Begins with Dominant Performances and Early Statements

The opening day of the 2026 Wisden Cup delivered a mix of commanding victories and tightly contested encounters as associations from across New Zealand battled for early supremacy.

North Harbour, Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Wellington North, Otago and Waitakere all took to the courts on Thursday, with several teams making immediate statements in their opening fixtures of the qualifcation round. North Harbour 1, Auckland 1, North Harbour 2, Counties Manukau 1 and Waikato 1 each secured 12-0 victories, showcasing impressive depth across all disciplines and setting the benchmark for the competition.

As the intense qualification came to an end, we saw our 12 association teams split into their respective Wisden and Slazenger Cup round robin pools

Slazenger Cup Highlights:

As the day progressed, matches became increasingly competitive. Wellington North 1 produced a dominant performance to defeat Wellington North 2 by an 11-1 margin, while Waikato 2 and Otago battled fiercely in a closely contested tie. With Waikato 2 ultimately claiming the 6-6 encounter on game difference. Counties Manukau 2 also continued its strong start to the tournament, overcoming Auckland 2 by 8-4 through a consistent team effort across the tie.

Wisden Cup Highlights:

An all-Harbour encounter saw North Harbour 1 defeat North Harbour 2 by 9-3, further highlighting the association's depth across its squads. Counties Manukau 1 then secured one of the tightest results of the day, overcoming Waitakere 7-5 in a closely fought tie, while Auckland 1 rounded out the session with a convincing 9-3 victory over Waikato 1 to remain among the tournament's early pace-setters.

Day One - Qualification Results:

• North Harbour 1 def. Counties Manukau 2, 12-0
• Auckland 1 def. Waikato 2, 12-0
• North Harbour 2 def. Wellington North 2, 12-0
• Counties Manukau 1 def. Otago, 12-0
• Waitakere def. Wellington North 1, 10-2
• Waikato 1 def. Auckland 2, 12-0

Slazenger Cup Results:

• Wellington North 1 def. Wellington North 2, 11-1
• Auckland 2 lost to Counties Manukau 2, 4-8
• Waikato 2 def. Otago, 6-6

Wisden Cup Results:

• North Harbour 1 def. North Harbour 2, 9-3
• Counties Manukau 1 def. Waitakere, 7-5
• Auckland 1 def. Waikato 1, 9-3

With several associations already showing strong form, the race for the 2026 Wisden Cup is shaping up to be highly competitive. As teams head into the second day of competition, every tie and every match will continue to play a crucial role in determining who remains in contention for the coveted title.

Day two Highlights:

Wisden Cup:

The Wisden Cup continued to take shape across both rounds, with North Harbour emerging as the standout association of the day. North Harbour 1 opened with an 11-1 victory over Waikato 1 before following up with a flawless 12-0 win against Counties Manukau 1, while North Harbour 2 recorded convincing victories over Waitakere (9-3) and Waikato 1 (10-2). Auckland 1 suffered a 4-8 defeat to Counties Manukau 1 in the morning before came back in the in the afternoon defeating Waitakere 8-4. With a series of commanding performances, both North Harbour and Auckland strengthened their positions as the tournament progressed.

Slazenger Cup:

The Slazenger Cup produced several closely contested ties throughout the day, with teams trading valuable points in a highly competitive field. Wellington North 1 started strongly with a 10-2 victory over Waikato 2, while Auckland 2 and Counties Manukau 2 recorded solid 9-3 wins over Wellington North 2 and Otago respectively. The afternoon session saw Counties Manukau 2 edge Wellington North 1 by 7-5 and Auckland 2 claim an identical victory over Otago, while Waikato 2 narrowly defeated Wellington North 2 in a 6-6 tie, prevailing on game difference. With multiple teams producing strong performances, the standings remain finely balanced as teams prepare for last day of competition.

