The series consist of three carnivals at Waipu, Omaha and Takapuna beaches in Auckland.

The NSW country team competes against NSW Central Coast and the NZ region team. 

To make the team is a major achievement for Tahlia – and follows a long history of doing well in her sport over many years. 

From the airport, Tahlia told the Bellingen Shire Courier-Sun this experience is “a rare opportunity”.

“We don't get the chance to compete internationally very often,” she said.

“Our team has previously won this series so the pressure is on, to back it up.

“Individually, I don't know what to expect as I haven't had the chance to compete overseas … but I am very excited to have the opportunity.” 

A spokesperson for the Urunga Surf Life Saving Club said they were very proud of one of their homegrown efforts in making the team and hoped Tahlia “will have a great time and we look forward to hearing updates from New Zealand”.

Alos keen for the event is head coach, Alan Beveridge, who has been involved in the series since its inception in 2001.

“We’re actually going for a three-peat as we won the series at home in 2015 and before that we were lucky enough to win in New Zealand last time Northern Region hosted the series,” Mr Beveridge said.

“I think we’ve got a very strong team with a good mix of experienced athletes who have been involved before as well as a great group of young kids who are quickly coming through the ranks.

“It’s funny Scott (current assistant coach Scott McCartney) was just a young athlete with me on one of the very early teams and now he’s sitting there playing an important support role.

“I think we’re very lucky with the quality of leadership within the team as someone like Nadine Canning is very experienced and can share those lessons with the younger athletes.”

Mr Beveridge said one of the key challenges of touring is bringing together a group of athletes from different clubs to compete for the one goal, and installing that team ethos is something that the coach takes very seriously.

“Once we land in New Zealand our focus will be on building team spirit,” he said.

“This is a unique event where you can watch every race unlike at most surf carnivals, and supporting each other regardless of result is something I am very big on as it builds a strong culture.

“I think that if we work hard and perform to the best of our ability there is no reason why we can’t come back with the trophy.”

The 2017 Trans Tasman series will be held at Waipu (January 6), Pakapuna (January 9), and Omaha Beach (January 10). Additionally the NSW Country athletes will be competing at the Owen Chapman Carnival on Saturday January 7.