Badminton New Zealand is proud to reflect on the successful delivery of the National Shuttle Time Tutor Workshop, held from 30 April to 3 May at Badminton Waitakere. The four-day workshop brought together representatives from our regional Associations, all committed to strengthening the delivery of Shuttle Time in their communities.

This important national gathering focused on building capability, aligning programme delivery, and developing the workforce that underpins badminton’s grassroots growth across Aotearoa.

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Aligning and Strengthening Shuttle Time Delivery

The first two days of the workshop followed a structured conference format, focused on collaboration, alignment and knowledge sharing.

Day one set the tone with a strong emphasis on nationalising the Bronze, Silver and Gold Shuttle Time programmes. Through a combination of presentations, group work and discussion, Associations explored how to deliver these programmes consistently across the country while still responding to local needs.

A key focus area was Shuttle Time Inclusion, ensuring coaches and deliverers are equipped with the tools to create fun, safe and engaging environments for all young people. This session reinforced the importance of accessibility and adaptability in growing participation.

The day also highlighted the shared roles and responsibilities across the network, with valuable input from Badminton Oceania, reinforcing the connection between regional delivery and international best practice.

Day two continued this momentum, with a focus on developing Youth Technical Officials through the integration of the Technical Officials Junior Award into Shuttle Time programmes. Participants also explored sponsorship opportunities, shared on-court best practice, and consolidated key learnings and action points to take back to their regions.

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Building the Shuttle Time Workforce

The final two days shifted to the delivery of the National Shuttle Time Tutor Course, a critical component in expanding badminton’s development workforce.

This course is designed to qualify Shuttle Time Tutors, who play a vital role in training Shuttle Time Teachers and Youth Leaders within their local Associations. By increasing the number of qualified tutors, Badminton New Zealand is strengthening its ability to scale high-quality programme delivery nationwide.

Participants engaged in both theoretical and practical learning, covering tutor responsibilities, facilitation techniques, and approaches to mentoring and assessing new deliverers. The course emphasised consistency, quality assurance, and the ability to confidently train others - key factors in ensuring sustainable growth of Shuttle Time.

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A Collective Effort

Workshops of this scale and impact rely on strong collaboration and support. Badminton New Zealand extends sincere thanks to Pelorus Trust for their funding support, which helped make this event possible.

We also acknowledge Badminton Waitakere for hosting the workshop and providing an excellent venue, and Badminton Oceania for their presence and contribution to the delivery of the programme.

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Looking Ahead

The National Shuttle Time Tutor Workshop represents a significant step forward in strengthening badminton’s grassroots foundation. With regional representatives now better equipped to lead, train and inspire in their communities, the impact of this workshop will be felt across schools, clubs and communities throughout New Zealand.

By investing in people, capability and connection, Badminton New Zealand continues to build a more aligned, inclusive and sustainable future for Shuttle Time - ensuring more young people can experience and love badminton for life.

Badminton New Zealand is thrilled to announce that RSL has been appointed as the Official Shuttlecock Partner of Badminton New Zealand. Through this exciting collaboration, we are introducing two new premium shuttlecock models.

These shuttles are based on proven international RSL designs, with careful refinements to ensure outstanding performance, stability, and durability in New Zealand's playing conditions. As the official shuttles for all Badminton New Zealand national events, they provide a consistent experience from local club nights right through to elite national competitions.

RSL Gold: Precision for Every Player

RSL Black: Premium Quality for Elite Competition

A Partnership That Gives Back

By choosing RSL Gold or RSL Black, you’ll be helping to fund player development and aspirations across the country for years to come, with 50c from every tube being donated to the Jeff & Heather Robson Memorial Badminton Trust.

Founded in honour of Jeff and Heather Robson – two of New Zealand badminton's most influential figures – the Trust delivers essential grants to talented players nationwide. These contributions help to remove barriers and unlock potential for athletes pursuing national and global success. In doing so, it sustains the growth of the sport at every level, turning individual aspirations into lasting achievements for badminton in New Zealand.

