- Home
- /
- International Regattas
- /
- Ready to Race:...
Ready to Race: The Next Wave of Kiwi Rowing Talent
The recent announcement of the New Zealand U19 Rowing Team highlights the exciting future of rowing in Aotearoa. This talented group of young athletes will compete at the 2025 World Rowing U19 Championships in Trakai, Lithuania, from August 6-10.
With strong individual performers and some international experience amongst the team, all eyes will be on how these combinations develop in the lead-up to the international regatta.
The regatta will take place on Lake Galvė which is a beautiful picturesque location. It hosted the 2017 U19 World Rowing Championships and is well known for its scenic setting, including the iconic island castle visible near the finish line. The course offers both a stunning backdrop and a vibrant atmosphere for racing that I'm sure many New Zealand spectators will enjoy.
Selection into the Rowing New Zealand U19 Team is a prestigious achievement-one that many school-aged rowers across the country dream of. It marks the first step on Rowing New Zealand's development pathway, with many athletes going on to represent New Zealand at U23 and elite levels, including at the Olympic Games.
Here is the lineup for the newly selected New Zealand U19 team:
Men's U19 Eight
Luke Tompkins, Avon Rowing Club
Bede Giera, Avon Rowing Club
Ben Allan, Avon Rowing Club
Payo O'Sullivan, Avon Rowing Club
Corben Campbell, Hamilton Boys' High School
Jack Buckley, Westlake Boys' High School
Blake Cooper, Sacred Heart College, Auckland
George Marshall, Sacred Heart College, Auckland
Coxswain: Eliza O'Meagher, Cashmere High School
Coach: Dale Maher
Men's U19 Double Scull
Nathan Strachan, Macleans College
Harry Lightfoot, Wakatipu High School
Coach: Alice Denyer
Women's U19 Coxless Four
Maclaine Stuart, Waikato Diocesan
Aine Leeson, St Margaret's College
Coco Flood, St Margaret's College
Lilly Grant, Craighead Diocesan
Coach: Matt Adam
Women's U19 Quad
Angalla Carney, Waikato Diocesan
Charlotte Peterson, Marian College
Sadie Mason, Twizel Area School
Eleri Clare, Cashmere High School
Coach: Alice Denyer
Tour Manager
Maxine Hughes
This is an exceptionally strong group of athletes, and we look forward with great anticipation to seeing what these crews will accomplish as they represent New Zealand on the world stage.
Over the last few years, a New Zealand Men's U19 Eight has been selected each season, consistently reaching the A Finals at the U19 World Rowing Championships. However, a medal has remained just out of reach. This year, that might change. With a powerful crew, exceptional individual talent, and the guidance of experienced coach Dale Maher.
This year's crew includes two returning athletes from last year's fourth-place boat: Ben Allan and Payo O'Sullivan. Both bring invaluable international experience, having already raced against the world's top U19 rowers and they understand the intensity and pressure of the World Championships stage. Domestically, they've also proven their strength. Representing Avon Rowing Club, Ben and Payo had an outstanding season-winning gold in the Men's Senior Eight and silver in the Senior Four at the 2025 National Rowing Championships. Ben further cemented his place among New Zealand's top young rowers by winning the Premier Men's Eight, earning him the prestigious Red Coat. Also from Avon, Bede Giera and Luke Thompson had a dominant showing at the 2025 NZ Rowing Championships, collecting three gold medals in the Men's Four, Pair, and Eight (club events), highlighting the depth of talent in this year's crew.
Corben, representing Hamilton Boys' High School, claimed silver in the Men's Four at the recent Maadi Regatta, while George and Blake, rowing as a pair for Sacred Heart Boys, also secured silver. Coxswain Eliza had a standout Maadi Regatta as well, winning the Girls U18 Coxed Quad and taking silver in the U17 Coxed Quad. Jack Buckley, who delivered an extraordinary performance at Maadi, going undefeated and securing the coveted "Triple Threat": gold in the Pair, Four, and Eight. Jack's winning mentality and proven race ability are sure to be a driving force for the crew as they prepare for the U19 World Championships later this year.
