Top 20 Athletics & Sports from New Zealand on Instagram Influencers by Follower Growth

Last updated: October 02, 2026

Total Athletics & Sports Influencers in New Zealand

1,196

Expected Reach

23.5M

Total Followers

68.1M

Avg Engagement

5.75%

Audience Analysis

Gender Distribution

Female33%
Male67%

Age Distribution

25-3441.1%
18-2425.9%
35-4419.4%
13-175.5%

Top Countries

New Zealand24.3%
United States of America14.9%
Australia7.6%
United Kingdom6.7%
India5.0%

Top Languages

en78.6%
es6.9%
pt4.1%

Top Cities

Auckland7.7%
Canterbury4.1%
Dunedin2.0%
Wellington1.1%
Greater London0.7%

Top 20 Creators

RankInfluencerLocationFollowersEngagementMonthly GrowthScore
1
Glenn Phillips
@glennphillips236
Professional Cricketer. @newbalance | @gujarat_titans Inquires: enquiries@thrivesportsint.com
New Zealand
1.2M
Followers
12.94%
Engagement
+7.4%(+81.0K)
8.7
2
Finn Allen
@finnallen32
Managed by @nomasmanagement
Auckland, New Zealand
414.2K
Followers
84.64%
Engagement
+12.3%(+45.3K)
10.0
3
Catherine Bines
@calibersadventures
The adventures of Caliber. Making memories in a fairytale landscape. Bitless Barefoot liberty freerider @maretothethrone CALIBER10
New Zealand
327.0K
Followers
0.00%
Engagement
+10.7%(+31.5K)
6.4
4
Liam Lawson
@liamlawson30
🇳🇿 Formula One driver for @visacashapprb ✉️ teamlawson@caa.com
New Zealand
1.5M
Followers
5.65%
Engagement
+1.4%(+20.9K)
8.5
5
Kane Williamson
@kane_s_w
Professional 🏏 from Tauranga Not on Facebook or Twitter Hakuna matata @coverathletes Commercial Enquiries: kw-info@pitchinternational.com
Tauranga, New Zealand
3.4M
Followers
18.44%
Engagement
+0.5%(+18.4K)
9.3
6
Tania Tare
@taniatare63
Golf Trick Shot Artist Founder of Antisocial Media 🖤🐑 #BLKSHP on Pantheon @atr_ 💌
Auckland, New Zealand
472.2K
Followers
0.34%
Engagement
+3.7%(+16.9K)
7.0
7
Te Matatini Society Inc
@te_matatini
The Olympics of Māori Performing Arts
New Zealand
366.6K
Followers
0.30%
Engagement
+4.4%(+15.5K)
8.0
8
Kian Deehan
@kiandeehanfitness
🔥| Helping Busy Men Build a Body They’re Proud of 🌎| #1 Men’s Transformation Company 🧩| Quality over Quantity 👇🏼| Apply/DM “Coaching” For More Info
New Zealand
324.2K
Followers
0.07%
Engagement
+2.9%(+9.3K)
5.8
9
Zoi Sadowski-Synnott
@zoisynnott
new zealand snowboarder @monsterenergy @burton @ride100percent @yeti @boafitsystem
New Zealand
203.0K
Followers
5.02%
Engagement
+4.7%(+9.1K)
7.7
10
Dan Carter
@dancarter_
Husband, Father, Former Professional Rugby Player. @allblacks @unicefnz @dc10fund
New Zealand
1.1M
Followers
1.66%
Engagement
+0.8%(+8.6K)
6.6
11
Garmin Australia & New Zealand
@garminau
beat yesterday, together.
Dunedin, New Zealand
453.0K
Followers
0.58%
Engagement
+1.7%(+7.6K)
7.4
12
Eli Pahl
@elipahlfx
Football content creator 🇳🇿⚽️ Collaboration / promotions ⬇️ elipahlfxprojects@gmail.com @stridetalent
New Zealand
194.7K
Followers
0.00%
Engagement
+3.5%(+6.5K)
8.2
13
Sam Heung Min
@samheungmin.golf
One Handed Finisher | Golf @wehitfairways_com @takomogolf @vesselgolf @mileseeygolf @mitsubishigolf
New Zealand
229.5K
Followers
N/A
Engagement
+2.8%(+6.3K)
7.5
14
SYMMY :)
@symonetafunai
Comm Games ‘26 🇼🇸✨ NZ | Model | Sprinter @redeleven_models @nosadcowboysnz @lskd.aotearoa DC: SYMMY-LSKD
Auckland, New Zealand
23.7K
Followers
1.82%
Engagement
+27.5%(+5.1K)
9.2
15
Precision Fuel & Hydration
@precisionfandh
Perform at your best by crushing your fueling and hydration using our Fuel & Hydration Planner, Sweat Test and range of electrolytes and fuel 💪🏻
Christchurch, New Zealand
123.1K
Followers
0.67%
Engagement
+4.3%(+5.0K)
6.7
16
Dan "Hangman" Hooker
@danhangman
Why so serious?🃏 @1minutescraps 🔥 @thedoctorsocial 🤝 @degencity 😈
Dunedin, New Zealand
932.2K
Followers
5.55%
Engagement
+0.5%(+5.0K)
7.2
17
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
@dallinzelezniak
| @churchofjesuschrist | Father of 3 and happily married 🌏 | 🏎️ @sundaydrive___ | For Collabs: Work@liquorice.co.nz
New Zealand
107.3K
Followers
7.35%
Engagement
+4.6%(+4.7K)
8.8
18
Shimano Fishing New Zealand
@shimanofishing_nz
Closer to Nature, Closer to People. Providing Kiwi anglers with the best fishing gear to get the job done! 🎣 Share your catch @shimanofishing_nz
New Zealand
64.7K
Followers
1.11%
Engagement
+7.5%(+4.5K)
6.8
19
Stuff
@nzstuff
Celebrating all things NZ with images and stories about our people and life in Aotearoa #nzstuff
New Zealand
321.5K
Followers
0.09%
Engagement
+1.4%(+4.5K)
6.0
20
Mark Chapman
@markchapman8
🏏 Cricketer for @blackcapsnz @aucklandcricket 🤝 Partnered with @kookaburracricketausnz @asicsnz 🛡 Founder @escusports 🎣 Keen Angler 😁
Auckland, New Zealand
69.0K
Followers
28.66%
Engagement
+6.8%(+4.4K)
8.2

