ASB’s support spans the full athletics pathway, helping Athletics New Zealand grow participation at the grassroots, strengthen community programmes and events, equip coaches and teachers, and back New Zealand athletes on the international stage.

“ASB is passionate about giving Kiwi the opportunities to participate, progress and perform at every age and stage. Our partnership with Athletics New Zealand is an opportunity for us to support young people into sport and create environments where kids feel encouraged to give it a go,” says ASB’s Executive General Manager Business Banking Ben Speedy.

ASB is joining Athletics NZ as the naming partner of our two foundation programmes for Rangatahi and Tamariki, now ASB Get Set Go and ASB Run Jump Throw. These are the programmes many of our young members first meet athletics through.

ASB Get Set Go introduces movement skills through play for tamariki aged 3 to 8, and ASB Run Jump Throw builds on that for 6 to 11-year-olds. Both programmes have been delivered widely in schools and clubs around the country, reaching over 100,000 Kiwi kids, and ASB’s support means we can now put more behind them, including new equipment kits for clubs and skills-based video resources for clubs and teachers delivered through āhei. 

“This partnership is a significant one for our sport, and it comes at an important time,” says Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive Cam Mitchell. 

“Athletics New Zealand has spent recent years building the strength of our programmes, our people, our events, and our high performance environment, and it’s that work that made a partnership of this scale possible. ASB backing us across all of it, from a child’s first day at a club through to our national teams, tells us we’re heading in the right direction. We’re grateful to have them alongside us, and excited about what we can do together.”

The partnership also backs our national events, with ASB alongside our competitions you take part in through the season, including the soon-to-be-announced ASB George Street Mile. It also extends to our international teams, with ASB featuring on national team apparel. 

For the coaches, teachers, and clubs who deliver our programmes on the ground, the impact is a familiar one. “For a lot of Kiwi kids, ASB Run Jump Throw and ASB Get Set Go are their first experience of athletics, and what happens there really matters,” says Athletics New Zealand North Island Development Manager Kirsten Kilmister. 

“When children learn to run, jump, and throw in a way that’s fun, inclusive, and appropriate for their developmental age, they build confidence and fundamental skills that set them up for life. ASB’s support means we can get these programmes into more schools and clubs, reach more tamariki and rangatahi, and give more of them that positive start. That’s a great thing for the sport and for the kids who’ll come through it.”

From first steps to world bests. We’re excited to welcome ASB to the Athletics New Zealand partner family, and the impact our partnership will deliver right across our sport.

National Volunteer Week / Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu runs from 14 to 20 June, and we want to use this as an opportunity to say something simple but heartfelt to the people who keep athletics going across the motu: thank you.

Our sport doesn’t happen without volunteers. Picture a typical winter Saturday at a cross country race. Event organisers have been out since early, marking the course. Someone is at the registration table handing out race numbers and sorting the entries that came in overnight. There are officials and timekeepers at the finish, marshals standing on cold corners so runners go the right way, and a coach who has shown up to training through every dark Tuesday evening since the season started. 

We’re grateful to the club committee and sub-committee members who keep clubs running, and to the centre board members and patrons who give their governance, their time and their long memory of the sport. Our coaches, officials, administrators and team managers carry so much of the load, often quietly. And none of it would come together without the people who set up courses and pack them down, look after equipment, hand out uniforms, and do the hundred small jobs that turn an empty field into a day of athletics.

This is mahi aroha: work done out of love for the sport and the people in it. To every volunteer across Aotearoa: thank you for your time, your patience, and your commitment to our athletes and to the sport of Athletics. We see it, and we don’t take it for granted.

This year’s theme of National Volunteer Week is Your Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūao, chosen to mark the International Year of the Volunteer. It’s both a thank-you to everyone already giving their time, and an open invitation to anyone who’s been thinking about getting started. If you’ve ever thought about lending a hand, this is a good year to start. Clubs and centres around the country would welcome you.

If you want to get involved, there are endless opportunities to lend a hand. Click here to learn more.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Click here to learn more.

Beatrice Faumuina CNZM, ONZM, was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport and governance

Beatrice a former athlete, having won 21 New Zealand senior titles (17 discus throw and 4 shot put), and has held governance roles in sport and business, and has worked in international relations.

