikato Rowing Club
Gary Roberts, Coach
Men’s Coxless Pair
Ben Taylor, Avon Rowing Club
Oliver Welch, Avon Rowing Club
Mike Rodger, Coach
Men’s Quad
Arie Magasiva, Star Boating Club
Callum Tutbury, Waikato Rowing Club
Oscar Ruston, Waikato Rowing Club
Ben Olifiers, Waikato Rowing Club
Gary Roberts, Coach
Men’s Coxless Four
Fred Vavasour, Wairau Rowing Club
Campbell Crouch, Waikato Rowing Club
Joshua Vodanovich, Waikato Rowing Club
Harry Fitzpatrick, West End Rowing Club
Mike Rodger, Coach
Women’s Double Scull
Eva Hofmans, Waikato Rowing Club
Sophie Egnot-Johnson, Waikato Rowing Club
James Coote, Coach
Women’s Coxless Pair
Alice Fahey, Star Boating Club
Katie Lush, Waikato Rowing Club
Tom Stannard, Coach
Women’s Quad
Stella Clayton-Greene, Hauraki Plains Rowing Club
Olivia Hay, North Shore Rowing Club
Veronica Wall, Ashburton Rowing Club
Kathryn Glen, Avon Rowing Club
James Coote, Coach
Women’s Coxless Four
Alana Sherman, Waikato Rowing Club
Isla Blake, Waikato Rowing Club
Kate Haines, Waikato Rowing Club
Ella Cossill, Waikato Rowing Club
Tom Stannard, Coach
Team Manager
Lisa Holton
The four men’s crews selected this year to represent New Zealand at the World Cup series combine proven international success with exciting new talent.
Ben Mason and Finn Hamill will return to the men’s double sculls for another international season together, maintaining the same combination that proved successful in 2025. The duo won both a silver and bronze medal at last year’s World Cups, with both finals coming down to incredibly tight photo finishes. Having been on the wrong side of those margins, Mason and Hamill will no doubt be looking to turn those narrow losses into wins this season.
Another unchanged combination sees Ben Taylor and Oliver Welch back in the men’s pair after their outstanding victory at the World Championships in Shanghai last year. The world champion duo will be an exciting crew to follow as they continue their progression through the new Olympiad.
In the men’s four, Campbell Crouch and Josh Vodanovich return from last year’s World Cup crew and will be joined by Fred Vavasour and Harry Fitzpatrick, who have both earned their first selection to the New Zealand Elite Team - an incredible achievement.
The men’s quad is made up entirely of first-time Elite Team members, with all four athletes earning their first selection this season. Each member has shown impressive ability throughout the domestic summer racing season, and it will be exciting to see how this new combination develops and grows together as they compete on the international stage.
Harry Fitzpatrick (stroke) and Fred Vavasour racing at Nationals back in February. They will join Campbell Crouch and Joshua Vodanovich in the Men's Four at the World Cups. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Four women’s crews have been selected for this year’s World Cup campaign, with each crew bringing a mix of experience and emerging talent, and all showing great promise as they prepare to take on the rest of the world.
The women’s quad features three returning members - Veronica, Stella, and Kathryn - from the crew that finished fifth at last year’s World Championships. They are joined by Olivia Hay, who earns her first Elite Team selection after previously representing New Zealand at U23 level and completing her studies at the University of Washington. This quad has significant potential and will be aiming to push further up the rankings on the world stage this season.
The women’s four returns with strong momentum after winning bronze at last year’s World Championships. Stroke seat Alana Sherman and three-seat Isla Blake return to the boat and will be joined by the writer of this article, Kate Haines, returning to the international stage after taking a break following the Olympic cycle. Ella Cossill also joins the crew, transitioning back to sweep rowing after competing in the women’s quad at last year’s World Championships. This new combination will be looking to build on the boat’s success from last season and see how they stack up against the rest of the world.
