Making Waves: Help Maeve Represent NZ in Argentina

We are incredibly proud to share that Maeve McDonnell has been officially selected to represent Team New Zealand at the 2026 World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships!

​After months of grueling training and achieving the performance standards at the NZ Championships, Maeve has been offered one of only ten spots to wear the silver fern on the world stage.

​The Event

This September, Maeve will travel to Santa Fe, Argentina, to compete against the world's top age-group open water swimmers. The competition is one of the most demanding on the World Aquatics calendar.

​Location: Santa Fe, Argentina—a city with a rich heritage in open water swimming.

​Venue: The iconic Parque del Sud.

​Dates: September 3rd – 6th, 2026.

The Challenge

Representing your country is a dream come true, but it comes with a significant financial hurdle. As a "user pays" event, the costs for our athletes are substantial. To get Maeve to the starting line in Argentina, we need to raise funds.

How You Can Help

Maeve has put in the work, now we’re asking for your help to get her there. Whether it’s the cost of a coffee or a larger sponsorship, every cent goes directly toward Maeve’s travel, accommodation, and competition fees.

​If you aren't able to donate, sharing this page with your friends, family, and local community would mean the world to us.

​Thank you for being part of Maeve’s journey. Let’s show the world what a Kiwi kid can do!