Famous New Zealander Sportspersons

Israel Adesanya is a highly accomplished professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer. He has found significant success in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he has held the Middleweight Champion title twice. Additionally, he has competed as a title challenger in kickboxing, showcasing his diverse skills. Adesanya's impressive rankings in both the UFC middleweight and men's pound-for-pound categories highlight his skill and talent in the world of combat sports.

Steven Adams is a New Zealand professional basketball player who currently plays for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. He started his professional career with the Wellington Saints before moving to the United States to play college basketball at Pittsburgh. Adams was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2013 and spent six seasons as their primary starting center. In 2020, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, and in 2021, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Adams is known for his strong defensive presence and rebounding skills.

Bruce McLaren was a renowned New Zealand racing car designer, driver, engineer, and inventor. He founded the McLaren team, one of the most successful in Formula One history, securing 8 World Constructors' Championships and 12 World Drivers' Championships. His McLaren cars excelled in CanAm sports car racing, winning 56 races and five constructors' championships. McLaren's legacy includes victories in the Indianapolis 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and 12 Hours of Sebring, showcasing his exceptional talent and contributions to the world of motorsport.

Richard Hugh McCaw is a retired New Zealand professional rugby union player known for his exceptional career achievements. He captained the All Blacks in 110 out of 148 test matches, winning two Rugby World Cups. McCaw received the World Rugby Player of the Year award three times and was the most capped test rugby player for a period. He excelled in various positions and played for successful teams like the Crusaders and Canterbury. McCaw holds records for most game wins and most games as a captain in international rugby.

Brendon McCullum is a former New Zealand cricketer and current head coach of the England cricket team in Test cricket. He captained the New Zealand cricket team in all formats and led them to the finals of major tournaments like the 2015 Cricket World Cup and 2009 ICC Champions Trophy. McCullum holds records for fastest Test century, most runs in T20 Internationals, and first New Zealander to score a triple hundred in a Test match. He retired from international cricket in 2016 and all forms of cricket in 2019.

Valerie Adams is a retired New Zealand shot putter with an impressive professional career. She is a multiple-time World champion, Olympic medalist, and Commonwealth Games champion, holding numerous records in shot put. Adams was known for her winning streak and dominance in shot put competitions, earning prestigious accolades such as IAAF World Athlete of the Year. She also made significant contributions at the national level, winning multiple titles in shot put and hammer throw. Adams retired in 2022 and continues to be involved in sports through her board position at High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Kane Williamson is a highly accomplished New Zealand cricketer known for his exceptional batting skills and leadership qualities. He has been a key figure in New Zealand cricket, serving as captain of the national team and achieving numerous accolades throughout his career. Williamson has led New Zealand to significant victories in major tournaments, including the ICC World Test Championship and reaching the finals of the Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup. Widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era, he has consistently excelled on the international stage, earning recognition as a top performer in Test and limited-overs cricket.

Burt Munro was a motorcycle racer from New Zealand known for setting a world record with his 1920 Indian motorcycle at Bonneville in 1967. Over 20 years, he extensively modified his bike and set multiple speed records in New Zealand before traveling to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Munro made ten trips to the salt flats, achieving three speed records, one of which remains unbroken. His achievements inspired films like "The World's Fastest Indian" and "Burt Munro: Offerings to the God of Speed".

Kalyn Ponga is an accomplished Australian professional rugby league player, serving as a fullback and captain for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. He has also showcased his skills with the North Queensland Cowboys in the past. Ponga has excelled at representative levels, representing New Zealand Māori and Queensland in the State of Origin series. Known for his versatility, he has demonstrated his talent as a five-eighth and debuted as a winger. Notably, he was honored with the prestigious 2023 Dally M Medal for his outstanding contributions to the sport.

Dan Carter is a retired New Zealand rugby union player known for his outstanding career with the Crusaders in Super Rugby and the All Blacks national team. He holds the record for the highest point scorer in test match rugby and is widely regarded as one of the greatest first five-eighths in the sport's history. Carter has been honored with multiple International Rugby Board Player of the Year awards and played pivotal roles in the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, as well as winning numerous championships with both his club and national teams.

