New Zealand’s top junior surfers delivered outstanding performances at Whangamatā over the weekend of 14–15 February for the second stop of the 2026 Billabong Grom Series presented by Oceanbridge, with Sunday turning on as a 1.0m swell built throughout the day.
The event attracted the nation’s best surfers aged under 18, all chasing valuable NZ Grom Series points to go toward their national ranking positions and for the top end of the field, a chance to represent New Zealand at the recently announced Would Junior Championships being held at El Salvador in September.
Under 18 Divisions
The premier Under 18 Boys division saw an all-action final, with Tyler Stenzel (Mnt) claiming victory with a two-wave total of 15.24 points. Stenzel narrowly edged Kaikōura’s Sonny Lyons (14.57), while local hope Harrison Biddle (13.17) thrilled the locals packing out the dunes with a podium finish ahead of Taimana Marupo (11.97).
In the Under 18 Girls division, Maya Mateja (Rag) secured a commanding win with 13.04 points. She held off strong challenges from Piha surfers Poppy Arkle (11.84) and Kyra Wallis (11.33), with Bonnie Lynch (Gis) finishing fourth.
Under 16 Divisions
The Under 16 Boys final was fiercely contested, with Zeke Pragert (Piha) taking his first ever win on 13.13 points. Jesse Frazerhurst (Auck) finished a close second (12.30), followed by Jaxon Pardoe (11.16) and Beau Broadhurst (Ohope).
Local surfer Lola Groube (Pauanui) delivered one of the standout performances of the event to win the Under 16 Girls division with an impressive 15.33 points. Alani Morse (Rag) placed second ahead of Jade Nias Phillips (Ahipara) and Selva Petzold de la Cruz (Rag).
Under 14 Divisions
The Under 14 Boys title went to Ffeon Clifford (Mnt), whose 15.40 heat total proved decisive in the final. Clarence Faherty (Tara) placed second, with Mount surfers Louis Macquet and Arlo Scorringe completing the finalists.
In the Under 14 Girls division, Nami Marsden (Mnt) produced a dominant performance, posting 14.66 points to secure victory ahead of Summer Holmes (Mnt), Savannah Dawes (Mnt), and Millie Dyck (Mnt).
Strong Performances Across Clubs
Boardrider clubs from across the country were well represented, with Bay Boardriders particularly prominent across multiple divisions and taking an easy victory in the club standings over their 22 fellow clubs.
Series Continues
Surfers will now turn their focus to the remaining event of the series at Piha on the 28 Feb – 1 March.
Results — Event 2 Winners
- Under 18 Boys — Tyler Stenzel (Mnt)
- Under 18 Girls — Maya Mateja (Rag)
- Under 16 Boys — Zeke Pragert (Piha)
- Under 16 Girls — Lola Groube (Pauanui)
- Under 14 Boys — Ffeon Clifford (Mnt)
- Under 14 Girls — Nami Marsden (Mnt)