With a powerful crew, exceptional individual talent, and the guidance of experienced coach Dale Maher our men's U19 eight are getting ready to smash it out on Lake Galve next month. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
The recently selected Men's U19 Double has an impressive track record from this year's Maadi Regatta, highlighting their potential on the world stage. Nathan Strachan claimed victory in the prestigious U18 Single Sculls-one of the most coveted titles in schoolboy rowing. His doubles partner, Harry, dominated the remaining U18 sculling events, winning gold in both the U18 Quad and U18 Double.
Together, Nathan and Harry secured gold across every U18 sculling event - a remarkable feat that showcases their potential to be a powerful force.
The Men's U19 Double ready to compete in Trakai of Harry Lightfoot (stroke) and Nathan Strachan have an impressive track record from this year's Maadi. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
In the women's four, Maclaine Stuart delivered an impressive performance at the Maadi Regatta, earning two silver medals in the U18 Four and Eight while representing Waikato Diocesan.
Maclaine was also eligible to race in the U17 category, where she claimed gold in the U17 Four - demonstrating both her potential and versatility at a young age.
Lily showcased her adaptability across both sweep and sculling disciplines, winning a silver medal in the U18 Coxed Quad and a bronze in the Women's Coxless Pair.
Coco Flood is the only returning female athlete from last year's U19 team. Her international racing experience will be crucial, offering leadership and insight to first time international racers. Coco had another successful Maadi Regatta campaign this year, where she, along with fellow U19 Women's Four teammate Aine Leeson, won gold in both the U18 Pair and Eight, and also secured bronze in the U18 Four. This proven partnership between Coco and Aine forms a strong and experienced core that the rest of the crew will build around.
With Coco's international experience, the established strength of Coco and Aine as a combination, Lily's versatility, and Maclaine's youthful determination, this U19 Women's Four is shaping up to be a formidable and fast crew - one to watch closely at the World Championships.
Our U19 Women's Four is shaping up to be a formidable and fast crew - one to watch closely at the World Championships. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
The Women's Quad is also shaping up to be a highly promising crew, built around four strong and accomplished single scullers who will focus on building cohesion in the lead-up to the World Championships. Eleri took gold in the U17 Single Sculls at Maadi, while Angalla claimed victory in the highly competitive U18 Single Sculls, with Charlotte finishing just behind to earn the silver. Eleri also added another gold to her collection in the U18 Coxed Quad, and Charlotte secured bronze medals in the U18 Double Sculls, representing Cashmere High School and Marian College, respectively. Sadie, rowing for Twizel Area School, also had a standout Maadi Regatta, taking silver in the U18 Double.
Together, these four athletes have already demonstrated their individual class-and, more importantly, their potential as a unit. Their strong performances at the recent U19 trials confirmed their compatibility and promise as a crew. With continued time together and focused preparation, this Women's Quad could become a real contender on the world stage.
Our U19 Women's Quad proved their compatibility and promise at trials earlier this month. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
How does it feel to have been selected to represent New Zealand for the first time?
Payo O'Sullivan: It's my second year doing NZ U19s, it's pretty special to be able to do it a second time with some other mates from last year and with lots of new people.
Coco Flood: It has been really cool to be selected again for another year into the U19 team and to get to meet lots of new people and build on what I learnt last year and have another opportunity to race overseas.
Sadie Mason: Being selected to represent New Zealand for the first time is a privilege, It's an incredible experience that I am excited to be part of.
Harry Lightfoot: It's unreal, and an honour to be able to represent New Zealand on the world stage. Wearing the fern has been a dream for me, and achieving this is a massive moment. This makes the countless hours of training and racing all worth it.
Sadie Mason (Twizel Area School) from the Women's U19 Quad sees being in the team as a privilege. Photo: Dave Mills Photography.