With RSL as our Official Shuttlecock Partner, we're strengthening the foundation of badminton in New Zealand – delivering world-class consistency and giving back to the community. Stock arrives mid-April, so clubs, coaches, and competition organisers are encouraged to prepare now.

To request a quote or place an order, contact RSL directly at: rslnz1928@gmail.com

Badminton New Zealand is pleased to announce a new three-year partnership with Badminton Waitakere that will see the launch of a U19 Invitational Tournament, providing $10,000 in prize money annually to support New Zealand’s leading junior players.

Supported by Badminton Waitakere, in particular, their Masters’ Committee, the initiative is designed to directly assist emerging athletes with the cost of training and competing at the highest level – especially those set to represent New Zealand at the BWF World Junior Championships.

The Invitational Tournament will be delivered in August as part of a national training camp, providing members of the New Zealand U17 & U19 Performance Squad with intense competition to sharpen their skills ahead of the World Championships.

The three-year agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the junior pathway and ensuring talented young players are better supported as they progress towards world-level competition.

Paul Shirley of Waitakere Badminton said the initiative reflects the Masters community’s desire to give back to the sport.

“Many of our Masters players have enjoyed decades in badminton, and we recognise the sacrifices young athletes and their families make to compete at the highest level. This initiative is about backing the next generation in a practical way.”

Donna Trow of Badminton New Zealand said the partnership represents a powerful example of collaboration within the badminton community.

“International junior campaigns require significant investment, and initiatives like this make a real difference. We’re incredibly grateful to Waitakere’s Masters’ Committee for their leadership and generosity. This support strengthens our junior programme and provides meaningful recognition for athletes striving to represent New Zealand with pride.”

Further details on the Invitational Tournament will be confirmed closer to the event.

Badminton New Zealand is proud to announce the players selected for our U15 Development Squad and U17 & U19 Performance Squad. This talented group will kick off their year with high-performance training camps in January, before stepping into the NZ Junior Badminton League and a series of development camps throughout the season. Their selection recognises both potential and commitment, and we’re excited to support their growth as they take the next steps on their badminton journey.

2026 Under 15 Development Squad

• Alex Zhang (WKO)
• Kingsley Li (WN)
• Tyler Dreaver (AK)
• Martin Gao (NH)
• Aaron Duan (WEL)
• Jayson Yang (WKO)
• Ethan Yu (NH)
• Elliot Leung (AK)
• Daniel Andrew (WKO)
• Jeremy Zhang (WN)
• Marco Sun (CAN)
• Alex Chen (NH)
• Leon Li (NH)
• Ian Chen (WN)
• Lucas Ziwen Ly (NH)
• Jason Liang (NH)
• Angela Diao (WKO)
• Jennie Liang (NH)
• Jana Priya Krishnakumar (NH)
• Anna Lu (NH)
• Amy Zhang (NH)
• Hannah Shang (WKO)
• Xinen (Anna) Xu (NH)
• Enaayat Enaayat (AK)
• Dina Lei (AK)
• Alina Li (CM)
• Oliva Yew (WKO)
• Katrina Huang (CAN)
• Hailey Lei (NH)
• Sukhsehaj Kaur (CAN)
• Sheena Li Wenxi (NH)
• Yu Chen (Bella) Bai (NH)

Invited to the January Camp only:

• Ray Gao (CAN)
• Isaac Liu (AK)
• Kaylee Chan (CM)

Coaches: Tracey Hallam, Cici Xie, Angus Crawford, Chris Sharrock

2026 Under 17 & 19 Performance Squad

• Jay Xuan Tan (CAN)
• Ansen Bee (BOP)
• Tony Yu (NH)
• Alvin To Kan Han (NH)
• Lucas Qin (WKO)
• Michael Hui (NH)
• Jason Shiqi Tong (NH)
• Eason Lei (CM)
• Larry Li (NH)
• Vincent Xu (NH)
• Leo Xu (NH)
• Ben Rambaud (CM)
• Rosie Yang (AK)
• Josephine Zhao (NH)
• Natalie Ting (NH)
• Josie Lee (WKO)
• Olivia Yang (WTK)
• Yanxi Liu (NH)
• Justreen Soriano (WTK)
• Emmy Xu (NH)
• Rebecca Zhang (NH)
• Selena Wu (NH)
• Rina Kim (CAN)
• Amy Wang (NH)

