More Harvey Norman Heartland Female Athlete camps

Author: Richard Becht & warriors.kiwi
Timestamp: Wed 21 Jan 2026, 10:00 AM

Registrations are now open for seven camps in the space of two months as the One New Zealand Warriors bed in their ground-breaking Harvey Norman Heartland Female Athlete programme.

The initiative kicked off in late November when 20 young athletes assembled for a highly successful three-day event at Nelson College.

Now a schedule has been announced for visits to Wellington (February 21-22), Hastings (February 28-March 1), Christchurch (March 7-8), Whangarei (March 14), Hamilton (March 28-29), Auckland (April 11–12) and Dunedin (April 18-19).

Aspiring athletes born in 2008 and 2009 can register here for camps in their areas. Applications on January 28 with numbers restricted to 20 athletes for each camp.

For the Auckland event, players will be selected from the Georgia Hale Cup (under-16) and Apii Nicholls Cup (under-19) competitions starting on January 31 and finishing on March 12.

“We’re really thrilled to see the Harvey Norman programme making such significant progress as we set out to boost our pathways for female players,” said One New Zealand Warriors recruitment and partnerships strategy manager Liam Turner.

“After starting in the middle of the country in Nelson we’re committed to reaching as many parts of the country as possible over the next two months. There are so many young girls throughout the country looking for an opportunity to be part of this.”

Turner said athletes need to live in the regions specified to be eligible for camps in their areas. Any travel and accommodation costs would have to be covered by the athlete.

Regions covered at each camp:

Wellington (February 21-22) | Wellington, Manawatu
Hastings (February 28-March 1) | Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne/ Tairāwhiti
Christchurch (March 7-8) | Canterbury
Whangarei (March 21) | Northland
Hamilton (March 28-29) | Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Coastline, Hauraki, Taranaki
Auckland (April 11-12) | Auckland
Dunedin (April 18-19) | Otago, Aoraki, Southland

For further development opportunities, two athletes selected from each camp will be invited to the One New Zealand Warriors’ NRL-NRLW doubleheader at Go Media Stadium on Sunday, July 5, highlighted by exclusive behind the scenes access to the NRLW side.

Harvey Norman Heartland Female Athlete programme kicked off with its first camp at Nelson College.

Nelson camp

The first camp in Nelson was hugely successful with Warriors NRLW head coach Ron Griffiths, experienced front rower Harata Butler and NRL great Simon Mannering among those involved.

“What's really important to understand is that all we're doing is providing the young athletes with some tools and opportunities,” said Griffiths.

“They still have to do the work, that's why when I talk about attitude, and attitude being everything, it’s the most important thing.”

The camp had a significant impact on all participants including Waimea College students Makenna Holland and Samara Bright were

“I want to learn new life skills and getting out of my comfort zone. I've never played league before so it's cool to get the opportunity to try new things,” said Holland.

“Honestly just to try something new (rugby league) and the future opportunities that could come from it as well, the pathways especially for future women athletes. (Just to) have fun with friends and get out and give it a go,” said Bright.

Tasman Mako U18 coach Stacey Davis was thrilled with the opportunity provided.

“It’s so nice to go into an environment where everything is set up, the funding from Harvey Norman is there which means the girls feel valued and supported,” she said.

About the programme

The Harvey Norman Heartland Female Athlete Programme is designed to support the next generation of female athletes across Aotearoa.

It provides aspiring sportswomen with a unique opportunity to experience what it takes to compete at the highest level, while also developing the tools and confidence to become leaders beyond the game.

The programme marks a critical step in the club’s commitment to growing opportunities for women in sport both on, and off the field.

Spots are strictly limited to 20 participants, so early registration is essential.

Participants will gain insights into high-performance environments, including sessions on mental health and wellbeing, nutrition, strength and skill development as well as player agent and management advice.

The camps will also feature NRLW head coach Ron Griffiths, among other special guests in the space.