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NZ Uni Rowers Set for Trans-Tasman and World University Showdowns
University rowing in New Zealand is designed to complement and enhance students’ academic journeys while fostering personal growth both on and off the water. The programme supports participation at all levels, from novices to athletes wanting to represent New Zealand on the world stage.
Rowing is offered at nine university campuses across the country, each running its own programme at the beginning of the academic year in semester 1. They each come together to compete at the NZ University Championships, a key event that also plays a significant role in the selection process for New Zealand’s university representative teams.
In 2025, two New Zealand University teams have been selected to compete at two different international events. The first team will take on Australia at the Trans-Tasman Regatta, held in Brisbane from June 29 to July 5, then another selected team will travel to Germany to compete at the FISU World University Games from July 16 to 27. Both events represent crucial milestones in New Zealand’s high-performance pathway, offering invaluable international experience for promising young rowers aiming to progress toward Elite New Zealand team selection.
University Trans-Tasman Regatta
A men’s and a women’s eight have been selected to compete in the Trans-Tasman series. The regatta features a trio of races: a high intensity 1000m sprint, the classic 2000m Olympic distance, and a gruelling 5000m endurance test.
Let’s have a look at the team:
Women’s Eight
Isabelle Welch (Canterbury University)
Charlotte Barclay (Otago University)
Sienna Godfrey-Chatterton (Otago University)
Hannah Wylie (Otago University)
Savannah Freeman (Auckland University)
Tyler Stewart (Canterbury University)
Senga Hickson (Victoria University)
Ava Stevens (Otago University)
Coxswain Timmy Heritage (Canterbury University)
Men’s Eight
James Tavendale (Canterbury University)
Freddie Eadie (Lincoln University)
Joshua Clark (Canterbury University)
Lawrence Birch (Canterbury University)
Gane Harbutt (Otago University)
Samuel Clelland (Canterbury University)
Charlie Mackintosh (Canterbury University)
Luke Sanders (Canterbury University)
Coxswain George Mackintosh (Lincoln University)
The women’s eight features returners Tyler Stewart and Isabelle Welch, joined by fresh faces from universities across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Otago. The men’s eight is a full South Island lineup, with all of the athletes making their New Zealand debut.
New Zealand dominated the Trans-Tasman series in 2024, winning all three race distances in both the men’s and women’s events. With a mix of a few returners experience and fresh energy to the regatta, the 2025 team will no doubt be ready to take on the Australian Universities.
Have you competed at this regatta before? If so, what lessons from past races are you hoping to apply this year?
Tyler: I competed at this regatta last year. One key lesson was learning how to bring together different rowing styles into the crew as we are from all throughout the country. Another key takeaway was the importance of enjoying the experience and having fun alongside the competition.
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming races against the Australian universities?
Charlie: I’m looking forward to seeing how the standard of university rowing in Australia compares to what we’ve experienced in New Zealand, especially after performing strongly at our own national university championships. It’ll be a great test to measure ourselves against another top-tier rowing nation and see how our university rowers stack up internationally.
In your view, what makes University rowing stand out from other rowing experiences?
Charlie: University rowing stands out because it’s far less structured than school rowing — there’s no one holding your hand. You have to take ownership of your training and organise sessions yourselves, which really reveals who’s genuinely committed to the sport and who was just thriving in a system that spoon-fed them. That makes it all the more rewarding, because the success you achieve comes from a squad of individuals who care deeply, take initiative, and have earned their place through genuine effort and drive.
Tyler: University rowing stands out because it strikes a great balance in being competitive, but also social, flexible, and fun. The events outside of the training and racing create a unique community between all the rowers in the squad, and a great chance to meet new people you otherwise wouldn't!
Tyler Stewart (second from right) with her women's NZ eight crew at the 2024 University Trans-Tasman Regatta in Brisbane.
Charlie Mackintosh, ready to race in the Men's varsity coxed eight at the 2025 NZ Uni Championships for Canterbury University.
FISU World University Games
From 16 to 27 July 2025, the New Zealand University Rowing Team will join more than 8,500 student-athletes and officials from over 150 countries in Germany for the FISU World University Games. It is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious multi-sport events and features 18 sports, showcasing the top student athletes worldwide.
Held in the historic city of Duisburg, the rowing competition will take place at Regattabahn Duisburg, a venue known for hosting world-class events such as the 2023 Canoe Sprint World Championships. The FISU World University Games are more than just a sporting event. It will blend high-performance sport with culture, education, and celebration with a variety of workshops and events held throughout the event.
