Celebrating the Next Generation of Talent

Each year, we support young New Zealanders aged 16–25 who are excelling in sport or the arts but face financial barriers to pursuing their dreams.

Too often, the biggest barrier for young New Zealanders is not talent, hard work, or discipline. It is money. The costs of travel, competition, and training can put dreams out of reach, especially without the support of family wealth.

At FMT, our Youth Sponsorship programme goes beyond funding, it’s about backing the next generation of New Zealanders who are striving for excellence. Behind every athlete is a story of commitment and sacrifice. Many or balancing study, work, and family commitments alongside rigorous training schedules and the high costs of competing at an elite level. These are young people who consistently show discipline, resilience, and a drive to succeed — values that strongly align with our own: Teamwork, Integrity, and Achievement.

Nick Collier – Canoe Slalom

Nick grew up in Central Otago and is currently based in Waikato. He is a dedicated canoe slalom athlete competing in high-performance events internationally. In kayaking, community is essential—the sport involves risk, trust, and looking out for one another. Nick describes this as building deep bonds, resilience, and responsibility which have helped him through challenges including injury and financial pressure.

Nick is competing at an international level while balancing the financial realities of training and travel. The grant helps ease that pressure, allowing him to focus on performance as he prepares for the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Oklahoma.

“This support makes a real difference — it allows me to focus more on training and competing at the level required and has enabled me to attend the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championship in Oklahoma, USA, in July.”

Jessica Bray – Running and Triathlon

Coming from a non-traditional sporting background, growing up in Te Aroha, Jessica’s successes have come through consistency in showing up for herself for her entire teenage years. She has worked tirelessly to fund her training and competition whilst studying at Otago University, working and volunteering. Training six days as week, her This sponsorship helps reduce everyday costs and supports her ambition to represent New Zealand internationally.

“FMT’s support is enabling me to have less strain on everyday training expenses and getting me to my dream of representing New Zealand overseas later this year. My biggest goal now is to continue pushing my limits and showing others that anyone of any background can reach their goals”

Havana Hopman – Rhythmic Gymnastics

Havana is based in Auckland and has been involved in gymnastics since she could walk. She is preparing to compete at the 2026 World Championships in Frankfurt, with a long term goal to quality for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Giving back to the community is very important to Havana, volunteering at club events, coaching and helping younger athletes develop their skills and confidence. She is a member of the Gymnastics NZ Athlete Council, helping improve the sport and athlete experience.

“Being awarded this grant is an incredibly meaningful recognition of my dedication to Rhythmic Gymnastics and the goals I am working toward. This support plays an important role in both my current goals and long-term pathway, while also helping to increase awareness and visibility of Rhythmic Gymnastics in NZ”

Dwyane Li – Figure Skating

Dwayne is a Chinese-born New Zealand figure skater. He started skating as a four-year-old in China to escape the summer heat; moving to NZ with his family at eight years old at he joined the Allegro Ice Dance Club in Auckland. He is the first New Zealand figure skater to quality for or medal at any Olympic event and to win an ISU Junior Grand Prix medal.

Competing in a sport with significant overseas costs, the grant assists Dwyane in pursuing his goal of representing New Zealand at the highest level, including the 2030 Winter Olympics.

“Your support allows me to compete free from financial worry and focus fully on my performance and brings me one massive step closer to my dream of representing our country at the 2030 Winter Olympic Games, of which I am incredibly grateful.”

Daniella Belford – Adaptive Golf

Daniella is from Papakura, South Auckland. Playing golf since she was five without any formal training, she is a naturally gifted golfer who won Gold at the 2025 Special Olympics.
Daniella is currently the only world-ranked female adaptive golfer in New Zealand. As an autistic athlete and proud Pacific Islander, she is breaking barriers and creating representation in her sport.

“This represents more than support — it shows belief in what people with disabilities can achieve. My autism is not a barrier; it is a part of what makes me the golfer I am today. Fa’afetai tele lava FMT for believing in me and my journey”

Acima Mabidikama – Powerlifting

Immigrating to NZ with her family at four years old, Acima grew up in the Bay of Islands. A dedicated athlete and coach, Acima is passionate about inspiring others — particularly young women — through strength and sport. The sponsorship supports her ability to compete and continue progressing toward her goal of becoming a world champion.

“This grant has meant I am able to compete, do my absolute best and have a performance I can be proud of. Not only do I get closer to my goal of being a World Champion, I get to be an athlete that would have inspired my younger self.”