Trent Boult is a former New Zealand international cricketer known for his exceptional skills as a fast bowler in all formats of the game. He has played in various T20 leagues globally and is widely regarded as one of the best bowlers of all time. Boult was a key player in the New Zealand team's victories in the ICC World Test Championship and also featured in two Cricket World Cup finals. He has achieved significant milestones in his career, including leading wicket-taker at the 2015 World Cup and multiple hat-tricks in ODIs and World Cup matches.

Scott Dixon is a highly successful New Zealand racing driver, known for his remarkable career in the IndyCar Series. He has won the drivers' championship six times and claimed victory at prestigious events like the Indianapolis 500. Dixon's impressive racing journey began with karting at a young age and progressed to numerous championships in both New Zealand and Australia. His consistent podium finishes and multiple race wins have solidified his status as one of the most accomplished and respected figures in American open-wheel car racing.

David Tua, known for his formidable punching power and devastating left hook, was a highly ranked heavyweight contender from 1992 to 2013. With sixteen wins by first-round knockouts, he defeated world champions John Ruiz, Michael Moorer, Oleg Maskaev, and Hasim Rahman. Tua was ranked in the top 10 heavyweights by BoxRec from 1996 to 2003, peaking at No.3 in 1998. Nicknamed the "Tuamanator," he fought top boxers like Lennox Lewis and was praised for his durable chin and fast-paced pressure fighting style reminiscent of Mike Tyson.

Beauden Barrett is a highly accomplished professional rugby union player from New Zealand. He currently plays as a Fly half for Japan Rugby League One club Toyota Verblitz and represents the New Zealand national team. Known for his exceptional skills on the field, Barrett has received numerous accolades including the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2016 and 2017. He has also been recognized with the Sportsperson of the Year Award multiple times. Barrett's successful career includes playing for both the All Blacks and various domestic teams, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.

Martin Crowe was a prominent New Zealand cricketer, serving as Test and ODI captain and later becoming a respected commentator. Known for his exceptional batting skills, he made his mark in the cricket world with notable achievements such as breaking records for the highest score by a New Zealander and the highest partnership in Test cricket. Crowe led his team to success at the 1992 World Cup and held records for the most Test and ODI runs scored for New Zealand. Beyond playing, he contributed to cricket through his writing and commentary work.

Kieran Read is a retired professional rugby player from New Zealand, known for his role as a number 8 and former captain of the national team, the All Blacks. With a career spanning from 2008 to 2019, Read is one of the most-capped players in history, having played 127 tests and scoring 26 international tries. He captained New Zealand 52 times and was named IRB Player of the Year in 2013. Read was a key player in New Zealand's 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning teams and has also played for Crusaders in Super Rugby and Canterbury and Counties Manukau in the Mitre 10 Cup.

Daniel Vettori is a highly accomplished figure in the world of cricket, having transitioned from a successful playing career to coaching. He made significant contributions as a player for the New Zealand national team, achieving milestones such as being the youngest male player to represent New Zealand in Test cricket and becoming the country's most-capped Test and One Day International cricketer. Known for his skills as a slow left-arm orthodox spin bowler, Vettori was also a key part of the New Zealand squad that finished as runners-up in the 2015 Cricket World Cup. After retiring from playing, he has continued to make an impact as a coach, currently serving as an assistant coach for the Australia men's national cricket team.

Martin Guptill is a former New Zealand cricketer known for his role as an opening batsman in all formats, particularly in limited-overs cricket. He holds records for the highest individual score in Cricket World Cup matches and the second-highest score in One Day Internationals. Guptill was the first New Zealander to score a double century in an ODI. He has also achieved milestones in T20I matches, including playing in his 100th match in 2021 and scoring over 600 runs at Eden Park, becoming the first player to reach 500 and 600 runs at a single venue. Guptill was part of the New Zealand squads that finished as runners-up in the 2015 and 2019 Cricket World Cup finals.