What learnings from your school rowing teams will you be bringing into the U19 team?
Payo O'Sullivan: Enjoy it. That was the main thing our coach from school told us when we were rowing. it's hard work but you have to enjoy it.
Coco Flood: to make the most of the opportunity and to take everything in and to be adaptable to change.
Sadie Mason: One thing I have taken from my school team is to make the most of the opportunity and time in campaign. It's something not many people get to experience so I am trying to embrace it all.
Harry Lightfoot: During school rowing, I learnt the importance of teamwork, discipline, and accountability. I will bring these qualities to the group so we can all function well in our separate crews and as a wider team.
Payo O'Sullivan (Avon Rowing Club) from the U19 Men's Eight is prioritising the enjoyment aspect of rowing. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
What learnings from your school rowing teams will you be bringing into the U19 team?
Payo O'Sullivan: Enjoy it. That was the main thing our coach from school told us when we were rowing. it's hard work but you have to enjoy it.
Coco Flood: to make the most of the opportunity and to take everything in and to be adaptable to change.
Sadie Mason: One thing I have taken from my school team is to make the most of the opportunity and time in campaign. It's something not many people get to experience so I am trying to embrace it all.
Harry Lightfoot: During school rowing, I learnt the importance of teamwork, discipline, and accountability. I will bring these qualities to the group so we can all function well in our separate crews and as a wider team.
Coco Flood (St Margaret's College) from the U19 Women's Four bound for World Rowing U19 Championships in August is making the most of the opportunity. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
These crews represent the very best of New Zealand's young rowing talent. With strong domestic results, international experience, and dedicated coaching, they are well established to take on the world's best in Trakai in under 10 days time.
We can't wait to watch these young athletes wear the silver fern with pride. Good luck to all those competing - New Zealand is behind you all the way!
Follow the team's journey via rowinghub.co.nz and Rowing NZ's social handles.
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.
Share Story
- Home
- /
- International Regattas
- /
- Ready to Race:...
Ready to Race: The Next Wave of Kiwi Rowing Talent
The recent announcement of the New Zealand U19 Rowing Team highlights the exciting future of rowing in Aotearoa. This talented group of young athletes will compete at the 2025 World Rowing U19 Championships in Trakai, Lithuania, from August 6-10.
With strong individual performers and some international experience amongst the team, all eyes will be on how these combinations develop in the lead-up to the international regatta.
The regatta will take place on Lake Galvė which is a beautiful picturesque location. It hosted the 2017 U19 World Rowing Championships and is well known for its scenic setting, including the iconic island castle visible near the finish line. The course offers both a stunning backdrop and a vibrant atmosphere for racing that I'm sure many New Zealand spectators will enjoy.
Selection into the Rowing New Zealand U19 Team is a prestigious achievement-one that many school-aged rowers across the country dream of. It marks the first step on Rowing New Zealand's development pathway, with many athletes going on to represent New Zealand at U23 and elite levels, including at the Olympic Games.
Here is the lineup for the newly selected New Zealand U19 team:
Men's U19 Eight
Luke Tompkins, Avon Rowing Club
Bede Giera, Avon Rowing Club
Ben Allan, Avon Rowing Club
Payo O'Sullivan, Avon Rowing Club
Corben Campbell, Hamilton Boys' High School
Jack Buckley, Westlake Boys' High School
Blake Cooper, Sacred Heart College, Auckland
George Marshall, Sacred Heart College, Auckland
Coxswain: Eliza O'Meagher, Cashmere High School
Coach: Dale Maher
Men's U19 Double Scull
Nathan Strachan, Macleans College
Harry Lightfoot, Wakatipu High School
Coach: Alice Denyer
Women's U19 Coxless Four
Maclaine Stuart, Waikato Diocesan
Aine Leeson, St Margaret's College
Coco Flood, St Margaret's College
Lilly Grant, Craighead Diocesan
Coach: Matt Adam
Women's U19 Quad
Angalla Carney, Waikato Diocesan
Charlotte Peterson, Marian College
Sadie Mason, Twizel Area School
Eleri Clare, Cashmere High School
Coach: Alice Denyer
Tour Manager
Maxine Hughes
This is an exceptionally strong group of athletes, and we look forward with great anticipation to seeing what these crews will accomplish as they represent New Zealand on the world stage.
