Athletics New Zealand is now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from centres, clubs, and established event organisers interested in hosting Out of Stadia New Zealand Championship events in 2029.
Following the confirmation of the 2026–2028 event calendar, planning is now underway for the 2029 season. Over the past two years, Athletics NZ has significantly expanded its events team, increasing internal capability to deliver high-quality national events. As part of a refreshed delivery model, all standalone championship events will be ANZ-led, supported by local organising committees and volunteers. This approach provides flexibility to align delivery with local capability, resources, and context.
Hosting Opportunities
There are two ways to be involved in the 2029 calendar:
- Standalone NZ Championship events delivered in partnership with a local organising group
- Integrated championship events embedded within an existing race or event
Why Host a Championship Event?
Hosting or integrating a New Zealand Championship presents a valuable opportunity to:
- Showcase your region or event on a national stage
- Attract athletes and visitors, including high-performance competitors
- Enhance event profile through national recognition and increased visibility
- Build local capability, experience, and volunteer engagement
- Benefit from Athletics NZ support, systems, and delivery expertise
- Access potential media exposure and promotional opportunities
- Generate revenue through hosting
For existing event organisers, integrating a championship can elevate your event offering, bring additional competitive depth, and provide access to ANZ operational support on event day.
Key Considerations
Applications will be assessed against a range of criteria, including:
- Destination Appeal – A location that attracts participants, with ease of travel and access to major transport hubs
- Course Suitability – Safe, appealing, and cost-effective courses that meet championship standards (e.g. road events held fully on-road where applicable)
- Funding Opportunities – Availability of local council support and/or access to funding streams
- Event Readiness – Commitment to testing new courses prior to the championship year
- Regional Balance – Ensuring a spread of events across New Zealand
- Local Organising Capability – A strong, diverse organising group with a focus on building capability and engaging volunteers
For integrated events, organisers must also be willing to operate within Athletics NZ competition regulations and meet championship delivery requirements.
Expression of Interest Process
- EOIs are now open via the online form
- Closing date: 31 July 2026
- Applications will be reviewed throughout August (additional information may be requested during this time)
- Applicants will be notified of outcomes in September
- Successful hosts will be announced in October
What You’ll Need to Submit
The EOI form will ask for:
- Proposed course details
- Preferred timing (and rationale)
- Details on why your event, club, or region is a strong fit
- Information on people, place, capability, and (where relevant) funding sources
Get Involved
Athletics NZ encourages both experienced organisers and those looking to grow their capability to apply. We see this as a genuine partnership opportunity and will work closely with successful hosts to support planning and delivery.
A full list of available events, including whether they are standalone or integrated, is available here.
Submit your expression of interest:
If you’d like to discuss an idea before applying, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Athletics NZ events team at [email protected]