Sir Richard Hadlee is a New Zealand former cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders and fast bowlers in cricket history. He was appointed an MBE and later knighted for services to cricket. Hadlee served as the chairman of the New Zealand board of selectors. In 2002, Wisden named him the second greatest Test bowler of all time. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009. Hadlee is a prominent figure in the Hadlee cricket playing family.

Tim Southee is a prominent New Zealand cricketer known for his skills as a right-arm medium-fast bowler and lower-order batsman. He has achieved significant milestones in his career, such as being the third New Zealand bowler to reach 300 Test wickets and captaining the national team across all formats. Southee has showcased his talent in various international tournaments, including the ICC World Cups, where he has delivered impressive performances and earned recognition for his late outswing and death bowling abilities.

Sonny Bill Williams is a versatile athlete who has excelled in both rugby league and rugby union, representing New Zealand in both sports. He has also competed in professional boxing, winning titles but facing challenges. With a successful career in rugby league playing for NRL teams like Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters, he transitioned to rugby union, playing for various teams around the world. Williams achieved international success with the New Zealand national teams in both codes, winning Rugby World Cups and representing his country in rugby sevens.

Dakota Kai is a New Zealand professional wrestler signed to WWE, performing on the Raw brand as a member of Damage CTRL. She has achieved significant success in WWE, being a former two-time Women's Tag Team Champion and winning the inaugural Women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic in NXT. Prior to her WWE career, she wrestled under the name Evie for various promotions in New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Japan, showcasing her skills and gaining recognition in the wrestling industry.

Tana Umaga is a former New Zealand rugby union player and coach. He was a prominent figure in the All Blacks, serving as captain and leading the team to numerous victories. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching, working with teams such as Moana Pasifika and Toulon. Umaga faced challenges during his coaching career but showcased resilience and versatility by taking on different roles as needed. His contributions to rugby both on and off the field have left a lasting impact on the sport.

Marco Rojas is a professional footballer from New Zealand known for his skills as a forward. He currently plays for Wellington Phoenix and the New Zealand national team. Rojas gained recognition during his time with Melbourne Victory in the A-League, where he was praised by fans as the "Kiwi Messi" due to his exceptional ball control and goal-scoring abilities. He has established himself as a talented player with a strong presence on the field, earning respect and admiration from supporters and peers alike.

Jerry Collins was a professional rugby union player known for his skills as a flanker and number eight. He played for the New Zealand national team, earning 48 caps. At the club level, Collins showcased his talents with the Hurricanes in New Zealand, as well as Toulon and Narbonne in the Rugby Pro D2, Ospreys in Wales, and Yamaha Júbilo in Japan. Renowned for his hard-hitting tackles, Collins left a lasting impact on the sport before tragically passing away in a car accident in 2015.

Ardie Savea is a prominent New Zealand rugby union player known for his versatility as a flanker or number 8. He has played for Wellington in the Bunnings NPC, Hurricanes in Super Rugby, and the New Zealand All Blacks at the international level. Savea has been part of New Zealand's Rugby World Cup squads in 2019 and 2023, winning the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2023. He has also captained Wellington, played for Barbarian F.C., New Zealand U20's team, and the national rugby sevens team.

Warren Gatland is a highly successful New Zealand rugby union coach and former player. He has had a distinguished coaching career, achieving significant success with the Wales national team, winning multiple Six Nations titles and reaching Rugby World Cup semi-finals. Gatland has also coached the British & Irish Lions on three tours, achieving notable results. As a player, he was a hooker for Waikato, playing 140 games for the province. Overall, Gatland's professional life is marked by numerous accolades and achievements in the world of rugby.

Denis Clive Hulme was a versatile and accomplished racing driver from New Zealand. He won the 1967 Formula One World Drivers' Championship for the Brabham team, with a total of eight victories and 33 podium finishes in his F1 career. Hulme also excelled in the Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am), winning two individual Drivers' Championships with McLaren. Known for his rugged features and gruff nature, he was nicknamed 'The Bear'. Hulme's career spanned various racing formats, from F1 to endurance races, showcasing his skill and adaptability behind the wheel.

