Swimmers from across the region delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 New Zealand Division II Swimming Competition, held in Dunedin, achieving a wide range of podium finishes that highlight the strength of local talent.

Athletes from clubs including Napier Aquahawks, Central Hawke’s Bay (CHB), and Sundevils secured multiple top-three finishes across a variety of events and age groups.

CHB Swim Club will be represented by Sophie Barnes, Carlos Bautista, Abby Boyd, Bree Franklin, Ava How, JM Macalalad, Elijah Mananes, JD Mananes, Charlie McCutcheon, Christina McCutcheon, Kate Renner, Mali Soro, and Brooklyn Waihua.

Greendale Swim Club’s competitor is Harriet Johnson.

Heretaunga Sundevils Swimming will send Arthur Betty, Lisa Deeprose, Harper Gill, Katherine McEntee, Liam McEntee, Javarn Ray, Alex Stuttle, Grace Stuttle, Danielle Wishnowsky, and Katie Wishnowsky.

Napier Aquahawks Swim Club’s team includes Phoenix Botes, Jake Burkett-Murillo, Blanca Fernandez de Castillo, Hannah Gunson, Aidan Hyde-Hills, Annabelle Lott, Tarandeep Singh, and Noah Smith.

Trojans Swim Club will be represented by Holly Bake and Sofia Boucher-Taotahi.

Leading the results was Hannah Gunson (Aquahawks, 13 years), who achieved:

• 1st: 50m Backstroke (33.17), 100m Backstroke (1:11.27), 200m Backstroke (2:33.93), 100m Butterfly (1:10.63)
• 2nd: 100m Freestyle (1:05.61)

Aidan Hyde-Hills (Aquahawks, 16&O) earned:

• 2nd: 50m Freestyle (25.52), 100m Freestyle (55.51), 50m Butterfly (27.55)
• 3rd: 100m Butterfly (1:02.97), 50m Backstroke (29.82)

Blanca Fernandez de Castillo (Aquahawks, 14 years) took:

• 1st: 100m Individual Medley (1:11.90), 200m Freestyle (2:16.50)
• 3rd: 50m Butterfly (31.18)

Phoenix Botes (Aquahawks, 14 years) achieved:

• 1st: 100m Individual Medley (1:06.05)
• 3rd: 200m Individual Medley (2:23.71)

Tarandeep Singh (Aquahawks, 15 years) earned:

• 2nd: 100m Breaststroke (1:14.80)
• 3rd: 400m Individual Medley (5:16.49)

Christina McCutcheon (CHB, 15 years) claimed:

• 1st: 50m Butterfly (31.14), 100m Breaststroke (1:21.36), 200m Backstroke (2:30.14)
• 2nd: 100m Freestyle (1:02.38)

Charlie McCutcheon (CHB, 13 years) secured:

• 2nd: 50m Backstroke (31.57), 100m Backstroke (1:10.17)

Carlos Bautista (CHB, 13 years) took 1st in the 50m Breaststroke (35.36)

Liam McEntee (Sundevils, 16&O) earned 3rd in the 200m Backstroke (2:24.00)

Danielle Wishnowsky (Sundevils, 16&O) earned 3rd in the 50m Breaststroke (37.31)

Annabelle Lott (Aquahawks, 16&O) earned 3rd in the 50m Butterfly (31.45)

Alex Stuttle (Sundevils, 14 years) earned 3rd in the 100m Breaststroke (1:17.49)

The Napier Aquahawks relay teams also performed strongly:

• Boys 4x100m Medley Relay: 3rd (4:27.84)
• Boys 4x100m Freestyle Relay: 3rd (3:58.54)
• Boys 4x50m Medley Relay: 2nd (1:57.51)
• Boys 4x50m Freestyle Relay: 2nd (1:46.94)
• Mixed 4x50m Freestyle Relay: 2nd (1:49.05)

The competition provided a valuable opportunity for regional swimmers to compete at a national level. Results reflect both individual excellence and the strength of local club programs, highlighting a promising future for competitive swimming in the region.

With an impressive range of top-three finishes across multiple events, and many other swimmers racing good PB's, the campaign was a strong showcase of the talent, dedication, and hard work of the region’s swimmers