PRO ATHLETES
Meet the elite athletes proudly representing WFF New Zealand on the international stage.
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Tara Mei Lee Wagstaff - Figure Pro
“Hail Mary full of grace, The Lord is with thee”. My name is Tara Mei Lee Wagstaff and I am blessed to be a wife, mother, assistant principal and a WFF pro-athlete. I was sickly for a fair portion of my life, lacking physical strength and will power.
One day I picked my newborn son out of his crib and threw my back out for a week! In a bid to be a strong and capable mother, I began my powerlifting journey.
Lifting heavy, rock climbing, sprinting, and bodybuilding are now deeply ingrained into my identity. Strong body, strong mind, strong heart, strong faith. Furthermore, I am privileged to share this philosophy with my son and the young people I work with on a daily basis.
The human being is beautifully and fearfully made , and I am honoured to promote this good news under the title of NZ WFF Pro Athlete.
Sophie Bryant - Sports Model Pro
Training has become a form of therapy for me, a place where I can focus, grow, and challenge myself both mentally and physically.
My goal is always to beat the previous version of myself on stage, and my ambition is to show up not only for myself but also to inspire others who may not believe they are capable.
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My journey began at 16 when I first discovered bodybuilding and instantly knew I wanted to compete. I quickly developed a love for training, posing, and pushing my limits.
I competed for the first time and placed first, later earning my Pro Card at Nationals.
After taking two years off, I returned to the stage for my first Pro show, continuing to grow and evolve within the sport.
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Maya Aliyazdi - Bikini Pro
Hi, I’m Maya, a Pro Bikini bodybuilder with WFF.
I started my bodybuilding journey in May 2025 and quickly fell in love with the discipline of training, the structure of dieting, and constantly working toward new goals.
My experience with the WFF Federation has been amazing so far and has really helped me grow as an athlete. I’m super excited to be heading to the Universe Show in Germany, my first international show since earning my Pro Card.
Looking forward to stepping on the international stage!!
Sharan Bhamra - Beach Model Pro
Myself Sharan, Been representing WFF NZ since 2021. After winning local shows in NZ , became national winner as beach body model, turned pro and Winning 2025 WFF Mr. Universe was the culmination of a lifelong dream—a testament to what happens when you refuse to accept anything less than your best. I’ve competed against the greatest physiques from around the world, and those battles taught me more about the human spirit than they did about muscle." And I am going to continue to represent then Nation and federation at highest level across the world.
Wff Federation Team always been very supportive from the day one.
The WFF is the home of the aesthetic warrior. As an international athlete for this federation, I take pride in a culture that values the artistic side of bodybuilding. It’s not just about being the biggest; it’s about flow, proportion, and the classic silhouette that defined the golden era of the sport." WFF is “Where art meets athleticism”
Angela McWatters - Figure Pro
I’m a proud mum to three boys and a grandmother to two beautiful grandchildren. Health and strength have always been an important part of my life, and I’ve been weight training since high school. While lifting has been a long-standing passion, I stepped onto the bodybuilding stage for the first time in 2023, turning a lifelong commitment to training into competitive bodybuilding.
Bodybuilding has been an incredibly rewarding journey for me.
My approach has always been simple: find a coach I admire and trust, and follow their programming as closely as possible. Having that guidance and structure has been key to my progress and growth in the sport.
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Although I’m currently recovering from injuries, my love for bodybuilding and the WFF community remains strong. I hope to return to the stage and compete again within the next five years. In the meantime, I’m grateful to continue contributing to the federation in my role as a judge and to stay connected with the sport and athletes that inspire me.
Bodybuilding has given me strength, discipline, and a supportive community, and I look forward to continuing my journey with the WFF both on and off the stage.
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John Rios Hughes - Sports Model Pro
My name is John, and I am passionate about bodybuilding, strength training, and continuously improving both my physical and mental performance. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to disciplined training, nutrition, and personal development, always striving to push my limits and become the best version of myself.
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My involvement with the WFF has been an important part of my bodybuilding journey. Competing and engaging within the federation has given me valuable experience in the competitive bodybuilding environment, teaching me the importance of consistency, preparation, and resilience. The WFF platform has allowed me to challenge myself, learn from other athletes, and develop a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed on stage.
My goal is to continue improving my own physique and competing at a higher level while also using my experience to help others achieve success in the sport.
