One of New Zealand's Greatest Cyclist
Early Days
Over a long and rewarding career as a track and road cyclist, Julian Dean become one of New Zealand's most successful cycle racers. Now retired from professional racing, he continues to be involved in the sport.
Professional Cycling
Payten Conder began making her mark in the academic world during her years at Tauranga Girls’ College, where she quickly distinguished herself as a top student. Her breakout moment came in 2024 when she was awarded Dux of the college, a title reserved for the highest-achieving student. That same year, she was part of the school’s leading chemistry team that placed third nationally at the NZIC Analytical Chemistry Competition, impressing judges with her precision and analytical skills in a university-level lab setting. Payten also excelled in computer science, taking first place in the University of Waikato’s prestigious Computer Science Underscholarship Exam—an achievement that set her apart as one of the top secondary school coders in the country. These accomplishments marked her as a standout in both the sciences and technology, with a rare blend of creativity and logic. While still early in her academic journey, Payten’s record already includes major accolades across STEM disciplines, with her future likely to include research, innovation, or advanced study in a top-tier university. Though she has not yet stepped onto the global stage, her foundation suggests that bigger achievements are only a matter of time.