Two Tauranga surf lifesaving athletes are set to represent New Zealand on the international stage.

Charlie Shivnan, 18, and Olivia Verryt, 17, from Omanu Surf Life Saving Club have been selected for Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s 2026 Junior Black Fins squad.

The pair are among New Zealand’s most promising young lifesaving athletes currently attending an international development camp in Queensland, Australia.

The week-long camp gives athletes experience in an international high-performance environment before the world championships in South Africa at the end of the year.

Shivnan began surf lifesaving in 2013, when his mother and father took him to nippers, following in his older brother and sister’s footsteps.

He recorded a standout domestic season in the past year, winning the surf race at the International Surf Rescue Challenge and claiming silver in the Iron and board race events.

Shivnan said representing New Zealand had always been a goal of his.

“To get to do it halfway across the world is a huge honour.”

Verryt also produced impressive results this season, claiming podium finishes in the swim, board race and Iron events at nationals.

She also won the under-19 double ski title and helped her teams complete a clean sweep of under-17 relay events.

Verryt, who is in her final year of high school serving as a sports prefect, said she was looking forward to testing herself against the world’s best.

“Going on to world champs will be a thrilling test, and I couldn’t be happier to be representing New Zealand.”

Surf Life Saving New Zealand high-performance manager Holly Fletcher said the squad earned the selection through consistent performances across the domestic season.

“Congratulations to everyone selected. This is an exciting milestone and a chance to experience international competition while continuing to grow as athletes and teammates.”

Fletcher said the future of New Zealand surf lifesaving was looking “incredibly strong”.

“We’re excited to see this group take the next step together.”

Shivnan and Verryt are among 12 athletes selected for the 2026 Junior Black Fins squad.

They will be joined by fellow Bay of Plenty representatives Natalie Peat of Pāpāmoa, who was named team coach, and John Bryant of Mount Maunganui, who will serve as team manager.

2026 Junior Black Fins squad:

Charlie Shivnan – Omanu

Charlize Duncan – Fitzroy

Charlotte Aburn – St Clair

Chris Callebaut – East End

Dylan Blanchard – Red Beach

Ella Sutton – Midway

India Vaughan – Mairangi Bay

Jack Rust – East End

Lucy Kinnear – Waimarama

Max Cave – East End

Ollie Harland – Lyall Bay

Olivia Verryt – Omanu

Junior Black Fins Support Team:

Arna Majstrović – Waikanae, campaign lead

Bjorn Battaerd – Red Beach, team coach

Natalie Peat – Pāpāmoa, team coach

Lauren Johnson – Red Beach, team coach

John Bryant – Mount Maunganui, team manager

Georgia Tucker – physiotherapist

Dr Theo Dorfling – campaign doctor