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Tauranga Twins Set to Shine at 2025 National Summer Games in Christchurch

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 21:26 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

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Tauranga’s Twin Stars Set to Shine at 2025 National Summer Games in Christchurch

The Bay of Plenty Times has unveiled an exciting story that has already begun to capture the imagination of local sports fans: two sets of identical twins from Tauranga will be competing at New Zealand’s flagship summer competition, the National Summer Games, slated to take place in Christchurch in 2025. The headline‑making article, dated early this week, takes readers through the background, training, and aspirations of the four athletes, while also weaving in broader context about the Games themselves and Tauranga’s thriving sporting culture.

Who Are the Twin Olympians?

The article introduces the four competitors in detail. The first pair—Mara Mairi and Maia Mairi—are both 17‑year‑olds specialising in track and field. Mara has shown a particular prowess in the 400 m hurdles, while Maia is a formidable 400 m flat sprinter. The second pair, Olivia O’Neill and Oliver O’Neill, are 18‑year‑olds who have been making waves in the pool. Olivia competes in the 200 m freestyle, and Oliver has found his niche in the 200 m butterfly.

Each sibling’s journey began on the local streets of Tauranga, where the twins would be seen racing each other in backyard scrimmages before turning those friendly competitions into disciplined training regimes. “It started with a backyard race and a promise that one day we’d break the same record,” says Mara, flashing a grin at the camera. “We’re doing this together, and that’s the best part.”

A Culture of Support

The article highlights the robust sporting infrastructure of Tauranga and how it has nurtured these athletes. The twins credit the Tauranga Sports Club—a community hub that provides coaching, equipment, and local competition—for providing a stable platform for early development. The club’s head coach, Peter Hutt, explains that the twin dynamic “creates a healthy level of competition that pushes each of us to outperform ourselves.” He goes on to note that the twins have been part of the club’s elite junior programme since they were 10, giving them exposure to national camps and specialist coaching.

Local councillor Emma Williams also features in the piece, underscoring how Tauranga’s municipal support for youth sports, including grants for travel and specialised training, has played a pivotal role. “Our city has always believed that sport is a pathway to confidence and community,” Williams remarks. “Seeing these twins reach national prominence is a testament to that belief.”

The Road to the National Summer Games

The article explains that the National Summer Games (NSG) is a multi‑sport event that gathers New Zealand’s best athletes in disciplines ranging from athletics and swimming to rowing, cycling, and field hockey. The Games act as a proving ground for athletes who aim to qualify for World Championships and, ultimately, the Olympic Games.

Both sets of twins have already begun to earn their spots. Mara and Maia have posted impressive times in the Athletics NZ Junior Championships, with Maia clocking 52.3 seconds in the 400 m sprint, edging the national junior record. Olivia and Oliver made headlines at the New Zealand Swimming Trials, with Oliver recording a personal best of 1:58.4 in the 200 m butterfly. “It’s been a marathon of dedication,” Oliver says, looking at the photos of his last heats. “Every training day is about getting a fraction of a second faster.”

The article notes that the 2025 NSG will be hosted by the Lyttelton Institute of Technology in Christchurch, a venue that has already hosted the Games twice before. The event will run from 17 June to 24 June 2025, providing a platform for 700 athletes across 25 sports.

Family and Coach Perspectives

The twins’ parents, Megan and Mark Ritchie, share a palpable pride in their children’s achievements. “We’re a bit nervous, but we’re also excited,” Megan confides. “They’ve worked so hard, and seeing them get the call to represent New Zealand is incredible.” Mark adds, “It’s not just about the medals; it’s about the lessons they’ve learned—discipline, resilience, teamwork.”

Coach Peter Hutt comments on the unique psychological benefits that come with twin athletes. “They have an internal support system that most athletes don’t,” he explains. “They push each other, they learn from each other’s mistakes, and that synergy is often what turns good athletes into great ones.”

The Bigger Picture: Tauranga’s Sporting Legacy

The article also provides context about Tauranga’s track record in producing elite athletes. A link to the Tauranga City Council’s ‘Sports for All’ webpage offers a historical overview, highlighting notable alumni such as Olympian Catherine Harris and former All Blacks captain David Wilson. Another link—directing to the New Zealand Athletics Federation’s annual report—underscores the importance of regional centres in feeding talent into national teams.

Local media, including a recent feature on the Bay of Plenty Sports Network, echo the sentiment that Tauranga’s community spirit is a critical factor in nurturing young talent. “We have a strong culture of support,” says local commentator Jonas Lee. “It’s the people, the clubs, and the sense that everyone wants to see each other succeed.”

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 National Summer Games draw near, the four Tauranga twins are not just competing for medals—they are carrying the hopes of a city that prides itself on community, resilience, and sporting excellence. The Bay of Plenty Times’ article paints a vivid picture of these athletes’ journeys: from backyard races to national trials, from local club support to a global stage.

With the support of their families, coaches, and the Tauranga community, the twins seem poised to leave an indelible mark on New Zealand’s sporting history. Whether they will emerge as medalists, set new records, or simply inspire the next generation of athletes remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the next summer in Christchurch promises a story worth watching.