Some families seem to have a bit of sporting magic in their DNA. The Davisons of Taranaki are one of them, with son Carlin the first Taranaki basketball player to make the Tall Blacks in 20 years, and daughter Tiana a Kiwi Fern and National Rugby League champion.
“They’ve always had that natural ability,” says Mum, Brenda. “But over time they’ve learned that being good at something isn’t enough. If you want to get anywhere, you have to put in the work, and that’s what has really started to open doors for them.”
From their rural base near Stratford, Taranaki, the Davison kids have already taken their gifts to remarkable places. Tiana is a double NRLW Champion and Kiwi international, Carlin, a Tall Black, Breaker and one of New Zealand basketball’s most exciting prospects. Youngest sibling, Maddison, is a promising rugby player and natural leader, too.
They’re on three different paths, but each of them is showing a mix of talent, grit, and a growing sense of maturity that is refining their characters on and off their chosen surface.
At just 22, Carlin has already carved a reputation as one of the most dynamic and hard-working players in the National Basketball League. He’s as comfortable producing highlight-reel moments as he is doing the “glue work” that holds a team together.
Arguably the Taranaki Airs’ most recognisable face in recent years, it wasn’t always professional basketball on the top of his dream occupation list.
“Carlin played everything and was pretty good at most things,” says Brenda. “He initially went to New Plymouth Boys’ High and was accepted into the rugby academy, so rugby was going to be his thing.”
But basketball kept tugging, and shortly after starting high school, he put rugby aside and became consumed by the round ball.
“He didn’t look back,” says Brenda. “He was the youngest player to make the school’s 1st V, in Year 10, and started training with the Airs at 14. He then became the youngest player to play in the NBL, at 16.”
He spent his time bouncing from training with the 1st V, to the school Junior A, to age group representative teams and the Mountain Airs. He started boarding at NPBHS to make the commitments easier, which was also the foundation of his character development, says Mum.
“Carlin was a bit of a ratbag, but boarding was the best thing for him. It gave him structure, help with his schoolwork, and a routine he thrived on.”
He also developed a side hustle as the boarding school barber, which earned him plenty of pocket money. It’s a skill he still exercises, often cutting the hair of his Airs’ and Breakers’ teammates.
Since then, Carlin has built a career that’s every bit as solid as it is spectacular. A mainstay for the Taranaki Airs, he’s become known for his defensive intensity, rebounding power, and show-stopping dunks. Despite still being young, his leadership has had to evolve quickly within the Airs’ environment, which Dad, Justin, says has done him wonders.
“He’s learning that the game isn’t always about stats and points, but what you can contribute elsewhere. Without assists, rebounds, steals, your teammates can’t score. So he is learning to bring that energy more and more.”
Last season, his performances earned him a haul of honours including Airs’ MVP, a spot in the NZNBL All-Star Five (the only Kiwi player to do so), and the prestigious Stan Hill Trophy for best New Zealand forward/centre. He’s also moved into a rostered Breakers position, and become a consistent Tall Blacks’ member. He was recently named again in the national squad for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
When the call came through confirming his initial Tall Blacks’ selection, he wasn’t in a gym or at training, but at a local livestock auction, laughs Justin.
”He put his number up then his phone rang, so he disappeared to take the call. When he came back he said he’d bought the cow, and also made the Tall Blacks. So we all got pretty excited and everyone was looking at us thinking far out, they’re pretty excited about that cow.”
His growth hasn’t happened in isolation. Both Brenda and Justin say he’s had strong influences at every stage, from local mentors like Bryn Rees – the Merrilands Primary teacher who introduced him to basketball, John Carr, Shay Haira, and David Bublitz, to professional figures Dylan Boucher and Aaron Bailey-Nowell. He’s even had encouragement from Steven Adams, who gave him tickets and time when he visited the USA.
“All of those individuals have been so great for him at every stage,” says Brenda.
“Sometimes Carlin can be a tough one to figure out, but each of them have seen something in him and put their time into his development which we really appreciate.”
