New Zealand and Australia’s top young surf lifesaving sports and pool rescue competitors have concluded two days of races on the Gold Coast.

The 2025 Battle of the Tasman featured pool rescue events at the Southport Aquatic Centre on Friday 29 August, and surf and beach events at Kurrawa Beach on Saturday, August 30.

This year’s New Zealand team features a blend of seasoned athletes and exciting new talent. Several competitors with 2024 Junior Lifesaving World Championships experience have reunited as teammates.

This includes Bella Wansbrough (East End), Daniel Callebaut (East End), Isaac Gear (Piha), Sophie Petro (Midway), Tara Shotter (East End), Braith Swanberg (Omanu), Jasper Cornish (Red Beach), and Yahni Brown (Midway).

Mens' ocean race at the Battle of the Tasman 2025. Photo / Surf Life Saving Australia. 

Day two saw some tough competition with the Australians dominating the morning events. However, the New Zealand athletes regrouped over lunch and finished strongly.

Ultimately, all three New Zealand teams finished behind their counterparts but came away hungry for to bridge the gap in the lead up to Lifesaving world Championships in South Africa in 2026.

Womens' ocean race at the Battle of the Tasman 2025. Photo / Surf Life Saving Australia.

The New Zealand coaching team congratulated all competitors on their strong performance across both days.

“We’re proud of our young athletes and would like to thank our Australian hosts for running an outstanding event. The event provided youth and pathway athletes a chance to learning new skills across multiple disciplines in a condensed world championships format.”

Final pointscore:

AUS 891
NZ 715

NZ Youth 150
AUS Youth 197

AUS Green 382
AUS Gold 312
NZ White 298
NZ Grey 267

Full results: Live Heats

For more information visit surflifesavingnz.org.nz