Ben Smith is a retired New Zealand rugby union player who had an illustrious career representing various teams in top competitions. He made his mark internationally, playing 84 tests for New Zealand and being a key part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning team. Smith served as vice-captain of the All Blacks and even captained the team for a match. Known for his versatility, he played multiple positions and was a prolific try scorer. Smith achieved the rare feat of a perfect season in 2013, winning all 14 games he played.

Colin Meads was a legendary New Zealand rugby union player known for his exceptional skills in the lock forward position. He represented the All Blacks in 55 test matches and 133 games from 1957 to 1971, establishing himself as one of the sport's greatest players. His imposing physical presence earned him the nickname 'Pinetree,' and he was a revered figure in New Zealand rugby. Meads' outstanding contributions led to him being named the country's Player of the Century at the NZRFU Awards in 1999.

Lydia Ko is a highly accomplished professional golfer from New Zealand. She made history by becoming the youngest player, regardless of gender, to reach number one in the Women's World Golf Rankings. Ko has won multiple LPGA Tour events, major championships, and prestigious awards, including being named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people. She continues to excel in her career, achieving significant victories, accolades, and recognition for her contributions to the sport of golf. Ko's success and talent have solidified her as a prominent figure in women's golf.

Christopher Lance Cairns is a former New Zealand cricketer and ex-ODI captain known for his all-round skills. He had a successful Test career with notable batting and bowling averages. Cairns was honored as one of Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2000. He participated in multiple ICC Cricket World Cup tournaments and played a key role in New Zealand's victory at the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy. Post-retirement, he transitioned to a career in sports commentary with Sky Sport New Zealand.

Shane Edward Smeltz is a former professional footballer from New Zealand who played primarily as a striker. He began his career in Australia before moving to England for a period and later spent most of his time in the A-League. Smeltz also had short stints in Turkey and Malaysia before concluding his professional career with Borneo F.C. in Indonesia. He is known for being the second-highest goalscorer in the A-League, having achieved significant success with Gold Coast United. Additionally, he represented New Zealand in international competitions, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Sam Cane is a renowned professional rugby union player from New Zealand. He plays as a flanker for Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan Rugby League One and has captained the New Zealand national team. Cane made his international debut in 2012 and later succeeded Kieran Read as the All Blacks' captain in 2020. He has represented various teams including King Country, Bay of Plenty, and the Chiefs in different championships. Cane made history by receiving a red card in the men's Rugby World Cup final in 2023, marking a significant moment in his career.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a versatile New Zealand rugby international footballer known for his skills in both rugby league and rugby union. He has played various positions throughout his career, including fullback for the New Zealand Warriors, wing for the Sydney Roosters, and centre for the Blues in the Super Rugby competition. Tuivasa-Sheck has achieved notable success in his career, winning awards such as the Dally M Medal while showcasing his talent and leadership on the field for his respective teams.

Brad Thorn is a highly accomplished rugby figure with a diverse career spanning both rugby league and rugby union. He has represented both Australia and New Zealand, playing for teams like the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL and the New Zealand national team. Thorn has achieved significant success as a player, winning various championships and accolades in both codes. Transitioning to coaching, he has made his mark as the head coach of the Queensland Reds, contributing to their success in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Leslie Roy Mills CNZM MBE JP is a retired New Zealand track and field athlete and politician. He achieved success as an athlete, representing New Zealand at the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games in shot put and discus throw events. Mills later ventured into the fitness industry, establishing Les Mills International, a renowned fitness-centric company. Additionally, he served as the Mayor of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, from 1990 to 1998, showcasing his commitment to both sports and public service.

TJ Perenara is a prominent New Zealand rugby union player, excelling as a Halfback and First Five-Eighth for Wellington, the Hurricanes in Super Rugby, and the All Blacks national team. He was a key player in the New Zealand under 20 rugby team's victory at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship. With 80 international test caps, Perenara is a seasoned professional who has represented his country at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups. He holds the record for most appearances for the Hurricanes.