Day Two Wisden Results:

• North Harbour 1 def. Waikato 1, 11-1
• North Harbour 2 def. Waitakere, 9-3
• Counties Manukau 1 def. Auckland 1, 8-4
• Auckland 1 def. Waitakere, 8-4
• North Harbour 2 def. Waikato 1, 10-2
• North Harbour 1 def. Counties Manukau 1, 12-0

Day Two Slazenger Results:

• Auckland 2 def. Wellington North 2, 9-3
• Wellington North 1 def. Waikato 2, 10-2
• Counties Manukau 2 def. Otago, 9-3
• Counties Manukau 2 def. Wellington North 1, 7-5
• Auckland 2 def. Otago, 7-5
• Waikato 2 def. Wellington North 2, 6-6 (game difference)

Day Three Highlights

Wisden Cup:

The final round of Wisden Cup pool play delivered several decisive results as teams pushed for strong finishes. North Harbour 1 continued its dominant run through the competition, recording back-to-back 12-0 victories over Waitakere and Auckland 1 to cement its position at the top of the standings. Counties Manukau 1 secured an important 9-3 win over Waikato 1, while North Harbour 2 narrowly defeated Auckland 1 by 7-5 in one of the closest ties of the round. North Harbour 2 ultimately claiming the 7-5 result against Counties Manukau 1 to round out a strong campaign.

Slazenger Cup:

The Slazenger Cup produced another day of competitive badminton, highlighted by several closely contested encounters. Wellington North 1 opened with a 9-3 victory over Otago, while Counties Manukau 2 recorded a 10-2 results against Wellington North 2. In the later round, Otago responded with a convincing 10-2 win over Wellington North 2, while Counties Manukau 2 overcame Waikato 2 by 8-4. Auckland 2 recorded a strong 9-3 victory over Waikato 2 before falling 8-4 to Wellington North 1 in its final tie of the day.

Final Standings:

Links:

Follow draws and results: https://badminton.org.nz/event/wisden-and-slazenger-cup-2026/

More Photos: https://photos.badminton.org.nz/wisdenandslazengercup2026/

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Made with high-grade goose feathers, the RSL Gold delivers stable and accurate flight, making it the perfect choice for club play, regional competitions, and junior pathways.

• Official shuttle for all Badminton New Zealand Junior National events
• Recommended for regional inter-association competitions and local tournaments

Clubs and associations can confidently adopt RSL Gold to support player development while aligning with national standards.

RSL Black: Premium Quality for Elite Competition

The RSL Black features premium-grade goose feathers for superior durability, enhanced flight consistency, and top-level performance.

• Recommended for A Grade and elite competition
• Official shuttle for all Badminton New Zealand Senior National events

This model empowers our top athletes to train and compete with the same equipment trusted at the highest levels in New Zealand.

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

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.

Both teams entered the final unbeaten in the group stage, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.

Shaunna Li Sets the Tone

Shaunna Li opened the final with confidence and composure, delivering a convincing win in her rematch against Tiffany Ho, 21–13, 21–19. Shaunna’s performance put New Zealand ahead early and set a strong tone for the tie.

Amy Wang Shows Fight

In the second singles, Amy Wang faced Australia’s Faye Huo. Amy battled hard and stayed competitive throughout, but Australia managed to close out the match to level the tie at 1–1.

Promising Start from Zhao

Josephine Zhao showed great promise in her singles encounter, leading in both games at different stages. Despite her strong starts and aggressive play, Australia fought back to secure the match and take a 2–1 lead.

Ting / Zhou Push Olympian Pair

The doubles clash provided one of the most thrilling moments of the night. Scratch pair Natalie Ting and Camellia Zhou took on Olympian Gronya Somerville and partner Faye Huo in a high-quality three-game battle.

The Kiwi pair pushed the Australians all the way, with momentum swinging back and forth and the crowd fully engaged. Despite the spirited effort, Australia edged ahead to claim the third point and secure qualification for the Uber Cup.

Li / Lin Close Out the Tie

Shaunna Li returned to court alongside Laura Lin for the final doubles match, facing Angela Yu and Jesslyn Carrisia. The New Zealand pair fought strongly and looked to add another point to the tally, but Australia narrowly edged the contest to complete the 4–1 result.

While the titles remained with Australia, New Zealand’s women demonstrated composure, competitiveness, and belief throughout the Championships. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, the Uber Cup team showed encouraging signs for the future.

Badminton New Zealand is extremely proud of the effort shown by both the men’s and women’s teams. Competing at this level on home soil is a privilege, and the performances throughout the week highlight the continued growth of New Zealand badminton.

Onwards and upwards.

Cover Photo: Badminton Oceania / Paul Foxall

After both teams progressed through the group stage undefeated, the final promised to be a tightly contested battle — and it did not disappoint.

