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A Dunedin teenager is one step closer to surf life-saving’s world stage.
St Clair Surf Life Saving Club athlete Charlotte Aburn, 18, has been named in Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s 2026 Junior Black Fins squad, one of 12 athletes selected nationwide.
She is attending the squad’s week-long international development camp in Bundaberg, Queensland, as the Black Fins build towards the 2026 Lifesaving World Championships in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in December.
In a statement, Aburn said the selection capped two years of work towards her ultimate goal of competing at a world championship.
"I feel excited and relieved that the hard work paid off," Aburn said.
Aburn followed her older sister Phoebe Aburn into the sport, continuing a family tradition that began with their mother, who grew up surfing at Omaha Beach.
She made an immediate mark at national level, winning the 200m super race on debut at the National Pool Champs in 2025.
Off the sand, she sits on the junior committee at St Clair, where she advocates for young women in the club.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand high performance manager Holly Fletcher said the squad had earned the opportunity through consistent performances across the domestic season.
"Congratulations to everyone selected," Fletcher said.
"This is an exciting milestone and a chance to experience international competition while continuing to grow as athletes and team-mates.
"The future of New Zealand surf lifesaving is looking incredibly strong and we are excited to see this group take the next step together." — Allied Media