For Carlin, he never dreamed of reaching the heights he has when making the decision to switch from rugby to basketball in Year 9.
“There have been so many highlights: making the Tall Blacks at 18, playing for the Breakers too. They’re New Zealand’s two teams, which is special for me.
“With the Breakers, I used to watch some of those guys religiously when I was younger, so to have played and be playing alongside some of them buzzes me out.”
Being in the same team as Tom Abercrombie, Reuben Te Rangi and Shea Ili has brought plenty of pinch-me-moments, he says.
Obviously, the middle brother isn’t the only Davison lighting up the sporting scene. His older sister, Tiana, has gone from standout rugby player to NRLW champion.
After winning gold with the New Zealand Sevens team at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Argentina, she seemed destined for a long rugby career. It was an injury confusion incident that derailed her Super Rugby opportunity and saw her pivot to rugby league after being scouted by Andre Ponga.
She took the code switch in her stride.
“It’s been awesome. There’s so many great opportunities with women’s rugby league and I’ve just been able to experience so much more,” says Tiana.
It’s a game she continues to learn more about each season, as she’s exposed to more resources and coaching.
“Switching codes isn’t as easy as most people make it look,” she says. “But I was surrounded by support and given every tool to make it work.”
Initially signed by the Newcastle Knights, she went on to win back-to-back NRLW Grand Finals, first with the Knights in 2023 and then the Roosters in 2024. She’s since re-signed with the Knights through to 2027 and has become a core member of the Kiwi Ferns squad.
“She’s cracked it in league and I’m so proud of her for that,” says Carlin.
“I look back at the way we grew up and it wasn’t always easy. So to be able to see how far we’ve both come is cool.”
For the Davison siblings, sport has become more than something they’re good at. Carlin’s latest Tall Blacks selection confirms his place among New Zealand’s best basketballers, and is no doubt a team he’ll continue to thrive in as his confidence grows under a reputable coaching staff.
The question on every Taranaki basketball enthusiast’s mind is whether he will bring up 100 games for the province in 2026 – currently sitting on 91.
With his Breakers contract coming to an end and uncertainty currently surrounding the Taranaki Airs, his next few moves are still unknown. At the time of writing, he had not confirmed his team for the upcoming Sal’s NBL season.
“I’ve only really ever wanted to play for my home team, for the community that’s supported me. So I would love to play at home as long as I can and reach that milestone, but there needs to be a professional set-up there who are treating people right and looking after the community.
“I’m not sure what’s happening there at the moment.”
There will no doubt be plenty of options on the table from teams near and far.
Tiana, meanwhile, is settled, thriving and confident heading into another big season with the Knights, while Maddison is recovering from an injury in order to get back on the rugby field.
The siblings’ achievements tell an exciting story that has put their family name on the map and proven to many how you can turn potential into proof.
Quick Fire Questions: Carlin
What’s the one thing you always pack when going on the road?
I always pack my neck pillow
Favourite homemade snack?
Peanut butter and jam sandwich
When you’re in Taranaki you always go to eat or drink at…?
The Reef in Fitzroy
Favourite quote or saying?
“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard”
Who has been your most influential teacher, coach or boss?
I have had so many good people that have impacted my basketball career but one stand out is Trent Adam, who was my coach for a few years.
Career highlight (so far)?
Being named in the Tall Blacks again after a couple of years away from the international game.
Quick Fire Questions: Tiana
Favourite homemade snack?
Cheese board
When you’re in Taranaki you always go to eat or drink at…?
Fish and chips from Yummy’s in Waitara
Favourite quote or saying?
Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangaatia te angitū – Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Who has been your most influential teacher, coach or boss?
I’ve had a few coaches in my time but my dad was a big part of my journey early on as my rugby coach. Later on, Andre Ponga has definitely been one of the most influential people in my career.
Career highlight (so far)?
I have two. The first is winning back-to-back NRLW grand finals. The second would be making my Kiwi Ferns debut in Auckland against Tonga and having all my family in the crowd.