About This Instagram Influencer Ranking

Discover the most influential creators in New Zealand with our comprehensive ranking of the top 20 influencers on Instagram who post Athletics & Sports content. This data‑driven analysis identifies the content creators who are shaping conversations, driving trends, and commanding the highest engagement rates in 2026.

Key Insights & Metrics

  • Combined Reach: 23.5M potential impressions across all ranked influencers
  • Total Audience: 68.1M followers collectively following these creators
  • Average Engagement Rate: 5.75% - significantly above industry average
  • Market Coverage: 1,196 total influencers analyzed in this category

Audience Demographics & Reach

The influencers in this ranking reach a diverse, global audience with primary concentrations in:

  • Top Markets: New Zealand, United States of America, Australia
  • Gender Distribution: 33% Female, 67% Male
  • Primary Age Group: 25-34 years (41.1% of audience)
  • Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese

Why This Ranking Matters

For brands and marketers, this ranking provides essential intelligence for:

  • Identifying high-performing influencers for partnership opportunities
  • Understanding audience demographics for targeted campaigns
  • Benchmarking engagement rates and growth metrics
  • Discovering emerging talent with strong growth trajectories
  • Analyzing competitive landscape in Athletics & Sports niche

For content creators, these insights help with:

  • Understanding industry benchmarks and performance standards
  • Identifying successful content strategies from top performers
  • Network building and collaboration opportunities
  • Setting realistic growth targets based on peer performance

Methodology & Data Freshness

Our rankings are generated using advanced algorithms that analyze multiple performance indicators:

  • Profile Score: Proprietary metric combining reach, engagement, and growth
  • Engagement Rate: Average interaction rate across recent content
  • Growth Velocity: Month-over-month follower growth and momentum
  • Content Consistency: Posting frequency and audience retention
  • Audience Quality: Authenticity scores and demographic relevance

Data is refreshed weekly to ensure you're always working with the most current information. Last update includes performance data through October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the fastest‑growing Athletics & Sports creator in New Zealand on Instagram?

Glenn Phillips (@glennphillips236) is, as of October 2026, the fastest‑growing Athletics & Sports creator in New Zealand on Instagram, with +7.4% monthly growth (+81.0K followers).

