INDOOR VOLLEYBALL

Sheana-Huia is an inspiring multisport athlete whose leadership and talent are matched by her dedication to uplifting others. Sheana-huia’s already captained teams at national level across volleyball, touch, and Māori netball, and was recently named a 2026 Tania Dalton Foundation Scholar – generously sponsored by Rebel Sports. 

Sheana-Huia’s main focus for 2026 is climbing to Division One at the National Volleyball Championships - having achieved high success in Division Three for three consecutive years. Backed by Wakatipu High School and Volley South’s U16, U18, and Women’s squads, she’s committed to travelling across Aotearoa for trials, competitions, and higher-level development. Her long-term goal? Representing New Zealand at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. 

Beyond the court, Sheana-Huia embodies the values of manaakitanga and rangatiratanga. She’s deeply rooted in her community, and actively gives back through coaching, refereeing, and participating in community sport initiatives. She’s also just received the Top Regional Sport Organisation Performers Award for Volleyball (2025). 

Sheana-Huia is excited to be part of the Te Iti Kahuraki whānau, seeing it as a way to stay connected to her iwi, inspire the next generation, and access support as she continues to grow as both an athlete and a leader. 

FOOTBALL/MULTISPORT

Franco is a driven athlete with a serious passion for football. Over the summer, he had the once in a lifetime opportunity to partake in an elite training experience at Manchester United and the National Football Center at St Georges in the UK as part of The Pro Project, joining 30 selected young players from across Aotearoa. 

In 2026, Franco has his sights set on selection for the Christchurch International Cup and Gold Coast International Premier, representing either QAFC or The Pro Project and winning the Otago cross country championship again. He trains across multiple disciplines, balancing football academy sessions with boxing, futsal, swimming, running and strength work. He’s also preparing to compete in Challenge Wānaka as a solo triathlete - his longest solo multisport event yet. 

But Franco’s impact goes far beyond the pitch. A proud SPS Ambassador, he’s helped mentor younger athletes, organise MTB specific first aid courses and fundraised to support his sporting goals through sausage sizzles, raffles and volunteering at the Motatapu Event and Autumn Festival. He’s a core part of the school’s Enviro Group, planting native flora around Shotover Country and Lake Hayes. Franco will be taking on more responsibility this year helping organizing sporting events for Shotover Primary. This year Franco is looking to become a Shotover PAL helping younger kids with sport. 

Franco is excited to represent Te Iti Kahuraki in 2026 and hopes the programme will support both his competitive goals and community work. His dream? To continue putting Queenstown talent on the map - one game at a time.

MOTOCROSS

Hunter is a passionate motocross rider from Queenstown who’s carving his own path in the sport! 

In 2026, he’s aiming to take his riding to the next level by competing in more Southland and Otago motocross events, while working toward attending a training camp in the North Island to learn from some of New Zealand’s top motocross coaches and riders. His focus is on building confidence, control, and speed on all types of terrain. 

Off the track, Hunter is a proud member of the Southern Dirt Bike Riders Club and Central Otago Motorcycle Club, where he not only races but helps with event set-up and pack-down. He’s also involved in Scouts, supports younger riders at the track, and plays rugby for Wakatipu High School, where he embodies the values of respect, perseverance, and teamwork. 

For Hunter, motocross is more than just a sport - it’s where he feels confident, and free. He’s excited to be part of the Te Iti Kahuraki whānau and hopes to inspire other young athletes to push through barriers and chase their goals!

SQUASH

Levi is a rising squash star with big goals and an even bigger heart. Levi is already making waves on the court - recently winning the U13 National and Oceania titles, and now setting his sights on the U15 division at top-tier events in New Zealand, Australia, and the British Junior Open in 2026–2027.

A proud member of the New Zealand Junior Squash Team, Levi’s year ahead includes representing Aotearoa in the Trans-Tasman Series, chasing an A Grade national ranking, and training under elite coaches like Jonathan Kemp, Evan Williams and George Thomas. He competes in over 20 tournaments per year, balancing school, fitness training, and travel with unshakable dedication. 

But Levi’s leadership off the court is just as inspiring. He actively mentors younger players at the Cromwell and Wānaka squash clubs, supports his younger sister in competition, and plays a key role in growing squash across Central Otago. His energy has helped spark a surge in junior participation at both local tournaments and holiday programmes.

Levi embodies the values of the programme - lifting others as he climbs, representing his community with pride, and setting a powerful example of what’s possible through hard work and humility.

He’s proud to join the Te Iti Kahuraki whānau in 2026, continuing to chase excellence while inspiring the next generation of tamariki.