The team is headed by national age group record-holders Abbie Johnston, Max Polianski, Julian Weir, Ben Walsh and Hokitika's George Schroder.
The group included 10 swimmers who represented New Zealand earlier this year across the Tasman in the Trans Tasman tri-series against Australia.
O'Connor said Swimming New Zealand has been part of the previous five editions of the Australian Youth Festival which offers Kiwi swimmers international competition as they look to bridge up to elite level.
"This gives them a taste of the level of competition required, the atmosphere of a major meet and the benefit of competing in an outstanding facility at Sydney Aquatic Centre," O'Connor said.
"It allows the swimmers to be part of a bigger New Zealand sporting team and to experience that environment which is something they need to understand if they are to succeed at future Commonwealth Games or Olympic Games."