Ajaz Patel is a New Zealand cricketer who plays for Central Districts in domestic cricket. He began his career as a left-arm seam bowler before transitioning to a slow left-arm orthodox spin bowler. Patel made his international debut for the New Zealand cricket team in October 2018 and quickly made an impact by taking five wickets in his Test debut the following month. He was awarded a central contract by New Zealand Cricket in May 2020. Patel made history in December 2021 by becoming the third bowler in Test cricket to take all ten wickets in an innings.

Stephen Paea is a former American football defensive tackle who had a successful professional career. He played college football for Oregon State University where he earned recognition as a consensus All-American. Paea was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft and went on to play for the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys. Throughout his career, he showcased his skills and versatility as a defensive player, leaving a lasting impact on the teams he played for.

Charles Piutau is a professional rugby union player known for his versatility and skill on the field. He has represented both New Zealand and Tonga at different levels of the sport, showcasing his talent and dedication. With a successful career that includes playing as a fullback for the Japan Rugby League One club Shizuoka Blue Revs, Piutau has earned numerous caps for both national teams, demonstrating his commitment to the game and his ability to excel at the highest levels of competition.

Graham Henry, known as 'Ted', is a highly respected New Zealand rugby union coach with a successful career. He has coached various teams including Auckland, Auckland Blues, Wales, British & Irish Lions, and the All Blacks. Throughout his coaching tenure, Henry achieved significant success, including winning the National Provincial Championship titles and the Super 12 title. He notably led the All Blacks to victory in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Henry also served as an advisor and assistant coach for the Argentina national team.

Keven Filipo Mealamu MNZM is a former New Zealand rugby union player known for his exceptional skills as a hooker. He represented the Blues in Super Rugby, Auckland in the National Provincial Championship, and the New Zealand national team. Mealamu was a crucial member of the Blues team that secured the 2003 Super 12 title and went on to win the Rugby World Cup with New Zealand in 2011 and 2015. He reached landmark achievements such as 100 test appearances and was a highly respected figure in the world of rugby.

Julian Savea is a prominent New Zealand professional rugby union player known for his exceptional skills as a wing. He has played for various teams including Moana Pasifika, Toulon, Hurricanes, and Wellington Lions, showcasing his talent and leadership on the field. Savea has represented New Zealand in both sevens and under-20 rugby, achieving significant success throughout his career. With numerous accolades to his name, including being a key player in the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning team and a top try-scorer, Savea is widely recognized for his contributions to the sport.

Joseph Parker is a renowned New Zealand professional boxer who has achieved significant success in the heavyweight division. He has held various titles, including the WBO interim heavyweight title and the WBO heavyweight title. Parker has also won regional championships and represented New Zealand in international competitions. His professional career began in 2012 under Duco Events, and he made history by becoming the first heavyweight boxer from New Zealand or the Pacific Islands to win a major world championship. Parker is currently ranked among the top heavyweight boxers globally by reputable boxing publications.

Carlos Ulberg is a New Zealand professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has gained recognition in the UFC light heavyweight rankings, currently holding the #10 spot as of July 2, 2024. With a background in kickboxing, Ulberg has transitioned successfully to MMA, showcasing his skills and determination in the competitive UFC landscape. His career trajectory demonstrates his commitment to excellence and his potential for further success in the sport.

Shane Bond is a former New Zealand cricketer and current bowling coach of Rajasthan Royals. Known as one of the greatest fast bowlers of his era, Bond represented New Zealand in Test, ODI, and Twenty20 International cricket. His career was plagued by injuries, including stress fractures of the back, knee injuries, and an abdominal tear. Bond also had a hiatus due to his involvement with the 'rebel' Indian Cricket League. Despite these challenges, he achieved notable success in international and domestic cricket before retiring in 2010.