Over the last few years, a New Zealand Men's U19 Eight has been selected each season, consistently reaching the A Finals at the U19 World Rowing Championships. However, a medal has remained just out of reach. This year, that might change. With a powerful crew, exceptional individual talent, and the guidance of experienced coach Dale Maher.
This year's crew includes two returning athletes from last year's fourth-place boat: Ben Allan and Payo O'Sullivan. Both bring invaluable international experience, having already raced against the world's top U19 rowers and they understand the intensity and pressure of the World Championships stage. Domestically, they've also proven their strength. Representing Avon Rowing Club, Ben and Payo had an outstanding season-winning gold in the Men's Senior Eight and silver in the Senior Four at the 2025 National Rowing Championships. Ben further cemented his place among New Zealand's top young rowers by winning the Premier Men's Eight, earning him the prestigious Red Coat. Also from Avon, Bede Giera and Luke Thompson had a dominant showing at the 2025 NZ Rowing Championships, collecting three gold medals in the Men's Four, Pair, and Eight (club events), highlighting the depth of talent in this year's crew.
Corben, representing Hamilton Boys' High School, claimed silver in the Men's Four at the recent Maadi Regatta, while George and Blake, rowing as a pair for Sacred Heart Boys, also secured silver. Coxswain Eliza had a standout Maadi Regatta as well, winning the Girls U18 Coxed Quad and taking silver in the U17 Coxed Quad. Jack Buckley, who delivered an extraordinary performance at Maadi, going undefeated and securing the coveted "Triple Threat": gold in the Pair, Four, and Eight. Jack's winning mentality and proven race ability are sure to be a driving force for the crew as they prepare for the U19 World Championships later this year.
With a powerful crew, exceptional individual talent, and the guidance of experienced coach Dale Maher our men's U19 eight are getting ready to smash it out on Lake Galve next month. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
The recently selected Men's U19 Double has an impressive track record from this year's Maadi Regatta, highlighting their potential on the world stage. Nathan Strachan claimed victory in the prestigious U18 Single Sculls-one of the most coveted titles in schoolboy rowing. His doubles partner, Harry, dominated the remaining U18 sculling events, winning gold in both the U18 Quad and U18 Double.
Together, Nathan and Harry secured gold across every U18 sculling event - a remarkable feat that showcases their potential to be a powerful force.
The Men's U19 Double ready to compete in Trakai of Harry Lightfoot (stroke) and Nathan Strachan have an impressive track record from this year's Maadi. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
In the women's four, Maclaine Stuart delivered an impressive performance at the Maadi Regatta, earning two silver medals in the U18 Four and Eight while representing Waikato Diocesan.
Maclaine was also eligible to race in the U17 category, where she claimed gold in the U17 Four - demonstrating both her potential and versatility at a young age.
Lily showcased her adaptability across both sweep and sculling disciplines, winning a silver medal in the U18 Coxed Quad and a bronze in the Women's Coxless Pair.
Coco Flood is the only returning female athlete from last year's U19 team. Her international racing experience will be crucial, offering leadership and insight to first time international racers. Coco had another successful Maadi Regatta campaign this year, where she, along with fellow U19 Women's Four teammate Aine Leeson, won gold in both the U18 Pair and Eight, and also secured bronze in the U18 Four. This proven partnership between Coco and Aine forms a strong and experienced core that the rest of the crew will build around.
