They might be a small country, but when it comes to producing world-class snowboard talent, New Zealand continues to punch well above its weight. As the road to Milano Cortina 2026 narrows, Snowboard New Zealand has landed on a compact but dangerous group of six riders already proving they belong on podiums.
These are New Zealand’s chosen ones to represent the fern.
If you’re talking global snowboard royalty, Zoi sits right at the top. A Beijing 2022 Olympic gold medalist in slopestyle and silver medalist in big air — adding to her PyeongChang 2018 big air bronze Zoi owns a complete Olympic medal set. She comes into this cycle fresh off another huge X Games showing with silver medals in both slopestyle and big air at Aspen, reinforcing her status as one of the most reliable performers in women’s snowboarding, with an easy style to match. But there are so many talented girls in the field nipping at the heals of Zoi – Mia Brookes and Cocomo Murase most notably – but a stack of other genuine medal contenders. How Zoi deals with this pressure will be huge, but regardless of the results, Zoi rips and we’re massive fans.
Another genuine medal contender, Cam Melville Ives remains New Zealand’s one and only halfpipe heavyweight, and he’s coming in hot. Fresh off a podium at the Laax Open, one of the most respected events on the calendar, Cam has proven that he belongs among the world’s elite pipe riders. With back to back triples under his belt with the height and style to match, he’ll be a genuine medal threat in Italy.
We interviewed Rocco Jamieson a few years ago, and since then he has stepped well and truly into the spotlight. Fresh off recent X Games big air hardware, he’s established himself as one of the most exciting riders in the men’s field – super unique style with grabs no one else is doing and cool niche Korean outerwear. Known for his creativity and willingness to put it all on the line, Rocco looks increasingly comfortable mixing it with the world’s best. Can’t be more keen to see someone who represents snowboarding so well drop in Italy.
Genuinely one of the most exciting prospects on the team. Canadian born Kiwi Dane Menzies brings one of the best styles in snowboarding and incredible trick selection to New Zealand’s lineup. Recently signed to Burton and coming off some strong results, including a podium in Aspen, Dane understands the grind of the full international scene and the patience required to peak at the right moment, but one of those guys who seems like he genuinely enjoys his snowboarding – 5 rings or not. Big fans of Dane, we’ll be tuning in!
The Kiwi/Hawaiin hybrid powerhouse, Lyon Farrell has quietly become one of New Zealand’s most consistent slopestyle and big air competitors – but more importantly, have you seen how good his bottom turn on a surfboard is? A regular World Cup starter with a string of solid results, Lyon isn’t just chasing hype, he’s stacking experience and putting himself in contention when it counts. Wishing Hawaii’s most gifted snowboarder all the best for the games!
At just 19, Lucia continues to build momentum as one of New Zealand’s most promising young freestyle riders. With Youth Olympic medals already on the board and increasing confidence on World Cup-level courses, she’s shown she can handle the scale and pressure of elite competition. Still early in her Olympic journey, but clearly moving in the right direction. Can’t wait to see how she goes!
So six riders, one of the smallest but most patriotic nations on earth, serious world-class firepower.
New Zealand’s team blends Olympic pedigree, emerging talent, veterans and riders peaking at exactly the right time. As Italy starts to beckon, this team looks more than capable of turning opportunity into medals.
Up the fern!
