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Secondary School Nationals 2026

Venue:

Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua

Date:

Mon 23rd Mar - Fri 27th Mar 2026

Distance:

Sprints

Host:

Waka Ama NZ

Contact Details

Name: events@wakaama.co.nz

Online Entries

Description

2025 Waka Ama Secondary Schools Nationals - Livestream!  

Catch all the action of the 2025 Waka Ama Secondary School Nationals online!

Event and free livestream starts today! 

Whakaata Māori Reminder - there is only one livestream and it is FREE. The livestream link is posted on our Waka Ama NZ official Instagram and Facebook.


Livestream link
Event volunteers still needed!  

The Secondary School Nationals event is occurring at Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua, from Monday March 24 - Friday March 28th inclusive. We have a record 2200 students competing!

We are still looking for volunteers in the following areas:

  • Loading Bay and Marshalling.
  • Commentators and Announcers
  • Finish line and Turns Spotters
  • Pack down crew
If you are keen to help out and can offer a whole day or some half days, then please scan the QR code on the poster to register. Alternatively click on the button to register.


Register Now
Event merchandise available now!  

Secondary School Nationals event merchandise now available online for pre-order. Pre-order now and pick up at the event 24-28 March or get shipping from the 22 March. 

Pre-orders close midnight 18 March.

  • Pre-order items can be picked up at the event or shipped.
  • For items to be picked up at the event, select pick up at venue.
  • For shipping items, shipping will commence 22 March.
Bulk orders
Schools can put a big order together and select to pay by bank deposit. They will be given bank details at the checkout.


Order Shop

Event Info

Events available:

J16 Tāne: W1 250m, W6 250m, W6 500m, W12 250m*
J16 Wāhine: W1 250m, W6 250m, W6 500m, W12 250m*
J16 Mixed: W12 250m

J19 Tāne: W1 250m, W6 250m, W6 500m, W12 250m*
J19 Wāhine: W1 250m, W6 250m, W6 500m, W12 250m*
J19 Mixed: W12 250m

*New W12 events added for 2025

Please read the pānui in regards to entry and eligibility criteria for individual students and school teams.

Secondary School Eligibility Criteria

All entries to this event must be done through the student's individual school, not Waka Ama NZ clubs. Please refer to the School Sport NZ Eligibility Criteria page regarding:

  • Student Eligibility 
  • Team Eligibility 
  • Composite teams
  • Home-Schooled students
Read More

Entries are now open!

Entries close Friday 7 March 2025. 

Paddler roster closes Thursday 13 March 2025.

Enter now

Waka Ama Water Safety

In preparation for Secondary School Nationals, make sure to check out the Waka Ama Water Safety hub on our website. The Waka Ama Flip & Float video is an important video to educate participants on, and where possible, practice in a safe controlled environment.

Water Safety

Secondary School Posters

Check out the posters in the attachments. We encourage you to print them out and put them up around your kura.

Posters

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