Edward Lau Sets the Tone

Edward Lau stepped onto court first and immediately set the scene by putting the first point on the board for New Zealand. After a shaky start, Edward settled into the match and showed composure under pressure, defeating Jack Yu in three games, 16–21, 21–18, 21–18.

The early lead gave New Zealand strong momentum heading into the doubles.

Deloy / Jeffrey Deliver a Nail-Biter

Raphael Deloy and Adam Jeffrey produced one of the most dramatic matches of the night. Facing Andika Ramadiansyah and Frederick Zhao, the Kiwi pair found themselves trailing late in the third game before mounting a stunning comeback, winning six consecutive points to level the score at 18-all.

From there, it was neck-and-neck. Eventually, Australia edged ahead 23–21 to level the tie at 1–1.

Gruelling Singles Battle

Chris Benzie then took to court in what became a physically demanding singles encounter. Both players pushed their limits in a high-intensity battle, with long rallies and relentless pressure from both sides. It was a strong effort from Benzie, but Australia managed to gain the upper hand to take a 2–1 lead.

Doubles Rematch Seals the Tie

With the score at 2–1, Dylan Soedjasa returned to court for a crucial men’s doubles clash — a rematch of sorts from his individual finals campaign — this time partnering Vincent Tao. The Kiwi pair fought hard in an attempt to level the tie, but Australia’s combination proved strong, closing the match 21–18, 21–17 and securing the decisive third point.

Cheng Fights Until the End

Although the tie was sealed, Ricky Cheng continued to show tremendous fighting spirit in the final match against Oceania champion Shrey Dhand. Cheng pushed hard and kept the pressure on, but Dhand eventually closed the contest 23–21, 21–17 to complete the 4–1 result.

While the outcome did not fall New Zealand’s way, the men demonstrated resilience and fight throughout the campaign.

Badminton New Zealand is incredibly proud of the Thomas Cup team and the way they represented the country on home soil.

Cover Photo: Badminton Oceania / Paul Foxall

What a night at Badminton North Harbour. The semi-finals delivered tight scorelines, quality rallies, and strong performances across every event, with Kiwi players featuring prominently throughout the evening.

Mixed Doubles

The night began with a gripping mixed doubles clash between experienced veterans Adam Jeffrey / Laura Lin and the new pair Ricky Cheng / Natalie Ting.

Cheng / Ting came out sharp and fearless, taking the first game 21-17 and immediately putting pressure on the experienced Jeffrey / Lin pairing. The response from the veterans was just as strong — they regrouped quickly and dominated the second game 21-12 to force a decider.

The third game was pure drama and had everyone in the hall at the edge of their seat. Long rallies, brave net play, and relentless attacking from both sides had the home crowd fully invested. Jeffrey / Lin had match point first in the third game but with the stadium behind them, Cheng / Ting held their nerve in the closing moments to seal the match 23-21 on home court — a special moment for the North Harbour duo.

Final Score: Cheng / Ting def. Jeffrey / Lin | 21-17, 12-21, 23-21

Women’s Singles

An all-New Zealand semi-final saw Shaunna Li face Amy Wang in a highly anticipated rematch of their North Harbour International encounter late last season.

From the opening rally, both players showed intent. Wang came out aggressively, looking to dictate the pace and take the shuttle early. She built a 14-10 lead in the first game with sharp placement and confident attacking play. However, Li’s experience began to show as she absorbed the pressure, tightened her net control, and gradually shifted momentum. Staying composed in the longer rallies, Li strung together crucial points to close out the first game 21-15.

The second game followed a similar pattern. Wang once again found early momentum, pushing Li and testing her defensive consistency. But Li remained steady, keeping her unforced errors low and capitalising on key opportunities at the mid-game interval. With calm execution in the closing stages, Li secured the match 21-17 and booked her place in the final.

It was a strong display of composure from Li, while Wang showed once again why she is one of the rising players to watch.

Final Score: Li def. Wang | 21-15, 21-17

Women’s Doubles

Berry Ng / Amanda Ting ensured Kiwi representation in the women’s doubles final after a strong comeback performance against the Australian second seeds.

After dropping the first game 12-21, Ng / Ting lifted their intensity and tightened their defence. They edged a close second game 21-19 before maintaining control in the decider to win 21-18.

