Badminton New Zealand has recognised three outstanding individuals - Daniel Shirley, Rhona Robertson, and Martin Lubransky - for their extraordinary contributions to the sport, and welcomed the esteemed Richard Purser as the organisation's new Patron, at the recently held Annual General Meeting.
Shirley and Robertson were presented with Exceptional Performance awards, while Lubransky was conferred with Life Membership in recognition of his decades of service to badminton.
Daniel Shirley: A Trailblazer
Daniel Shirley remains one of New Zealand’s most decorated and influential badminton athletes. His career-defining moment came in 2005 when he and partner Sara Runesten-Petersen captured a bronze medal in mixed doubles at the IBF World Championships - New Zealand’s only world championship medal to date and a milestone achievement that put New Zealand badminton on the global map.
Shirley also represented New Zealand at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and across three Commonwealth Games (1998, 2002, 2006), he earned a silver and two bronze medals. His fierce competitiveness and tactical excellence made him a force in both men's and mixed doubles.
Regionally, Shirley was dominant across Oceania competitions and consistently ranked among the top in the world. Off the court, his leadership and sportsmanship earned him widespread respect, culminating in the creation of the “Daniel Shirley Sportsmanship Award,” which is presented annually at the Oceania Championships to players who exemplify integrity, humility, and fair play.
Beyond his playing career, Shirley has contributed to the sport in coaching and mentoring roles, and remains an ambassador for badminton’s growth in New Zealand. His exceptional performances, pioneering spirit, and ongoing service have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Rhona Robertson: Grit, Leadership, and Legacy
Rhona Robertson's badminton journey began at age 9 and blossomed into one of the most impressive international careers in New Zealand badminton history. Her rise through the ranks saw her earn 70 national caps, competing in every Uber Cup from 1988 to 2002, two Olympic Games, four Commonwealth Games, and multiple World Championships.
Selected for the New Zealand senior team at just 17, Robertson went on to play No.1 singles and doubles throughout her career. Despite setbacks such as two ACL injuries, she persisted to represent her country at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. A standout moment came at the 1994 Commonwealth Games where she won a singles bronze medal, repeating her success with a doubles bronze (with partner Tammy Jenkins) in 1998 and helping secure team bronze at her final Commonwealth Games in 2002.
Beyond playing, she has continued to give back as a coach, mentor, and trustee of the Jeff & Heather Robson Memorial Badminton Trust. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and leadership—on and off the court.
Martin Lubransky: Awarded Life Membership
Badminton New Zealand has awarded Life Membership to Martin Lubransky in recognition of his decades of passionate service to the sport across multiple roles and regions.
From his early playing days representing Wellington, Nelson, Auckland, North Harbour, and Marlborough, to holding presidential roles in multiple associations, Lubransky has been a tireless advocate and administrator. He served 13 years on the Badminton New Zealand Board, including three as President, and played a pivotal role as a national selector and convenor of inter-association competitions.
A Level 2 accredited coach, Lubransky has mentored teams at every level, from juniors to masters, with recent success coaching Nelson to return to the Slazenger Cup in 2023. He has represented New Zealand at three World Masters Games, securing multiple team and individual medals.
As a founding trustee of the Badminton New Zealand Development Trust and a long-serving leader in the Mainland Association, his commitment continues to shape the sport nationally and regionally.
Richard Purser: Patron
Badminton New Zealand is proud to announce the appointment of Richard Purser as its new Patron - a fitting honour for a true icon of the sport.
Purser's career has spanned multiple generations as both an elite international player and a revered coach. He represented New Zealand at four Commonwealth Games and continues to be a cherished figure within the badminton community for his humble leadership, enduring passion, and lifelong advocacy for the sport.
His appointment as Patron not only recognises his exceptional legacy but also symbolises Badminton New Zealand’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its history, while inspiring future generations. Purser’s presence will no doubt continue to elevate the values and vision of the sport he has served for over five decades.
These honours are more than ceremonial - they reflect lives of excellence, resilience, and leadership. Together, Daniel Shirley, Rhona Robertson, Martin Lubransky, and Richard Purser embody the very best of New Zealand badminton. Their journeys, each unique, have helped shape the sport’s identity in Aotearoa and laid a strong foundation for future generations.
Whether through groundbreaking international success, tireless service and governance, or decades of inspiration and mentorship, each of these individuals has made a profound and lasting impact. As Badminton New Zealand continues to grow and evolve, their legacies serve as both a guiding light and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through dedication, passion, and purpose.
In celebrating these outstanding contributors, Badminton New Zealand not only honours the past but also champions a vision for the future - one where excellence, integrity, and community continue to drive the sport forward.