Finalists - 2025 Paul Gunn Scholarship

The Whaka100 team, in partnership with the Gunn family, is proud to announce the finalists for the inaugural Paul Gunn Scholarship, a legacy honouring one of the Whaka100 community’s most passionate and generous supporters.

The scholarship was created to continue Paul Gunn’s commitment to helping young riders achieve their goals in mountain biking. From 2025, the scholarship will provide two emerging riders — one male and one female, with a $4,500 development package, including $200 cash and entries across the Nduro Events mountain-bike portfolio.

The response to the inaugural scholarship was overwhelming, with more than 20 applications received from across Australasia. The depth of talent and passion made it an incredibly tough process to select just three finalists in each category. Each finalist represents the same determination, humility, and love for the sport that Paul embodied, a fitting reflection of his legacy on and off the trails.

Learn more about The Scholarship

Female Finalists
This year’s female finalists showcase exceptional talent, determination, and leadership within the sport. Each has not only achieved success on the racecourse but also gives back to the mountain bike community by inspiring and mentoring the next generation of riders. From national champions to first-time World Championship competitors, their achievements highlight the growing strength of women’s mountain biking in New Zealand.

​Kayley McMillian (Hamilton)
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​At just 16 years old, Kayley already holds multiple national and Oceania titles.

​She recently represented New Zealand at the World Championships in Crans-Montana and was the first U23 female home at last year’s Whaka100.

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Amelie McKay (Christchurch)

A dedicated U23 rider who has competed at World Cups, World Championships, and national-level events.

​Amelie combines her athletic focus with advocacy, openly sharing her experiences to inspire others in sport and mental wellbeing.

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Dulcie Copeland (Tauriko) 

A late starter who’s quickly risen through the ranks to represent New Zealand at the 2025 World Championships.

​Dulcie is driven by resilience and community spirit, actively mentoring younger riders and championing confidence and inclusion in the sport

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Male Finalists
The male finalists represent the next wave of elite-level mountain bikers emerging from New Zealand’s grassroots scene. Each has already demonstrated national and international success, balancing training, study, and work commitments while actively giving back through coaching, mentoring, and community engagement. Their dedication reflects the spirit of perseverance that defined Paul Gunn.

Fletcher Adams (Hamilton)
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 A long-time Whaka100 competitor who began racing the event at age 7 and has since represented New Zealand twice at the World Championships.

​Fletcher is passionate about developing young talent, co-hosting skills clinics for local riders

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Levi Gear (Auckland) 
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The reigning U17 National and Oceania Champion and 2024 Whaka50 overall winner.
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At just 15, Levi aspires to represent New Zealand at the 2026 UCI World Championships and dreams of one day competing on the World Cup and Olympic stages

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James Climo (Hamilton) 

​A dedicated young athlete who has balanced his racing career with an electrical apprenticeship.

​James has raced internationally in Europe and continues to mentor younger club riders while pursuing top U19 results

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Winners Announced at Whaka100
The winners of the 2025 Paul Gunn Scholarship, one male and one female will be announced at 3:00 pm, Saturday 25 October 2025, prior to the Whaka 50 prizegiving.

The Whaka100 and the Gunn family would like to thank all applicants for their inspiring submissions and their contributions to the future of mountain biking in New Zealand.