How many followers did Glenn Phillips (@glennphillips236) gain last month?

Glenn Phillips (@glennphillips236) gained about 81.0K followers last month (+7.4%).

Who grew more: Glenn Phillips (@glennphillips236) or Finn Allen (@finnallen32)?

Glenn Phillips (@glennphillips236) grew more than Finn Allen (@finnallen32) (81.0K vs 45.3K).

How is Finn Allen (@finnallen32) performing right now?

Finn Allen (@finnallen32) is growing at +12.3% (+45.3K) per month, with a Profile Score of 10.0 and average engagement of 84.64%.

How is Catherine Bines (@calibersadventures) performing right now?

Catherine Bines (@calibersadventures) is growing at +10.7% (+31.5K) per month, with a Profile Score of 6.4 and average engagement of 0.00%.

How is Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30) performing right now?

Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30) is growing at +1.4% (+20.9K) per month, with a Profile Score of 8.5 and average engagement of 5.65%.

How is Kane Williamson (@kane_s_w) performing right now?

Kane Williamson (@kane_s_w) is growing at +0.5% (+18.4K) per month, with a Profile Score of 9.3 and average engagement of 18.44%.

Who had the higher percentage growth: Finn Allen (@finnallen32) or Catherine Bines (@calibersadventures)?

Finn Allen (@finnallen32) leads (12.3% vs Catherine Bines (@calibersadventures) 10.7%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Glenn Phillips (@glennphillips236)?

Glenn Phillips (@glennphillips236) gained about 81.0K followers last month (+7.4%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Finn Allen (@finnallen32)?

Finn Allen (@finnallen32) gained about 45.3K followers last month (+12.3%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Catherine Bines (@calibersadventures)?

Catherine Bines (@calibersadventures) gained about 31.5K followers last month (+10.7%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30)?

Liam Lawson (@liamlawson30) gained about 20.9K followers last month (+1.4%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Kane Williamson (@kane_s_w)?

Kane Williamson (@kane_s_w) gained about 18.4K followers last month (+0.5%).

Is Glenn Phillips (@glennphillips236) still a relevant creator?

Yes — Glenn Phillips (@glennphillips236) has a Profile Score of 8.7, average engagement of 12.94%, and +7.4% (+81.0K) monthly follower growth, indicating high relevance.

What is a good engagement rate for Athletics & Sports in New Zealand?

The average engagement rate for this category is 5.75%. Generally, rates above 6.9% are considered excellent, while rates above 4.6% are good. Engagement rates vary by platform, niche, and follower count - micro-influencers often have higher rates than mega-influencers.

How is the Profile Score calculated?

The Profile Score (0-10 scale) is a composite metric that weighs several factors: 40% engagement quality, 25% audience reach, 20% growth momentum, 10% content consistency, and 5% audience authenticity. A score above 7.0 indicates a high-performing influencer, while scores above 8.5 represent elite-tier creators.

Can I use this data for influencer marketing campaigns?

Yes! This ranking is designed to help brands, agencies, and marketers identify potential partnership opportunities. The data provides a starting point for campaign planning, competitor analysis, and market research. For detailed campaign analytics and contact information, consider upgrading to our professional tools.

What does monthly growth percentage mean?

Monthly growth shows the percentage change in followers over the past 30 days. Positive growth (green) indicates gaining followers, while negative growth (red) means losing followers. The number in parentheses shows the absolute follower change. High growth rates often indicate viral content or successful campaigns.

Why should I track influencers in New Zealand?

Location-specific influencer tracking is crucial for targeted marketing campaigns. Local influencers often have higher engagement rates within their geographic area, understand cultural nuances, and can drive better ROI for region-specific products or services. They're particularly valuable for retail, hospitality, and location-based businesses.

How can I improve my ranking as an influencer?

Focus on these key areas: (1) Increase engagement by creating content that encourages comments and shares, (2) Post consistently to maintain audience interest, (3) Use relevant hashtags to expand reach, (4) Collaborate with other creators in your niche, (5) Respond to comments to build community, and (6) Analyze your best-performing content and create similar pieces.

Note: This ranking represents a snapshot of current instagram influence based on publicly available data. Rankings can fluctuate based on content performance, platform algorithm changes, and audience behavior. Use this data as one of several factors in your decision-making process.