As a coach, I am committed to guiding my clients through structured training, nutrition, and mindset so they can reach their full potential and perform at their best on stage. Bodybuilding is more than just a sport to me. it’s a lifestyle built on hard work, resilience, and constant progression, and I aim to lead by example while helping others succeed in their own journeys.
Sean McVerry - Beach Model Pro
My first bodybuilding competition was in 2019 where I fell in love with the sport and WFF. After achieving my pro card in 2025, my 2026 goals are to compete at the WFFNZ Pans Ragnorok Pro show in October and hopefully make my debut on the World stage in Germany at the 2026 WFF universe, working towards the long term goal of winning the WFF Mr Universe tittle for the Beach Model Class.
My approach to training is experimenting and sticking with the training styles that my body reacts best too, utilising my years of training and coaching experience and keeping up with the latest research.
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I have always gained the most amount of tissue eating in a surplus of clean food (with the odd pizza here and there) which I adjust weekly and adjusting my macros during the prep season based of how my body looks rather than going of my weight or body fat %
Amber Brine - figure Pro
Amber Brine has been competing in bodybuilding for over 10 years and has become one of New Zealand’s most recognised athletes within the WFF federation. Her journey with the WFF began in 2018 when she competed in three shows and immediately fell in love with the federation and its values. From that point, she set a clear goal - writing on her fridge that one day she would win Ms New Zealand, a PRO card and the Overall Ms Universe title. Dream big or go home….
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Seven years later, after stepping on stage more than 11 times and dedicating herself to relentless improvement, Amber achieved her first major milestone by winning Ms New Zealand and earning her Pro Card in 2022. That same year she travelled to Bali to compete in her first international Pro show the World Championships. While the experience came with tough lessons, it only strengthened her determination to become the best athlete and coach she could be.
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Amber is also an accomplished coach and New Zealand champion powerlifter, having competed in over 13 powerlifting competitions and holding New Zealand and world records. As a coach and posing coach she has helped more than 100 athletes step on stage.
A proud mother of two daughters and supported by her husband Chris, who also helps coach her, Amber made history in 2025 by winning Overall Ms Pro Figure at the WFF Universe in Malaysia the first Kiwi woman to achieve this.
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She now sets her sights on the WFF Universe stage in Germany 2026. This will be the best test yet!
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Adrian Rios - Sports Model Pro
I’m Adrian Rios, a WFF Sports Model Pro, fitness coach, bodybuilding coach, and personal trainer. I’m half Spanish and half Welsh, and I’ve been living in New Zealand for just over 10 years. My goal in bodybuilding is to compete at the Universe shows and place top 3 in the world. After five years away from competing, I returned to the stage in 2025 with the goal of earning my Pro Card. Seeing my younger brother, John Rios, become a pro before me was also a big motivation, and I’d love for us to compete overseas together one day.
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This year, my focus is on recovering from injury, preparing for the Auckland Pro-Am, and hopefully making it to Germany for the Universe. My training approach is centred around progression, consistency, and enjoying the process, while my dieting approach is structured, realistic, and focused on long-term results. What has always stood out to me about the WFF is the strong sense of community, support, and encouragement, which is a big part of why athletes keep coming back.
Sonya Renata - Bikini Pro
Kia ora, Aloha! My name is Sonya @Bellasunny01. I am a WFF Bikini Pro, having received my Pro Card at the 2024 at the Auckland WFF Pans Pacific Ragnarok Bodybuilding Competition. I have a huge passion for Family & healthy lifestyle, whilst residing in the beautiful tropical Far North Nz. I have a wonderful husband & two beautiful children.
I started to compete in 2023 with the World Fitness Federation who have given me incredible support with its extremely fun, positive team atmosphere & professional family feel it generates!! Growing up I enjoyed a variety of sports, especially dance & was lucky to model & travel, prior to completing a Diploma in Dance Performance at the Nz School of Dance. I worked as a PT & Yoga/pilates instructor where my passion of helping people & lifting weights all began!!! I continued getting fit & strong & applied for the NZ Police & currently work as an Investigator & Forensic Interviewer.