Reserves:

• Caleb Lim (BOP)
• Zooni Ahuja (CAN)

Coaches: Nick Chambers, Oliver Leydon-Davis, Kenneth Yew

Badminton New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Hamilton as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing 9 February 2026.

Claire brings over 20 years of experience across the sports and events sector, with senior leadership roles in Auckland Basketball Services, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, New Zealand Football, and national youth development pathways. She has a strong track record in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, governance, and building high-performance environments.

Badminton New Zealand Board Chair, Ravi Nyayapati, said Claire’s appointment marks an important step forward for the organisation. 

“Claire brings a rare combination of strategic clarity, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to community and high-performance sport. We are confident she will provide the leadership needed to drive our next phase of growth and delivery.”

The Board also acknowledges outgoing interim Chief Executive Jane Patterson, ONZM for her leadership and stability for the organisation.

Claire will begin her role in February and will lead the implementation of Badminton New Zealand’s new Statement of Strategic Direction.

For further information, please contact:  office@badminton.org.nz

At 91 years young, Waihi’s Milly Culton is stepping down from her role leading Wednesday Morning Badminton after more than 65 years of volunteering across her community.

Milly’s story is a remarkable testament to the power of volunteering and the difference one person can make.

A Lifetime of Service

Born and raised in Waihi, Milly has given her time generously across countless community groups. She was awarded an Outstanding Community Service Award by the Hauraki District Council in 2017, is a Life Member of both the Waihi Tennis Club and the Waihi A & P Show, and has been a central figure in everything from athletics to highland dancing to Meals on Wheels.

Alongside her husband Jimmy, Milly organised the Waihi Junior Athletic Club, often loading buses full of local children to travel around the Hauraki District. For over 65 years she also organised the highland dancing at the Waihi A & P Show, after a successful career as a competitive dancer herself.

Bringing Badminton to Waihi

Milly’s connection to badminton began in 1969, when a group of women from the local tennis community decided to “give badminton a go” over winter. Just 24 women turned up at the Old Waihi Drill Hall that first week, and only two had ever played before.

From that moment, Milly became the organiser and driving force of Wednesday Morning Badminton – a role she has held ever since. Whether she was playing, running the draws, recording scores, or organising interclub competitions, Milly made sure the group was welcoming, competitive, and fun.

At its peak, the group had 60 regular players and three divisions of graded interclub competition. Even after she retired from playing herself, Milly continued to organise the mornings, making sure everything ran smoothly. For Milly, Wednesday mornings were non-negotiable – family holidays had to be planned around badminton.

Building Community Beyond the Court

Milly’s leadership extended well beyond organising matches. Under her guidance, Wednesday Morning Badminton raised funds for a new Waihi stadium, donated annually to Waihi St John Ambulance and Starship Hospital, and fostered decades of friendships.

She fondly remembers the camaraderie of “bring a plate” lunches after interclub matches, the laughter of organising teams without mobile phones, and the joy of seeing so many people pick up a racquet thanks to her efforts.

Stepping Down – But Never Forgotten

After more than five decades of leadership, Milly is now handing over the reins. She admits she will miss the contact with players – though perhaps not the early morning winter starts!

Badminton New Zealand extends a heartfelt thank you to Milly Culton. Her passion, generosity, and commitment have not only sustained badminton in Waihi but also inspired generations of volunteers across New Zealand.

Volunteers like Milly remind us that sport is built on community spirit, and that behind every game are people who give their time so others can play.

Thank you, Milly.