Celebrating 20 years of Tairāwhiti Rising Legends programme

Former Tairāwhiti Rising Legends squad members (from left) Chris Dawson (2009 - 2011) and Emily Atkins (2007) with several of the 2026 crop - Jacqueline Kennedy, Emily Petro, Taylor Newman, Bay Bramwell, Rori Fukushima-Hall and Eli Wright. Absent: Indie Nikora and Kayla Namana.

Five new athletes have joined the Tairāwhiti Rising Legends programme this year as the initiative celebrates two decades of supporting emerging sporting talent across the region.

The eight-strong 2026 squad features athletes across eight sports.

“With alumni progressing to Olympic, world and Commonwealth [Games] success, this exciting group continues the legacy, perhaps nurturing our next global champion,“ Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti event and talent lead Debbie Hutchings said.

“These athletes will be exposed to workshops that will support their journey in high performance sport and contribute to helping them work towards their goals.”

The 2026 Rising Legends squad is:

RETURNING ATHLETES

• Jaqueline Kennedy – kayaking/surf lifesaving.

• Emily Petro – surf lifesaving.

• Taylor Newman – kayaking/surf lifesaving/swimming.

NEW MEMBERS

• Blake (Bay) Bramwell – rowing.

• Rori Fukushina-Hall – rugby/touch/surf lifesaving/swimming.

• Kayla Namana – netball.

• Indie Nikora – rugby.

• Eli Wright – badminton.

For 20 years, the TRL programme has provided wraparound support for talented young athletes, equipping them with the tools, knowledge and connections needed to thrive in high-performance sport while remaining grounded in their community, a Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti press release said.

Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti is the only regional sports trust in New Zealand that still offers a talent programme. The programme is only possible through the generosity of funders.

As the programme enters its third decade, the focus remains on nurturing potential, strengthening resilience and supporting athletes to pursue excellence on national and international stages.

A 20-year celebration will be held in June to acknowledge the milestone and the 130 athletes who have taken part in the programme across 38 sports.