Rieko Ioane is a talented rugby union player from New Zealand, known for his versatility as a wing or centre. He has played for the Blues in Super Rugby and the national team of New Zealand. Ioane began his professional career at a young age, representing Auckland in provincial rugby and making his debut for the Blues in 2016. He has achieved significant recognition, winning awards such as the Tom French Māori Player of the Year and World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year. Ioane has also been a key player for the All Blacks, earning nominations for World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year.

Mitchell William Evans is a successful New Zealand racing driver known for his achievements in various racing series. He has competed in the GP3 and GP2 Series, achieving notable results over the years. Evans also won the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand and showcased his talent by winning the New Zealand Grand Prix at a young age. His career highlights include driving for the Jaguar TCS Racing team in Formula E and winning his first Formula E race at the 2019 Rome ePrix.

Sarpreet Singh is a talented attacking midfielder from New Zealand who has made a name for himself in professional football. He began his career at Onehunga Sports before joining the Wellington Phoenix Academy. Singh quickly progressed to the senior team, showcasing his skills and earning a spot in the New Zealand national team. His standout performances at the FIFA U-20 World Cup caught the attention of Bayern Munich, leading to a three-year deal with the prestigious club. Singh continues to impress on the international stage and is a rising star in the football world.

Piri Weepu is a retired New Zealand rugby union player who primarily played as a half-back and occasionally as a first five-eighth. He represented the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, between 2004 and 2013, earning national honours against Wales in 2004. Weepu played for teams such as the Hurricanes and Blues in Super Rugby, as well as Wellington and Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup. Additionally, he had stints with various clubs in Europe before announcing his retirement from professional rugby in October 2017.

Christian Cullen is a retired New Zealand rugby union player known for his exceptional skills as a fullback. He played for the All Blacks at the international level, the Hurricanes in the Super 12, and various provincial teams such as Manawatu, Wellington, and Munster. With a nickname of the Paekakariki Express, Cullen was celebrated for his powerful running style. He holds the impressive record of scoring 46 tries in 58 international tests, ranking him as the 9th highest try-scorer in the history of international rugby.

Brodie Retallick is a highly acclaimed New Zealand rugby union player known for his impressive career in both domestic and international competitions. He has played as a lock for various teams, including Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan Rugby League One, the Chiefs in Super Rugby, and Hawke's Bay in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship. Retallick made his international debut in 2012 and has since become a regular starter for the New Zealand national team, accumulating over 100 test caps. He was a key player in the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning team and earned the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2014, making him the youngest recipient of this honor. Retallick's exceptional skills and contributions to the sport have drawn comparisons to legendary All Black lock, Sir Colin Meads.

Stephen Donald is a renowned New Zealand rugby union player currently playing for the NEC Green Rockets in the Japanese Top League. He has earned 24 international caps for New Zealand and is recognized for his versatility in playing as a first five-eighth or centre. Nicknamed 'Beaver', Donald gained widespread fame for his match-winning penalty kick during the 2011 Rugby World Cup final. His career highlights include numerous impressive performances both at the domestic and international levels, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and dependable player.

Chris Amon was a highly skilled New Zealand motor racing driver known for his impressive career in Formula One during the 1960s and 1970s. Despite being widely considered as one of the best F1 drivers to never win a championship Grand Prix, he gained a reputation for enduring consistent bad luck throughout his career. Amon was praised for his exceptional abilities as a test driver by Ferrari's Mauro Forghieri. Additionally, he briefly managed his own Formula One team and achieved success in sports car racing, notably winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 alongside Bruce McLaren.

Peter Burling is a highly accomplished New Zealand sailor, known for his exceptional skills and achievements in various prestigious sailing events. He has won multiple America's Cup championships, Olympic medals, and World Sailor of the Year awards. Burling is also recognized for his contributions to marine conservation through his involvement with Live Ocean charity. With an impressive record of world championship wins and successful participation in the Volvo Ocean Race, he continues to excel in the world of sailing as a prominent figure and joint CEO of the New Zealand SailGP Team.