The result guarantees New Zealand a medal in the event and adds a special family storyline, with Amanda Ting joining her sister Natalie Ting in the finals across two disciplines.

Final Score: Ng / Ting def. AUS (2nd seeds) | 12-21, 21-19, 21-18

Men’s Doubles

The men’s doubles semi-final was definitely a match to watch.

In 2025, Adam Jeffrey and Dylan Soedjasa were crowned VICTOR Oceania Men’s Doubles Champions together. This year, however, both players entered the Championships with new partners.

Top seeds Adam Jeffrey / Raphael Deloy entered the semi-final as favourites. The pairing has built strong momentum over the past year and came in as the number one seeds with consistent performances backing them up.

Across the net stood Dylan Soedjasa / Chris Benzie — a fairly new combination, but both experienced campaigners in their own right. What unfolded was one of the matches of the tournament.

Jeffrey / Deloy began strongly, building an early lead in the first game (8-1) and showing why they were tipped to progress. However, Benzie / Soedjasa settled into the match and gradually found their rhythm. After clawing their way back into contention, they edged the opening game 21-19.

The second game remained close throughout. Jeffrey / Deloy continued to apply pressure, but Benzie / Soedjasa stayed composed in the key moments and once again closed the game 21-19 to secure their place in the final.

It was a disciplined performance from the scratch pairing against the tournament favourites.

Final Score: Benzie / Soedjasa def. Jeffrey / Deloy | 21-19, 21-19

Men’s Singles

The last Finals spot of the evening featured another all-Kiwi battle, with reigning champion Edward Lau taking on Ricky Cheng, who was fresh off his mixed doubles semi-final victory.

Lau started confidently, controlling the tempo from the outset. His sharp attacking play and precise placement allowed him to dictate rallies, taking the first game 21-12. At that stage, it appeared he was firmly on track for a straight-games win.

However, Cheng had other plans. Showing resilience and strong court awareness, he began extending rallies and forcing Lau into longer exchanges. The second game was much tighter, with both players matching each other point for point. Cheng maintained his composure in the closing stages, edging the game 21-19 to force a decider.

In the third game, Lau raised his intensity. With more assertive shot selection and disciplined movement, he quickly established a lead and did not allow Cheng back into the contest. Lau closed out the match 21-8, defending his place in the final and keeping his title ambitions alive.

Final Score: Lau def. Cheng | 21-12, 19-21, 21-8

The semi-finals showcased depth, grit, and the competitive spirit of Oceania badminton. With multiple Kiwi finalists across the disciplines, the stage is set for an exciting finals night.

We can’t wait to see how it all unfolds tomorrow.

Event: VICTOR Oceania Individual Championships
Dates: 8-12 February 2026
Time: 4 PM Start
Location: Badminton North Harbour
47 Bond Crescent, Forrest Hill, North Shore 0620, Auckland
Link: Full schedule and results
Stream: Court 1

Photos by: Badminton Oceania / Paul Foxall

For many of the players, this is their first taste of competition at a Para Badminton World Championships, with Thomas being the only member of the squad who has previously competed at this level. According to Yeow, the exposure has been invaluable.

“Great exposure for the players. Only Thomas has played in a World Championships before,” he shared.

As expected, there were early nerves when the team first took to the courts. However, those nerves quickly settled once competition got underway.

“The players were excited and a bit nervous in the beginning but settled down quickly after their first game,” Yeow said.

Beyond results, one of the standout elements has been the strong sense of unity within the team. The players have supported one another throughout the competition and embraced the wider para badminton community.

“The players remained united, supportive of each other and very quickly made new friends in the para event.”

A major highlight came from Rishikesh Venu, who secured his first-ever SL3 singles win at a Para World Championships. Rishi defeated Bulgaria’s Dimitar Pavlov in straight games, 22–20, 21–12 — a moment that lifted the entire team.

“Rishi won his first-ever SL3 singles Para World Championships game. He was so happy and brought great joy and happiness to the team. It lifted the team spirit to do well in our coming games,” Yeow reflected.

Looking ahead, Yeow believes this group has significant potential for future growth and success on the world stage.

“This team of young para players has so much potential for future growth and to go further in future World Championships events.”

The opportunity to compete alongside and observe the world’s best para badminton players has also been a valuable learning experience.