Let’s take a look at the team competing in Germany later this year:
Women’s Pair
Isobel Eliadis-Watson, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Waikato
Frances Casey, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Waikato
Coach: Steve Wills
Women’s Double
Madison Neale, Cure Boating Club/University of Otago
Hannah Matehaere, Otago University Rowing Club/University of Otago
Coach: Glen Sinclair
Men’s Single
Arie Magasiva, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Auckland
Coach: Sam Jackson
Men's Double
Henry Clatworthy, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club/University of Otago
Matt O’Meara, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club/Lincoln University
Coach: Simon Smith
Men’s Coxless Four
Lewis Meates, Cure Boating Club/University of Canterbury
Harry Galvan, Avon Rowing Club/University of Canterbury
Sam Barnett, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club/University of Otago
George Johnson, Cure Boating Club/University of Canterbury
Coach: Malcolm McIntyre
The team brings together a blend of international experience and strong domestic performances, making them serious contenders for top spots at the FISU World University Championships.
Isobel Eliadis-Watson, a gold medallist in the Women’s Coxed Four at the 2024 U23 World Championships will be in the coxless pair with fellow University of Waikato rower Frances Casey.
The Women’s Double Scull also boasts proven international talent, with Madison Neale returning after being part of the NZ U21 team that competed in Canberra last year, alongside Hannah Matehaere, who recently competed at the prestigious Windermere Cup in Seattle.
In the Men’s Single Scull is Arie Magasiva, who impressed throughout the New Zealand domestic season and was a key member of last year’s undefeated Trans-Tasman University team. The Men’s Double Scull will feature Henry Clatworthy and Matt O’Meara, an established duo fresh off their win in the Senior Double at this year’s New Zealand National Championships in Twizel. In the Men’s Coxless Four, Lewis Meates adds valuable international experience from the Trans-Tasman University series and is joined by Harry, Sam, and George, who each delivered standout performances at the University Championships.
Racing in Duisburg presents a valuable opportunity not only to compete against the world’s top university athletes but also to gain critical experience on the international stage - a key milestone for those with aspirations of progressing into New Zealand’s elite rowing team.
Isobel Eliadis-Watson, with her U23 Women's Coxed Four crew after winning GOLD at the 2024 U23 World Rowing Championships. (From left) Orla Fitzgerald, Charlotte Darry, Jane Schellekens, Isobel and cox Oliver Duncan.
Arie Magasiva (first from left) racing for NZ in the coxed eight at the 2024 Trans-Tasman Regatta in Brisbane.
What part of competing at the World University Championships are you most looking forward to?
Arie: I'm excited to get amongst the atmosphere over at the University Championships. I’m keen to learn as much as I can and make the most of the experience. It will be awesome to line up and push myself alongside some other fast crews.
Isobel: I'm most looking forward to racing on the international stage again and testing myself against some of the best university crews from around the world. It’s always a special feeling to represent New Zealand, and even cooler to represent Waikato University at the same time! I’m also really excited to be part of the athlete village. There’s going to be so much more than just rowing happening, and it’ll be awesome to watch other sports and meet athletes from different disciplines, which will make the atmosphere fun and make the whole experience even more memorable.
How has training been going in the lead-up to the championships, and are the boats starting to feel fast and race-ready?
Arie: Training in Auckland under the ARA and Auckland Uni has been going great, it's been a bit of a juggle balancing training, work and study, but I'm settled into the schedule now, which is nice. I'm making some good technical improvements in the single, picking up speed, and I'm keen to keep building momentum into Germany!
Isobel: Training’s been going well. It’s been a solid block of work, but it’s also been a lot of fun. We’re making heaps of progress every day, and because we’re enjoying it, it’s making the improvements come naturally. The boat's starting to feel connected and fast, and with each session, we’re getting more race-ready. It’s exciting to see everything coming together!
The University rowing scene in New Zealand is thriving, offering a wide range of opportunities for young athletes to train, compete, and represent New Zealand on the international stage.
Whether competing in the Trans-Tasman Series against Australia or lining up at the start line in Germany, this cohort of Kiwi university athletes has the potential to make a serious impact - we can’t wait to see what they achieve.
Good luck to all those competing!
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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- Home
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- University Rowing
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- NZ Uni Rowers...
