Fourteen young Eastern Bay of Plenty badminton players took part in the 42nd New Zealand Junior Team Champs (NZJTC) in Palmerston North last month.

For eight of these players, it was their first time representing the Bay of Plenty.

This event is run by Badminton New Zealand, and it takes place every July.

This year saw another record breaking number of teams entered – 92 teams involving over 750 players (up from 86 teams and over 650 players in 2024), from both the North and South Island, and split into four age categories: under 13, under 15, under 17 and under 19.

This year also saw a small contingent of players from the Cook Islands taking part.

This competition is the highlight of the year for young badminton players as it is a chance to play against the best of the best, nurture old badminton friendships, and make new friendships throughout the four days of action.

While at times the competition can be very intense, there is always a great atmosphere, heaps of supportive noise, and lots of smiles to be seen around the massive Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North.

Whakatāne Intermediate had one representative in Tamahlya (Mahly) Rikirangi – Bay of Plenty Under 13 Blue, Whakatāne High School had nine members of BOP teams, Keelan Dawson – Bay of Plenty Under 15 Yellow, Amiria Penny – Bay of Plenty Under 15 Yellow, Reon Blommerde – Bay of Plenty Under 17 Yellow, Ryan Heiberg – Bay of Plenty Under 17 Yellow Lochlan Holding – Bay of Plenty Under 17 Yellow, Rebecca Harris – Bay of Plenty Under 17 Yellow, Xeia Panganiban – Bay of Plenty Under 17 Yellow, Mackenzie Reid – Bay of Plenty Under 17 Blue, Catelyn Santos – Bay of Plenty Under 19 Blue, and three came from Trident High School, Kupai Jones – Bay of Plenty Under 15 Blue, Annabelle Plunket – Bay of Plenty Under 15 Blue, Nathan Reihana-Asquith – Bay of Plenty Under 19 Silver.

Mieka Miller from Rangitaiki College also competed but as part of the Counties Manukau under 19 team.

A standout from the Eastern Bay contingent was Mackenzie, who helped her Bay of Plenty team earn a medal in division 2.

“As someone who has represented the Bay of Plenty and competed at the NZJTC for the past five years, I have truly loved all of the opportunities and experiences I have been able to partake in.

“The NZJTC is an amazing event where I have made many new friends and gained valuable life skills, on and off the court.”

She managed to win 10 of her 12 matches to cap off a successful few days on court.

Others to show potential were Keelan and Amiria in the under 15 division.

“My favourite game was a tough singles game against Manawatu, where it went to three sets and even deuce.

“It was really fun but I went down with a tough defeat,” Keelan said.

Amiria found her stride in girls’ double matches, managing to achieve three solid wins against Wellington Black, Taranaki and Eastland.

“Going to Palmy for my first year was amazing. My favourite thing was making new friends and also getting the opportunity to get into the Bay of Plenty team, which not many people get offered,” Amiria said.

There were plenty of top performers, although one who enjoyed representing Bay of Plenty for the first time was Annabelle.

“It was my first time going to Palmy with the Bay of Plenty Badminton team.

“My favourite thing about the tournament was when I played against Manawatu 2. It was a tough game, but I ended up coming out on top,” she said.

Another one who performed well was Catelyn, part of a Bay of Plenty division 1 team for the first time and she more than held her own against some quality opponents.

All the Eastern Bay players were thankful to their BOP team and staff who helped them prepare for the season.

The next badminton event happening for Mackenzie, Rebecca, Xeia, Keelan and Ryan will be when they represent Whakatāne High School in the New Zealand Secondary School Championships, which are taking place in Porirua in late August.

Awakeri Badminton Club players are also looking forward to travelling to Eastland Badminton Club in Gisborne, in October for an Interclub Competition as a follow up to Eastland visiting Awakeri Badminton Club in 2024.