Rachel McKenzie, a standout in the sport of ultimate frisbee, has been named the recipient of the 2025 GirlBoss Canterbury Sport Award.

The annual awards were held in Ōtautahi Christchurch on Thursday night.

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Sport Canterbury proudly sponsors the GirlBoss Sports Award, which celebrates a wāhine toa who demonstrates excellence on and off the field, uplifting others through her leadership and example.

McKenzie, of Darfield High School, is a member of the New Zealand under-20 women’s ultimate frisbee training squad.

She actively promotes ultimate frisbee within her community, working to highlight its competitive nature and challenge the common perception of it as merely a casual sport.

“By doing this, it shows that in a country filled with tall poppy syndrome, it's OK to be proud of doing well at something you love, even if it's not popular or well known,” McKenzie says. “By playing my sport at a high level, I have been able to show the community that even though we live in a small rural town, we're still able to achieve things at high levels, if we have a passion for them and are willing to put in the extra work required.”

She says many questioned her decision to quit netball for ultimate frisbee.

“However, when I look back on it, it was the best decision I have made. Because of it, I have been able to pursue the sport that makes me happy, show people that Darfield has athletes who play at national levels and show younger people that no matter what your hobby is, if you enjoy it and are willing to put in the effort and work to succeed, you can.”

McKenzie’s short-term goal is working toward selection for the national team to compete at the 2026 World Junior Ultimate Championships.

Serena Somlyai, Sport Development Lead at Sport Canterbury, says McKenzie is a talented athlete and a positive role model for wāhine throughout the region.

“Rachel’s recognition is a testament to the impact she’s making on and off the field,” Somlyai says.

“Her success is shining a light on how diverse sporting pathways can inspire more tamariki and rangatahi to get more active, more often.”

McKenzie says being a GirlBoss award recipient shows people notice the work she’s doing.

“It means that you’re able to be represented and you know that there are people out there, like you, making change, and you’re not alone.”

Canterbury GirlBoss Awards winners 2025

Rachel McKenzie - Sport

Mya Taylor - Inclusion

Kyra Mayers - Arts & Culture

Elisa Harley - Innovation

Maevi Fleming - Community

Ruby-Grace Miller - Trailblazer

Ruby Love-Smith - Leadership

Jiangyue (Tina) Ren - STEM

Article added: Wednesday, August 6, 2025