From 2015 to 2018 she was the New Zealand Trade Commissioner and Consul General in New York, and was a member of the New Zealand and Samoa Trade Investment Commission. She has held many national governance roles, including as a Trustee of the Spark Foundation, a member of the Women in Sport Aotearoa Steering Committee and a member of the Westpac Sustainability Expert Advisory Panel. She was Deputy Chair of The Trusts Area from 2021 to 2024, and helped coordinate assistance provided to families evacuated to the Arena during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods. Over her athletics career, she represented New Zealand at four Olympics Games, five Commonwealth Games, and six World Athletics Championships, winning the gold medal in the discus at the 1997 Athens world championships. She was a member of the Athletes’ Commissions for the International Association of Athletics Federations, and the New Zealand Olympic Committee. She served two terms as Director of Sport New Zealand, where she helped shape High Performance Sport New Zealand’s design of wellbeing initiatives to manage athlete mental health. She was co-host of ‘Straight Up with Niva and Beatrice Faumuinā’, which was a finalist for best original podcast at the 2023 Voyager Awards. She was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2005 and was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

Barbara Beable MNZM was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to athletics.

Barbara Beable (née Poulsen) has contributed more than 60 years to sport and athletics as an athlete, coach, and educator.

She won 17 senior individual New Zealand Championship titles between 1966 and 1978, including nine in the pentathlon and eight in shot put. She represented New Zealand at three Commonwealth Games, winning silver in the shot put in the 1970 Edinburgh Games. Her highest international ranking for pentathlon was fourth. She worked with her husband, Dr Michael Beable to create a unique training environment that saw many reach national and international success. As Head of Physical Education for 26 years at Queen Margaret College Wellington, she introduced modern fitness programmes that underpinned the sports and recreational programmes, and was a member of the pilot group that pioneered Physical Education as an academic subject. Alongside Dame Lois Muir and the Capital Shakers Netball team in the early 2000s, she worked as the strength and conditioning coach, introducing the players to techniques and processes that now form the basis of modern training programmes. Many of those players later became Silver Ferns, including some who still coach today. Since retiring to Wānaka in 2016, she has continued to coach at the Aspiring Athletics Club while endeavouring to raise funds to further develop facilities for the youth of Wānaka.

Dr Michael Beable MNZM was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to athletics.

Michael has contributed more than 50 years to athletics as an athlete and a coach.

As a self-taught athlete, he held the Wellington long jump record for 16 years and was selected twice for New Zealand international teams. He began formal coaching in 1974, in partnership with his wife, Mrs Barbara Beable. He has coached athletes to 133 national titles at New Zealand Open and Secondary School level. 55 have represented New Zealand, with some competing at Olympic and Commonwealth Games and World Championships. He held national coaching roles, including Head Coach for the 1981 New Zealand team to the Pre-Commonwealth Games International Meeting in Brisbane, and Auxiliary Coach at the 1990 Auckland Games. Between 1977 and 1983 he served on the Athletics New Zealand National Coaching Committee, where he helped shape coaching nationally with the production of the Athletics New Zealand Coaching Manual, from which the junior athletics’ Run-Jump-Throws programme was derived. He led development of the national coaching structure and Coaches Diploma. He continues to coach both school athletes with the Aspiring Athletics Club and high-performing senior athletes, including Shay Veitch, the current and four-time national New Zealand long jump champion. In 2022, Michael was awarded Athletics New Zealand’s highest coaching honour, the Arthur Eustace Award for Coaching.

Trevor Spittle MNZM was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to athletics.

Trevor has volunteered as an athletics official, administrator and educator for more than 40 years.

He initially volunteered at the former QEII Stadium in Christchurch in the early 1980s, quickly progressing from timekeeper to meeting manager. His commitment to athletics and its development locally, nationally and internationally has seen him volunteer thousands of hours in various key positions. He was President of the Canterbury Athletics Centre, President of Athletics New Zealand, and Committee Member of the ANZ Officials Association. He qualified as a World Athletics International Technical Official in 2005, and has supported five Commonwealth Games, eight World Athletics Championships, three Paralympic Games, six World Para Athletics Championships, the Sydney and Tokyo Olympics, and Singapore and Buenos Aires Youth Olympics. As a member of the World Athletics Competition Commission, he advised the World Athletics Council on the development of athletic events worldwide from 2015 to 2023. He played a crucial role in establishing an interim athletics facility at Rāwhiti Domain after the Canterbury earthquakes, as well as the development of the new track at Ngā Puna Wai. As a World Athletics technical official lecturer, he continues to support the development of aspiring technical officials across New Zealand and the Pacific. He has been a member of the Oceania Athletics Association Council since 2007.

New Zealand’s under-18 athletes will not be without international competition in 2026. The Oceania Athletics Championships provide a meaningful opportunity for the country’s emerging talent to compete at the regional level, and Athletics New Zealand remains committed to supporting those athletes on their development pathway.

If you have any questions, please contact Tessa Hunt. tessa@athletics.org.nz

We thank everyone who provided feedback during the consultation process.

Regulation Amendment 1
Introduces the NZ Short Track Championships into the Competition Regulations ahead of the inaugural event in January 2026.