NZ Uni Rowers Set for Trans-Tasman and World University Showdowns
University rowing in New Zealand is designed to complement and enhance students’ academic journeys while fostering personal growth both on and off the water. The programme supports participation at all levels, from novices to athletes wanting to represent New Zealand on the world stage.
Rowing is offered at nine university campuses across the country, each running its own programme at the beginning of the academic year in semester 1. They each come together to compete at the NZ University Championships, a key event that also plays a significant role in the selection process for New Zealand’s university representative teams.
In 2025, two New Zealand University teams have been selected to compete at two different international events. The first team will take on Australia at the Trans-Tasman Regatta, held in Brisbane from June 29 to July 5, then another selected team will travel to Germany to compete at the FISU World University Games from July 16 to 27. Both events represent crucial milestones in New Zealand’s high-performance pathway, offering invaluable international experience for promising young rowers aiming to progress toward Elite New Zealand team selection.
University Trans-Tasman Regatta
A men’s and a women’s eight have been selected to compete in the Trans-Tasman series. The regatta features a trio of races: a high intensity 1000m sprint, the classic 2000m Olympic distance, and a gruelling 5000m endurance test.
Let’s have a look at the team:
Women’s Eight
Isabelle Welch (Canterbury University)
Charlotte Barclay (Otago University)
Sienna Godfrey-Chatterton (Otago University)
Hannah Wylie (Otago University)
Savannah Freeman (Auckland University)
Tyler Stewart (Canterbury University)
Senga Hickson (Victoria University)
Ava Stevens (Otago University)
Coxswain Timmy Heritage (Canterbury University)
Men’s Eight
James Tavendale (Canterbury University)
Freddie Eadie (Lincoln University)
Joshua Clark (Canterbury University)
Lawrence Birch (Canterbury University)
Gane Harbutt (Otago University)
Samuel Clelland (Canterbury University)
Charlie Mackintosh (Canterbury University)
Luke Sanders (Canterbury University)
Coxswain George Mackintosh (Lincoln University)
The women’s eight features returners Tyler Stewart and Isabelle Welch, joined by fresh faces from universities across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Otago. The men’s eight is a full South Island lineup, with all of the athletes making their New Zealand debut.
New Zealand dominated the Trans-Tasman series in 2024, winning all three race distances in both the men’s and women’s events. With a mix of a few returners experience and fresh energy to the regatta, the 2025 team will no doubt be ready to take on the Australian Universities.
Have you competed at this regatta before? If so, what lessons from past races are you hoping to apply this year?
Tyler: I competed at this regatta last year. One key lesson was learning how to bring together different rowing styles into the crew as we are from all throughout the country. Another key takeaway was the importance of enjoying the experience and having fun alongside the competition.
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming races against the Australian universities?
Charlie: I’m looking forward to seeing how the standard of university rowing in Australia compares to what we’ve experienced in New Zealand, especially after performing strongly at our own national university championships. It’ll be a great test to measure ourselves against another top-tier rowing nation and see how our university rowers stack up internationally.
In your view, what makes University rowing stand out from other rowing experiences?
Charlie: University rowing stands out because it’s far less structured than school rowing — there’s no one holding your hand. You have to take ownership of your training and organise sessions yourselves, which really reveals who’s genuinely committed to the sport and who was just thriving in a system that spoon-fed them. That makes it all the more rewarding, because the success you achieve comes from a squad of individuals who care deeply, take initiative, and have earned their place through genuine effort and drive.
Tyler: University rowing stands out because it strikes a great balance in being competitive, but also social, flexible, and fun. The events outside of the training and racing create a unique community between all the rowers in the squad, and a great chance to meet new people you otherwise wouldn't!
Tyler Stewart (second from right) with her women's NZ eight crew at the 2024 University Trans-Tasman Regatta in Brisbane.
Charlie Mackintosh, ready to race in the Men's varsity coxed eight at the 2025 NZ Uni Championships for Canterbury University.
FISU World University Games
From 16 to 27 July 2025, the New Zealand University Rowing Team will join more than 8,500 student-athletes and officials from over 150 countries in Germany for the FISU World University Games. It is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious multi-sport events and features 18 sports, showcasing the top student athletes worldwide.