Gemma Flynn is a highly accomplished New Zealand field hockey player with a notable career representing her country in three Summer Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016). Known for her skill and dedication to the sport, Flynn has made significant contributions to the field hockey scene. Her presence in the international arena has showcased her talent and leadership on the field. With a strong commitment to excellence, Flynn continues to inspire and make a mark in the world of field hockey.

Arthur Lydiard was a renowned New Zealand runner and athletics coach, widely acclaimed as one of the greatest coaches in the history of athletics. He is credited with revolutionizing the sport of running and popularizing it worldwide through his innovative training methods. Lydiard's approach focused on building a solid endurance base and implementing periodization to optimize athletic performance. His impact on the sporting world is significant, with many athletes benefitting from his expertise and guidance in achieving peak performance levels.

Ben Tameifuna is a professional rugby union player known for his role as a prop for Top 14 club Bordeaux Bègles. Originally from New Zealand, he competes at the international level representing Tonga due to his ancestral ties. Tameifuna's career is marked by his physical presence on the field and his contributions to his team's success. His skills as a prop have made him a valuable asset in the rugby world, showcasing his dedication and talent in the sport.

Sophie Devine is a versatile New Zealand sportswoman known for representing her country in both cricket and field hockey. She has excelled in cricket, earning recognition for her unique choice of not wearing a helmet while batting. Devine's talent has been acknowledged through numerous achievements, such as being named in the ICC Women's T20I Team of the Year and receiving a central contract from New Zealand Cricket. She has also taken on leadership roles, becoming the captain of the New Zealand women's cricket team and reaching milestones like playing in her 100th WT20I match.

Gerard James Stokes was a prominent figure in the world of rugby league, having played during the 1970s and 1980s and later transitioning into coaching from the 1980s to the 2010s. He notably represented New Zealand and also served as the coach of the Serbian national rugby league team. His extensive experience and expertise in the sport allowed him to make significant contributions both on and off the field, leaving a lasting impact on the teams and players he worked with.

Ali Williams is a retired New Zealand professional rugby union player who primarily played as a lock for Super Rugby clubs Blues and Crusaders, as well as the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, from 2002 to 2012. He also had stints with Auckland, Tasman, Nottingham in England's RFU Championship, Toulon in France, and Racing 92. In 2005, he was named one of the five players of the year by the NZ Rugby Almanack. Williams faced controversy when he was arrested in Paris in 2017 for allegedly buying cocaine.

Ray Sefo is a renowned New Zealand fight promoter and retired combat sports athlete. Throughout his career, he achieved notable success in kickboxing, boxing, and mixed martial arts. Sefo's accomplishments include being the K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 Runner-up, a six-time Muay Thai World Champion, and an eight-time K-1 World Grand Prix Finals tournament participant. He has defeated esteemed opponents such as Jerome Le Banner, Peter Aerts, Stefan Leko, Mike Bernardo, and Mark Hunt. Sefo currently serves as the president of the Professional Fighters League, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the combat sports industry.

Ben Te'o had a successful career as a professional rugby union and rugby league player, playing as a second-rower for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL. He also played for the Wests Tigers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, winning the 2014 NRL Grand Final with the latter. Te'o represented Queensland in the State of Origin series and Samoa at the international level. Transitioning to rugby union, he played as a centre for England and the British & Irish Lions between 2014 and 2020.

Richie Mo'unga is a talented professional rugby union player from New Zealand. He excels in the position of first five-eighth for both the Japan Rugby League One club, Toshiba Brave Lupus, and the New Zealand national team. Known for his exceptional skills and strategic gameplay, Mo'unga has become a key player in the rugby world. He is highly regarded for his ability to lead the team on the field and make critical decisions under pressure. Mo'unga's dedication and passion for the sport have contributed significantly to his success.

Sean Fitzpatrick is a renowned former rugby union player from New Zealand. He played for Auckland in the late 1980s and 1990s, securing two Super 12 titles in 1996 and 1997. Fitzpatrick debuted for the All Blacks in 1986 and earned 92 international caps. He was part of the historic 1987 Rugby World Cup-winning team and later captained the national side from 1992 to 1997. Fitzpatrick's career highlights include leading New Zealand to victory against the British Lions in 1993 and winning series in South Africa in 1996.