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Receiving a Pro Card, I was blown away! I am very passionate for this sport, the many aspects, levels & constant learnings! I feel humbled & extremely grateful. It keeps me driven to help others & also enjoy & embrace a wonderful lifestyle. Going forward I hope to travel to amazing destinations with our WFF Team, Family & Friends! To continue to grow as an athlete, helping others along the way, and admire all athletes, beginners to experienced always cheering each other on!! XO
Yolanda Maletino - Figure Pro
In my first year as a newcomer to bodybuilding, I’ve been incredibly honoured to earn my Figure Pro status something I do not take lightly and am deeply grateful for. I thank God for the strength, guidance, and opportunities that have led me to this point. I’ve also had the privilege of competing internationally, placing third in Malaysia, which has been a meaningful milestone in my journey.
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My goal is to continue growing physically, mentally, and personally while bringing my best to the stage and representing the Federation with pride, humility, and integrity. I hope that through my journey, I can inspire others to trust the process, remain consistent, and believe in what’s possible, no matter where they begin.
Being part of the Federation has been a truly positive experience, surrounding me with supportive and driven athletes, and allowing me to continue learning and developing within the sport.
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I also work closely with my coach, who manages my training, nutrition, and overall plan. Having that level of guidance and structure has been invaluable it keeps me accountable, consistent, and aligned with my goals. I’m very grateful for this partnership, which continues to help me stay disciplined and committed to the process each day.
I am still very new to the sport, and I see that as a blessing. There is so much more to learn, improve on, and experience. I’m truly grateful to be on this journey and excited for what’s ahead.
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Thomas Stowers - Beach Model Pro
46 year old father of 4, Bodybuilding 4 years. Been a part of the WFF family for 2 years , this year being my 3rd. Competed in 9 shows to date.
Turned WFF pro Bermuda model in 2024, competed in 2 international shows both WFF mr universe events in Las Vegas and KL Malaysia. My goal is to compete as a pro for as long as I can and hopefully get a placing before i have to turn my pro card in, Or retire.
My training approach is train hard but train smart. Weight Training 5-6 days a week, cardio every day.
Dieting for me Always simple, never over complicated. Proteins greens and carbs.
Lahni Kuklinksi - Bikini Pro
Becoming a WFF Professional Bikini athlete at 21 on the Universe Stage in Malaysia 2025 was the most incredible experience and achievement of my life. Being a full time university student and working part time can be rather full on.
However, training in the gym and pushing weights is my release and time to work on myself and truely push my body. I believe that being a bodybuilder is not just a sport, but ultimately is a lifestyle. Being in the gym at a young age I was inspired by my dad and I thank him for sparking my interest in competing.
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Becoming a WFF athlete has allowed me to connect with likeminded people and I have always felt so supported in my journey to the stage. The community of WFF is unbeatable and I feel so privileged to use my story as inspiration to others. This year I am taking a year off the competition stage to recover from shoulder surgery. However I am using this time to grow my muscles, focus my goals and prepare myself for the international professional league stage in 2027.
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Brad Wade - Sports Model pro
G’day guys, my name’s Brad. I’m a professional sports model competing out of New Zealand, and I’ve been actively involved in the WFF Federation since 2019. Over the years, I’ve remained consistent in my pursuit of excellence, competing at both national and international levels right through to 2026.
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Throughout this journey, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with some exceptional athletes here in New Zealand and across the globe. Equally important are the people working behind the scenes within our federation—individuals who have helped shape this into an environment built on respect, support, and genuine passion for the sport. It’s something I don’t take for granted.
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When it comes to my personal standards, I hold myself to an extremely high level in both performance and presentation within my division. My goal is simple: to be the best. I’m not interested in mediocrity—only continual progression toward a level of execution that leaves no room for doubt. Every aspect of my lifestyle reflects that commitment, from structured nutrition and disciplined training to recovery, sleep, and the art of posing. There isn’t a day that goes by where I’m not mentally invested in the end goal: becoming an undisputed WFF Universe Champion.
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That level of ambition isn’t achieved alone. I’m fortunate to have a strong support network around me—people who have played pivotal roles in my development. Alex and Leanne Simays were instrumental in guiding me onto the stage and helping me understand the foundations of correct nutrition and training. My coach, Henry Lin, has been a major influence in expanding my vision of what’s physically possible, pushing me to levels I hadn’t previously considered. And last but not least, Gaurav Taneja, whose unwavering support both on and off the stage has been invaluable throughout this journey.
This is more than just competing for me—it’s a relentless pursuit of mastery, built on discipline, structure, and the drive to continually raise the standard.