The women’s double of Eva Hofmans and Sophie Egnot-Johnson will be another exciting crew to follow. Sophie raced in the women’s double at last year’s World Cups and is joined by Eva, who earns her first Elite Team selection after a successful age-group career that included a U19 World Championship title in the women’s quad.
Katie Lush and Alice Fahey combine in the women’s pair after spending much of the summer racing against each other domestically. Katie, representing Waikato Rowing Club, earned her trial through strong performances across the domestic racing season. Alice raced through the Rowing New Zealand Hub Pathway programme and impressed during trials week, with the pair now joining forces to take on the international field.
Ella Cossill (stroke) and Isla Blake pictured racing in the pair at nationals, will join Alana Sherman and Kate Haines in the Women's Four at the World Cups. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Learn a little more about the team through these quick-fire questions…
What advice would you give yourself five years ago on race day?
Katie Lush: “Enjoy the process. This is what you trained for - trust that! Racing is the fun part.”
Ella Cossill: “I would tell myself to trust my fitness and experience. Enjoy the nerves and excitement - pressure is a privilege!”
Olivia Hay: “Take a breath and enjoy it - you’ve done the work. Race days are the fun part!”
Eva Hofmans: “You really can do this! Back yourself and trust your training.”
Ben Mason: “If you think you can, or if you think you can’t… you will probably be right! Back yourself!”
Oli Welch: “Stick to your plan and trust what you have done. The result will take care of itself.”
Josh Vodanovich: “Trust my training and don't overthink the perfect execution. You've put in the work - now just stay present and enjoy the process.”
Go-to pre-race breakfast and pre-race hype song?
Katie Lush: “Overnight oats with blueberries, choc chips and honey! Hype song would be Adrenaline Rush by Sigma.”
Ella Cossill: “At the moment I’m loving raisin fruit toast or a waffle, and always juice and a banana. Depending on the race, either Grey Mix by Cuppa Tea or Don’t Stop the Party by the Black Eyed Peas.”
Olivia Hay: “A big banana, berry and oat smoothie. Hype song would be You Get What You Give by New Radicals.”
Eva Hofmans: “Porridge for first breakfast and then apple and peach crumble for second. My hype song is We Made It by Six60.”
Ben Mason: “I usually put on the Avon Wattfarm playlist and my pre-race meal is always overnight oats with berries.”
Oli Welch: “Scrambled eggs on toast. Hype song: Fast Times in Tahoe by Elemeno P.”
Josh Vodanovich: “Overnight oats with Greek vanilla yoghurt and mixed berries. Try to keep it simple so it’s easy to get down! My pre-race hype song is Can’t Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.”
What’s one word that describes your crew?
Katie Lush: “Tough — I’d say complementary (personalities are Type A and Type B), and also relentless!”
Ella Cossill: “Exciting.”
Olivia Hay: “Fiery.”
Eva Hofmans: “Uplifting.”
Ben Mason: “Fast.”
Oli Welch: “Chill.”
Josh Vodanovich: “Ambitious.”
Both Rowing New Zealand and the wider rowing community will be watching with excitement as this team begins its international campaign. With a blend of proven performers and athletes making their first step onto the elite stage, the 2026 World Cup series will be an important opportunity to gain experience, build combinations, and set the tone for the seasons ahead as the journey toward the LA 2028 Olympic Games continues.
Best of luck to the athletes selected to represent New Zealand at the World Rowing Cups in Seville, Spain, and Plovdiv, Bulgaria - we look forward to following your performances on the world stage. Go NZ!
Stay up to date with all the racing and follow the team’s journey throughout the international season on Rowing New Zealand’s social media platforms and at rowingnz.kiwi.
2026 World Rowing Cup – Seville, Spain | 29–31 May
2026 World Rowing Cup – Plovdiv, Bulgaria | 12–14 June
Kate Haines
Kate Haines has been part of the New Zealand Rowing Team and is studying Accounting at Massey University. She is NZ Olympian #1567, who competed in the Paris Olympics.
