A strong team of 27 travelled to Canberra to compete in the 2023 Oceania Championships on 8 and 9 August bringing home a total of 27 medals (Gold - 10; Silver - 8; Bronze - 9).  Unfortunately one athlete was unable to participate due to having no-one to compete in their age/weight category and two others were unable to compete due to medical concerns.

The team were well supported by coaches Pete Pouri-Lane, Graeme Hawkins, Koria Pouri-Lane and Gloria Suddens; as well as other support staff and plenty of whanau.  It was great to have such a big contingent travel across to what has been the first opportunity to hold these championships since 2019 as a result of the measles epidemic and COVID.  

For the majority of the team, this was their first international event which gave them a taste of what to expect for their future pathway to the podium.

Thank you to everyone who supported and helped with this event both prior and during the championships.  A big thank you also to sponsors who supported individual athletes.

Article added: Sunday 13 August 2023