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.

Mixed Doubles

New Zealand opened the main draw with Edward Lau and Shaunna Li taking on Indonesia’s Maulana and Jamil, the eighth seeds and World No. 25.

The Indonesian pair showed their class to secure the match 21–9, 21–14, but it was a valuable opportunity for the Kiwi duo to compete at a world-class Super 500 level.

Men’s Doubles

Raphael Deloy and Adam Jeffrey faced former Olympians Choi Sol Gyu (Korea) and Goh V Shem (Malaysia). The Kiwis produced strong rallies but were outplayed 21–8, 21–13.

Dylan Soedjasa, partnering with Australia’s Steven Stallwood, also faced tough opposition in Chinese Taipei’s Su Ching Heng and Wu Guan Xu. It went point for poiThe Taipei pair, recent champions at the North Harbour International, were consistent and composed throughout, winning 21–17, 21–16 with a late push in both games.

Men’s Singles

One of the standout performances of the day came from Edward Lau in the men’s singles. Edward pushed Japan’s Shogo Ogawa through an intense three-game battle, producing the closest and most exciting match of the tournament for New Zealand so far.

After a strong start from the Japanese player, Edward responded brilliantly, taking the second game. The final scoreline was:

Shogo Ogawa (JPN) def. Edward Lau (NZL)

21–16, 16–21, 21–10

Edward impressed the crowd with his fighting spirit showing consistency throughout the long rallies.

Women’s Singles

Thirteen-year-old Amy Wang opened her Super 500 debut with a convincing win in qualification, securing her place in the main draw. She then faced Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching, who won 21–10, 21–11, but Amy displayed impressive maturity and competitive spirit for her age.

Shaunna Li faced a rare and valuable opportunity against reigning World Number One An Se Young of Korea. The Korean star demonstrated world-class precision to take the match 21–6, 21–6.

We are proud to see New Zealand represented on the world stage and look forward to watching our players continue to grow and rise as they develop for future competitions.

Photo Credit: BadmintonPhoto

Two different groups will travel across the globe, one to Saipan, Northern Marianas, and the other to Thailand, to compete in a series of international tournaments. These events offer valuable world ranking points, exposure to high-level competition, and a key opportunity for player development.

For many of these athletes, the opportunity to compete internationally marks an important step forward in their development. Whether building on recent momentum or gaining vital experience, stepping outside of New Zealand to face global competition is a valuable part of their growth as elite players.

Edward Lau and Shaunna Li will be a pair to watch at the Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open, entering the tournament as top seeds in the Mixed Doubles event. Meanwhile, exciting new combinations are set to make their international debut in the Men's Doubles where 2025 Oceania Junior Champion - Raphael Deloy will partner up with 2025 Oceania Men's Doubles Champion - Adam Jeffrey. Both pairs have just clinched National Championship titles over the weekend and we look forward to see how they perform at Saipan.

In Thailand, a new mixed doubles combination will also debut at the Toyota Thailand International Series featuring Justine Villegas (North Harbour) who will partner with 2025 Oceania Men's Doubles Champion - Dylan Soedjasa. Justine Villegas will also be partnering Jenny Zhu in Women's Doubles for both Thailand tournaments.

Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open 2025
August 5–10 - Saipan, Northern Marianas

• Men's Singles: Edward Lau (North Harbour)
• Women's Singles: Shaunna Li (North Harbour)
• Mixed Doubles: Edward Lau and Shaunna Li (North Harbour)
• Men's Doubles: Raphael Deloy (Waikato) and Adam Jeffrey (Auckland)

Toyota Thailand International Series 2025
August 5–10 - Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

• Women's Singles: Jenny Zhu (North Harbour)
• Mixed Doubles: Dylan Soedjasa and Justine Villegas(North Harbour)
• Women's Doubles: Justine Villegas and Jenny Zhu (North Harbour)

Century Insurance Saipan International 2025
August 12-16 - Saipan, Northern Marianas

• Men's Singles: Edward Lau (North Harbour)
• Women's Singles: Shaunna Li (North Harbour)
• Mixed Doubles: Edward Lau and Shaunna Li (North Harbour)
• Men's Doubles: Raphael Deloy (Waikato) and Adam Jeffrey (Auckland)

Toyota Thailand International Challenge 2025
August 12–17 - Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

• Women's Singles: Jenny Zhu (North Harbour)
• Mixed Doubles: Dylan Soedjasa and Justine Villegas(North Harbour)
• Women's Doubles: Justine Villegas and Jenny Zhu (North Harbour)
• Men's Doubles: Dylan Soedjasa (North Harbour) and Andika Ramadiansyah (Australia)

These international appearances reinforce the importance of giving our players exposure to different playing styles, high-pressure environments, and world-class opponents. We’re excited to see how each of them rises to the challenge and proud to support them as they represent New Zealand overseas.

Stay tuned to Badminton New Zealand's social pages for exclusive updates with the team.

It was a standout Day 3 for Team New Zealand at the Northern Marianas International Series, with multiple players advancing into the quarterfinals across several categories.

Mixed Doubles

New Zealand’s mixed doubles pair Raphael Deloy and Yanxi Liu delivered a convincing performance against Australia’s Phillip Halim and Faye Huo, cruising to a 21-14, 21-13 victory to secure their quarterfinals spot.

