New Zealand's swimming team for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games has been revealed ©PNZ

Paralympic gold medallists Sophie Pascoe, Mary Fisher and Cameron Leslie are the headline competitors named in New Zealand’s swimming team for Rio 2016.

The trio were confirmed as being selected by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) among a strong squad, which holds a combined nine Paralympic titles, 22 world crowns and 10 long course world records.

Nikita Howarth and Rebecca Dubber, who both represented the country at London 2012, have also been picked for the team, along with rising stars Bryall McPherson and Jesse Reynolds.

The swimming outfit are the second New Zealand team for this year’s Paralympic Games to be announced following the confirmation of the sailing squad in March.

“It is fantastic to announce our second selected sport,” PNZ chief executive Fiona Allan said.

“Sophie, Mary, Cam, Nikita, Rebecca, Bryall and Jesse have demonstrated that they have the potential to win a medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and beyond.

“Paralympics New Zealand is thrilled to have the Para swimmers join our Para sailors on the New Zealand Team.”

Pascoe, a six-time Paralympic gold medallist in the S10 and SB9 categories, will make her third appearance at the Games for her country at Rio 2016.

Sophie Pascoe will be one of New Zealand's top medal hopes at the Rio 2016 Paralympics
Sophie Pascoe will be one of New Zealand's top medal hopes at the Rio 2016 Paralympics ©Getty Images

She claimed three titles at Beijing 2008 before replicating that achievement in London four years later.

Fisher shot onto the international scene with a haul of four medals, including a gold and a world record, at London 2012 and will compete in several S11 events, while double Paralympic champion Leslie will be one to watch in the SM4 individual medley competitions.

“Following the success of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Swimming World Championships in Glasgow, we believe this is one of our most talented Para swimming squads to attend a Paralympic Games,” High Performance Sport New Zealand chief executive Alex Baumann added.

“With world leading athletes and an exciting pipeline of emerging talent, I would like to congratulate all the athletes selected today and wish them every success in their preparations for Rio.”

Swimming events take place throughout the majority of this year’s Games in Rio, with competition at the Aquatics Stadium due to start on September 8 and conclude on September 17.