Ben McLachlan is a Japanese former professional tennis player who previously represented New Zealand. He is a doubles specialist with a career-high ATP ranking of world No. 18. McLachlan has won seven doubles titles on the ATP Tour, including three at ATP 500 level. He reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2018 Australian Open and has reached four further major quarterfinals in men's and mixed doubles. McLachlan has represented Japan in the Davis Cup since 2017 and competed at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Ryan Nelsen is a former professional football player from New Zealand who played primarily as a defender. He began his career in 1995 with Christchurch United before moving to MLS side D.C. United in 2001. Nelsen later joined Premier League team Blackburn Rovers in 2005, where he made 172 appearances and scored 8 goals. He also had a brief stint at Tottenham Hotspur before joining Queens Park Rangers in 2012. Nelsen returned to MLS as the head coach of Toronto FC in 2013 but was dismissed in 2014.

Conrad Gerard Smith is a former New Zealand rugby union player and current coach. He played as a centre and captained the Hurricanes in Super Rugby. Smith represented New Zealand from 2004 to 2015, winning the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015. After retiring from international rugby, he played for Pau in France before retiring in 2018. Smith then transitioned into a coaching role with Pau, later becoming the club's High Performance Manager. He also worked for International Rugby Players while based in Dublin.

Marko Seufatu Nikola Stamenić is a professional footballer from New Zealand. He plays as a midfielder for Olympiacos on loan from Nottingham Forest. Stamenić started his career at Olé Football Academy before moving to FC Copenhagen in 2020. He later joined Red Star Belgrade in 2023 after making sporadic appearances for FC Copenhagen, including in the UEFA Champions League. Stamenić represents the New Zealand national team and has shown promise in his professional football career.

BJ Watling is a former New Zealand international cricketer who played for Northern Districts since December 2004. He debuted in Test cricket in December 2009 and later in One Day Internationals. In 2012, he became the wicket-keeper for Tests. Watling holds the record for the most dismissals by a wicket-keeper for New Zealand and has been part of the highest 6th and 7th wicket partnerships in Tests for the country. He also achieved the milestone of scoring a double hundred as a wicket-keeper batsman for New Zealand in Tests. Watling retired from cricket in May 2021 after New Zealand's tour to England and winning the ICC World Test Championship.

Shane van Gisbergen is a versatile professional racing driver from New Zealand, known for his success in various motorsport disciplines. He competes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Cup Series, as well as the ARCA Menards Series. Van Gisbergen has excelled in the Supercars Championship, winning three driver's titles and achieving numerous wins and pole positions. He has also made his mark in GT Racing, winning prestigious events like the Bathurst 1000 and Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour. Van Gisbergen's achievements highlight his skill and adaptability across different racing formats.

Stephen Fleming is a former New Zealand cricket captain and current coach known for his successful career in the sport. He is the second-most capped Test cricketer for New Zealand and holds the record for most test victories as captain. Fleming led the team to their first ICC trophy win and has coached various teams including the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. He has achieved significant success in coaching, winning multiple IPL and Champions League T20 titles, and has been recognized for his contributions to cricket with prestigious honors.

Tony Garea, known by his ring name, had a successful career as a professional wrestler, gaining fame in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. He competed in the World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation, showcasing his skills in the ring. Garea's talent and dedication allowed him to become a well-known figure in the world of professional wrestling, earning respect and admiration from fans and fellow wrestlers alike. His legacy continues to be remembered by wrestling enthusiasts to this day.

Cory Jane is a New Zealand international rugby union player who has played as a winger for the All Blacks since 2008. He has represented Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup and the Wellington Hurricanes in Super Rugby. With a successful career that includes playing for Hawke's Bay and winning a Rugby Sevens gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Jane has been a valuable asset to the All Blacks, contributing to their victories in the 2011 Rugby World Cup and various other international matches.