Held in the historic city of Duisburg, the rowing competition will take place at Regattabahn Duisburg, a venue known for hosting world-class events such as the 2023 Canoe Sprint World Championships. The FISU World University Games are more than just a sporting event. It will blend high-performance sport with culture, education, and celebration with a variety of workshops and events held throughout the event.
Let’s take a look at the team competing in Germany later this year:
Women’s Pair
Isobel Eliadis-Watson, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Waikato
Frances Casey, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Waikato
Coach: Steve Wills
Women’s Double
Madison Neale, Cure Boating Club/University of Otago
Hannah Matehaere, Otago University Rowing Club/University of Otago
Coach: Glen Sinclair
Men’s Single
Arie Magasiva, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Auckland
Coach: Sam Jackson
Men's Double
Henry Clatworthy, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club/University of Otago
Matt O’Meara, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club/Lincoln University
Coach: Simon Smith
Men’s Coxless Four
Lewis Meates, Cure Boating Club/University of Canterbury
Harry Galvan, Avon Rowing Club/University of Canterbury
Sam Barnett, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club/University of Otago
George Johnson, Cure Boating Club/University of Canterbury
Coach: Malcolm McIntyre
The team brings together a blend of international experience and strong domestic performances, making them serious contenders for top spots at the FISU World University Championships.
Isobel Eliadis-Watson, a gold medallist in the Women’s Coxed Four at the 2024 U23 World Championships will be in the coxless pair with fellow University of Waikato rower Frances Casey.
The Women’s Double Scull also boasts proven international talent, with Madison Neale returning after being part of the NZ U21 team that competed in Canberra last year, alongside Hannah Matehaere, who recently competed at the prestigious Windermere Cup in Seattle.
In the Men’s Single Scull is Arie Magasiva, who impressed throughout the New Zealand domestic season and was a key member of last year’s undefeated Trans-Tasman University team. The Men’s Double Scull will feature Henry Clatworthy and Matt O’Meara, an established duo fresh off their win in the Senior Double at this year’s New Zealand National Championships in Twizel. In the Men’s Coxless Four, Lewis Meates adds valuable international experience from the Trans-Tasman University series and is joined by Harry, Sam, and George, who each delivered standout performances at the University Championships.
Racing in Duisburg presents a valuable opportunity not only to compete against the world’s top university athletes but also to gain critical experience on the international stage - a key milestone for those with aspirations of progressing into New Zealand’s elite rowing team.
Isobel Eliadis-Watson, with her U23 Women's Coxed Four crew after winning GOLD at the 2024 U23 World Rowing Championships. (From left) Orla Fitzgerald, Charlotte Darry, Jane Schellekens, Isobel and cox Oliver Duncan.
Arie Magasiva (first from left) racing for NZ in the coxed eight at the 2024 Trans-Tasman Regatta in Brisbane.
What part of competing at the World University Championships are you most looking forward to?
Arie: I'm excited to get amongst the atmosphere over at the University Championships. I’m keen to learn as much as I can and make the most of the experience. It will be awesome to line up and push myself alongside some other fast crews.
Isobel: I'm most looking forward to racing on the international stage again and testing myself against some of the best university crews from around the world. It’s always a special feeling to represent New Zealand, and even cooler to represent Waikato University at the same time! I’m also really excited to be part of the athlete village. There’s going to be so much more than just rowing happening, and it’ll be awesome to watch other sports and meet athletes from different disciplines, which will make the atmosphere fun and make the whole experience even more memorable.
How has training been going in the lead-up to the championships, and are the boats starting to feel fast and race-ready?
Arie: Training in Auckland under the ARA and Auckland Uni has been going great, it's been a bit of a juggle balancing training, work and study, but I'm settled into the schedule now, which is nice. I'm making some good technical improvements in the single, picking up speed, and I'm keen to keep building momentum into Germany!
Isobel: Training’s been going well. It’s been a solid block of work, but it’s also been a lot of fun. We’re making heaps of progress every day, and because we’re enjoying it, it’s making the improvements come naturally. The boat's starting to feel connected and fast, and with each session, we’re getting more race-ready. It’s exciting to see everything coming together!
The University rowing scene in New Zealand is thriving, offering a wide range of opportunities for young athletes to train, compete, and represent New Zealand on the international stage.
Whether competing in the Trans-Tasman Series against Australia or lining up at the start line in Germany, this cohort of Kiwi university athletes has the potential to make a serious impact - we can’t wait to see what they achieve.
Good luck to all those competing!
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.