Joining them in the quarterfinals are fellow Kiwis Eric Lu and Josephine Zhao, who defeated Guam’s Allan Zeng and Kristine Deng with 21-6 and 21-8.

Men’s Doubles

Fresh off their gold at the 2025 VICTOR Oceania Junior Championships, Raphael Deloy and Lezhi Zhu continued their winning streak, moving into the quarterfinals after another solid performance.

Women’s Doubles

Back in action, Yanxi Liu and Josephine Zhao teamed up for the women’s doubles and defeated Cook Islands’ Arihoia Sprague-Marsters and Lana Toa 21-10, 21-5. This win marks their second event quarterfinals appearance this week.

New Zealand juniors continue to deliver strong performances across multiple events, and we look forward to watching their growth on the international stage.

What’s Next?

Quarterfinal matches begin tomorrow morning, followed by the semifinals in the afternoon at the Gilbert C. Ada Gym in Saipan. With strong Kiwi representation in the draw, New Zealand will have plenty to support at the tournament.

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.

The team will travel to Melbourne, Australia in May to be part of the U15 Australian International experience which will consist of team building, training sessions and tournament match plays!

We are excited to see this opportunity for New Zealand's Juniors and look forward to see how the juniors will make the most of it in Australia.

New Zealand U15 Australian Experience Team

Dominant Start in Group Play

The Kiwi squad wasted no time asserting themselves in the early rounds, delivering commanding performances against Tahiti, Fiji, and the Cook Islands. These wins highlighted the team’s depth, with every player contributing to the undefeated run to the final.

The tournament also provided valuable experience for Raphael Deloy, Yanxi Liu, and Josephine Zhao, three young talents from New Zealand’s Under 19 Performance Squad, who gained further exposure to high-level international competition.

A Hard-Fought Final Against Australia

Facing off against defending champions Australia in the final, New Zealand fought hard but ultimately fell 5-0 in a series of competitive matches.

• Mixed Doubles – A strong start but a tough finish saw New Zealand lose 21-18, 21-15.
• Men’s Singles – A challenging match ended in a 21-12, 21-12 defeat.
• Women’s Singles – Shaunna Li pushed Australia’s Tiffany Ho to three games before falling 21-19, 18-21, 21-16 in one of the closest contests of the tie.
• Men’s Doubles – Raphael Deloy and Dylan Soedjasa brought plenty of energy to win the first game, but lost a tense match 12-21, 21-14, 21-18.
• Women’s Doubles – The Australian duo proved too strong, winning 21-5, 21-4.

Despite the final score line, the close matches, particularly in the women’s singles and men’s doubles, showcased the team’s competitiveness against Oceania’s top side.

Chief Executive Stephen Nelson reflected on the team's performance.

"We're really proud of our team and their efforts across the week. It's great to see a new generation of players coming though, wearing the fern. Unfortunately, Australia were too strong for us this time - we wish them all the best as they represent our region at the Sudirman Cup."

National Coach Rikke Olsen Siegemund commended the efforts of the team, despite a less than ideal run into the event.

"We've had limited preparation with some players overseas and others struggling with injuries. We did what we could on the day, but to get the win, we really needed to step up as a team. However, it's really promising to see this young team developing well from campaign to campaign."

Looking Ahead to the VICTOR Oceania Championships

There’s little time to rest, as the team now turns its focus to the VICTOR Oceania Championships, which start today. This tournament presents another opportunity for New Zealand’s top players to compete for individual titles and build on the momentum from their team performance.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Kiwi squad takes on Oceania’s best!

New Zealand Mixed Team

New Zealand Under 15 Development Squad

Congratulations to the below players who have been selected into the New Zealand Under 15 Development Squad for 2025. The squad will be coached by Tracey Hallam, Kenneth Yew and Angus Crawford.

New Zealand Under 19 Performance Squad

Congratulations to the below players who have been selected into the New Zealand Under 19 Performance Squad for 2025. The squad will be coached by Rikke Olsen-Siegemund and Nick Chambers.

Representing New Zealand on the world stage is a remarkable achievement, and this day was a celebration of the hard work and dedication, not only from these young athletes but also from their supporters who have put in an immense amount of work to reach this level.

A special thank you goes to Yonex Badminton Australia / New Zealand for providing the official World Junior squad shirts. Their continued support is invaluable to the development of our junior athletes.

Following the presentation, the squad underwent two days of education, team-building activities and intense training. The weekend wrapped up with a sparring session against the National Development Squad, culminating in a relay simulation - mirroring the team format they compete with at the World Junior Championships in Nanchang, China.

"The BWF World Junior Championships is held annually and consists of two separate competitions: a mixed team championships for the Suhandinata Cup followed by an individual championships for the Eye Level Cups – all hosted over 12 days and attracting up to 50 teams and 400 players from around the world.

The Championships provides badminton fans with a first glimpse of the stars of the future. The World Junior Championship is the first opportunity for talented young badminton players to represent their country in a world event in the sport.

It is also an opportunity to experience top level competition and perhaps put them on the pathway towards becoming one of the stars of the future." - BWF

Stay tuned for more updates on how the World Junior Championship format has changed as we follow the journey of these young athletes at the World Junior Championships!