With Coco's international experience, the established strength of Coco and Aine as a combination, Lily's versatility, and Maclaine's youthful determination, this U19 Women's Four is shaping up to be a formidable and fast crew - one to watch closely at the World Championships.
Our U19 Women's Four is shaping up to be a formidable and fast crew - one to watch closely at the World Championships. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
The Women's Quad is also shaping up to be a highly promising crew, built around four strong and accomplished single scullers who will focus on building cohesion in the lead-up to the World Championships. Eleri took gold in the U17 Single Sculls at Maadi, while Angalla claimed victory in the highly competitive U18 Single Sculls, with Charlotte finishing just behind to earn the silver. Eleri also added another gold to her collection in the U18 Coxed Quad, and Charlotte secured bronze medals in the U18 Double Sculls, representing Cashmere High School and Marian College, respectively. Sadie, rowing for Twizel Area School, also had a standout Maadi Regatta, taking silver in the U18 Double.
Together, these four athletes have already demonstrated their individual class-and, more importantly, their potential as a unit. Their strong performances at the recent U19 trials confirmed their compatibility and promise as a crew. With continued time together and focused preparation, this Women's Quad could become a real contender on the world stage.
Our U19 Women's Quad proved their compatibility and promise at trials earlier this month. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
How does it feel to have been selected to represent New Zealand for the first time?
Payo O'Sullivan: It's my second year doing NZ U19s, it's pretty special to be able to do it a second time with some other mates from last year and with lots of new people.
Coco Flood: It has been really cool to be selected again for another year into the U19 team and to get to meet lots of new people and build on what I learnt last year and have another opportunity to race overseas.
Sadie Mason: Being selected to represent New Zealand for the first time is a privilege, It's an incredible experience that I am excited to be part of.
Harry Lightfoot: It's unreal, and an honour to be able to represent New Zealand on the world stage. Wearing the fern has been a dream for me, and achieving this is a massive moment. This makes the countless hours of training and racing all worth it.
Sadie Mason (Twizel Area School) from the Women's U19 Quad sees being in the team as a privilege. Photo: Dave Mills Photography.
What learnings from your school rowing teams will you be bringing into the U19 team?
Payo O'Sullivan: Enjoy it. That was the main thing our coach from school told us when we were rowing. it's hard work but you have to enjoy it.
Coco Flood: to make the most of the opportunity and to take everything in and to be adaptable to change.
Sadie Mason: One thing I have taken from my school team is to make the most of the opportunity and time in campaign. It's something not many people get to experience so I am trying to embrace it all.
Harry Lightfoot: During school rowing, I learnt the importance of teamwork, discipline, and accountability. I will bring these qualities to the group so we can all function well in our separate crews and as a wider team.
Payo O'Sullivan (Avon Rowing Club) from the U19 Men's Eight is prioritising the enjoyment aspect of rowing. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
What learnings from your school rowing teams will you be bringing into the U19 team?
Payo O'Sullivan: Enjoy it. That was the main thing our coach from school told us when we were rowing. it's hard work but you have to enjoy it.
Coco Flood: to make the most of the opportunity and to take everything in and to be adaptable to change.
Sadie Mason: One thing I have taken from my school team is to make the most of the opportunity and time in campaign. It's something not many people get to experience so I am trying to embrace it all.
Harry Lightfoot: During school rowing, I learnt the importance of teamwork, discipline, and accountability. I will bring these qualities to the group so we can all function well in our separate crews and as a wider team.
Coco Flood (St Margaret's College) from the U19 Women's Four bound for World Rowing U19 Championships in August is making the most of the opportunity. Photo: Dave Mills Photography
These crews represent the very best of New Zealand's young rowing talent. With strong domestic results, international experience, and dedicated coaching, they are well established to take on the world's best in Trakai in under 10 days time.
We can't wait to watch these young athletes wear the silver fern with pride. Good luck to all those competing - New Zealand is behind you all the way!
Follow the team's journey via rowinghub.co.nz and Rowing NZ's social handles.
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.