“It’s a great experience and exciting for the players to meet and watch the world’s best para badminton players in action. There’s plenty to take away from this event.”

Off the court, the overall organisation of the Championships has helped enhance the players’ experience in Bahrain.

“The organisation of the accommodation, transport, food, venue and hall facilities has been top class, and this has added to the experience for the players.”

As the Championships continue, the New Zealand team carries forward not just results, but confidence, connection, and motivation - foundations that will support their development well beyond this event.

Day 1 Highlights

An all-Kiwi clash headlined the men’s singles, with Edward Lau and Dan McMillan meeting early in the draw. Teammates off court, the pair brought intensity on court, showing sharp net play and powerful attacking rallies that kept spectators engaged throughout. Edward's consistency and attacking momentum closed out the match in two straight sets.
Score: 21–10, 21–17

One of the standout performances of the day came from 15-year-old Wenxuan Li, who came close to a big upset against Australia’s number two seed Jack Yu. After dropping the opening game, Wenxuan responded with confidence and composure to take the second. Jack regrouped in the decider to move through, but Wenxuan’s performance left a strong impression.
Score: 13–21, 21–14, 8–21

What’s Coming Up For Day 2

The championships continue tomorrow as players return to court for the next round of matches. With Mixed Doubles to start and followed by the later rounds of Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Doubles and Women's doubles. It's going to be another exciting day at the Badminton North Harbour Stadium.

Event: VICTOR Oceania Individual Championships
Dates: 8-12 February 2026
Location: Badminton North Harbour
47 Bond Crescent, Forrest Hill, North Shore 0620, Auckland
Link: Full schedule and results
Stream: Court 1 | Court 2

Photos by: Badminton Oceania / Paul Foxall

Supported by Badminton Oceania

For New Zealand’s para badminton players, the pathway to the World Championships has been shaped by Badminton Oceania’s commitment to athlete development. Through structured training camps, coaching support, and funding pathways, athletes have been given the opportunity to compete internationally, gain valuable experience, and meet qualification requirements for the sport’s biggest events.

In the lead-up to Bahrain, the athletes are partaking in a Badminton Oceania–hosted training camp in Auckland, where they will train alongside coaches and spar with fellow players. These camps not only provide technical preparation but also create an environment where athletes can learn from one another and build confidence heading into major competition.

As Andrew Fairweather shared:

“The help that Badminton Oceania has given me has been such a great support. The camps and funding have given me opportunities to go overseas and qualify for the World Championships, as well as helping me step up and improve my game.”

This support has been vital in ensuring New Zealand’s para athletes are able to prepare at a level that matches the demands of the world stage.

The Power of Personal Support

While organisational support lays the foundation, athletes are quick to acknowledge that success doesn’t happen without the people who support them away from the court. Family, friends, coaches, and training partners play a crucial role in keeping athletes grounded during the intense focus that elite sport demands.

For Maia Read, family has been central to her journey:

“My mum — she’s done everything for me that she possibly can. I wouldn’t be here without her.”

Andrew Fairweather also highlighted the importance of those closest to him:

“My Dad and Mum. Sherry, Michael and Ken for coaching me and always being there when I need them.”

These support systems help athletes manage the highs and lows of competition, balancing training commitments with everyday life.

Community and Connection

Beyond family, the wider badminton community has provided guidance, motivation, and connection. Coaches, teammates, and friends help create an environment where athletes can stay focused while still enjoying the journey.

Rishikesh Venu reflected on the people who have shaped his development:

“My coaches Dan McMillan and Jonathan Curtin, and everyone who has supported me along the way.”

Amy Dunn has tied these perfectly.

"Badminton Oceania and Badminton New Zealand of course. Wellington North Badminton, my friends and colleagues who have supported me on this journey, and all the players, officials and everyone else in between who has shaped my badminton journey in some way, big or small, over the years."

For many athletes, these relationships are essential - offering encouragement during challenging periods and celebrating milestones together.

More Than Results

As the New Zealand para badminton team prepares for Bahrain, their journey serves as a reminder that success at the World Championships is built on more than talent alone. It is the result of dedicated organisational support, strong personal networks, and a shared commitment to growth.

With Badminton Oceania’s continued backing and the unwavering support of family and friends, New Zealand’s para badminton athletes head to the World Championships not just as competitors, but as a connected and supported team - ready to represent their country on the world stage.