Regulation Amendment 2
Updates athlete representation rules for the Athletics NZ Track & Field Championships.

The updated Competition Regulations are available on the Governance page of wordpress-1511583-5805898.cloudwaysapps.com or via the links below:

View Competition Regulations

Athlete Representation FAQ

Athletics NZ has updated the Competition Regulations for the NZ Track & Field Championships and NZ Short Track Championships. Below are answers to common questions about what this means for athletes, clubs, and centres.

1. If I meet the ANZ entry standard, can I still compete?

Yes. All athletes who meet the published Athletics NZ entry standard remain eligible to compete. The only difference is that every athlete will now represent a Centre and wear a Centre singlet. There will no longer be a mix of club and Centre names and uniforms on the start lists.

2. My Centre has its own standards. If I don’t meet these, can I still compete?

Yes. Centres may set their own standards for financial support *or team funding, but these do not affect eligibility. If you meet the Athletics NZ entry standard, you can enter individually through the online portal. You will need to arrange purchase or hire of a Centre singlet.

3. How does the dispensation process work for competing for my Centre of Origin?

Athletes may apply to represent their Centre of Origin (the Centre where they were first registered). The process will be similar to the current age-grade dispensation system:

• A form will be available on the Athletics NZ website.
• Submit the form by the published deadline.
• The Dispensation Committee will review and confirm approvals.

4. When does this change take effect?

The regulation change comes into effect immediately, the first events the new representation rules apply to are the 2026 NZ Short Track Championships and the 2026 NZ Track & Field Championships.

5. Do Centres now enter athletes?

No. Athletes will continue to enter individually via the online entry portal, as in previous years. All athletes who meet the Athletics NZ entry standard are eligible to enter.

6. Why is this change being made?
Currently, athletes can compete under either their Centre or their Club, creating a mix of uniforms and affiliations. While this supports grassroots development, it has led to fragmentation in branding and athlete identity at the premier national event. Feedback from the 2025 Championships showed strong support for a centre-only representation model to:

• Strengthen team cohesion and regional pride.
• Create a unified and recognisable structure for spectators and media.
• Foster inter-regional rivalries and enhance the narrative of the Championships.
• Align with other representative sports in New Zealand, where regional identity is central.

Importantly, this change will make the event easier for new spectators and supporters to follow, whether watching on broadcast or in the stadium. A consistent Centre-based format means viewers can immediately identify which region an athlete represents, making the competition story clearer and more engaging for a wider audience. This helps build excitement, regional pride, and a stronger connection for fans who may be new to athletics but familiar with regional rivalries in other sports.

This change ensures the NZ Track & Field Championships present a cohesive, professional image while maintaining athlete eligibility and fairness.

7. Does this apply to all NZ Championships?

No. This change applies only to the NZ Track & Field Championships and the NZ Short Track Championships. All other NZ Championship meets will continue to allow athletes to compete for their club as per current rules.

Key Points to Remember

Clear timelines and forms for the Centre of Origin dispensation will be published on the Athletics NZ website.
Representation is Centre-only for NZ Track & Field Championships and NZ Short Track Championships.
Club uniforms are no longer permitted at these events.
Centres may set internal criteria for funding, but cannot restrict entry for athletes who meet ANZ standards.

Proposal 1 – Outlines the addition of the NZ Short Track Championships into the Competition Regulations ahead of the first running of the competition in January 2026. Read the full proposal here.

Proposal 2 – Outlines proposed changes to athlete representation rules at the Athletics New Zealand Track and Field Championships. Read the full proposal here.

We invite all members to review the documents and share any feedback, questions or concerns. The consultation period begins October 25 2025, and will remain open for 50 days, closing on December 11 2025.

Please send all feedback to trackandfield@athletics.org.nz by the above deadline. 

Your input is valuable in ensuring our regulations continue to support fair, inclusive and high-quality competition across Aotearoa.

Dr Megan Gibbons

Appointed by the Board Appointments Panel to fill a casual vacancy, Dr Gibbons brings a lifelong commitment to athletics and extensive governance experience. A former national-level athlete who competed at the Oceania Championships, she is a life member of Athletics Taieri and Athletics Otago, and has coached and supported athletes at regional, national, and international levels for over three decades. Her involvement also includes serving as a national selector and leading the Athletics Taieri Club as President.

Professionally, Megan is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences at the University of Otago, overseeing strategic operations across a $500M division. She leads major initiatives in health and safety, capital development, and stakeholder engagement, and has held governance roles with Otago Polytechnic, Te Pūkenga, and national advisory bodies.

Chris Weaver

Appointed by the Board to fill a casual vacancy, Chris Weaver was a former provincial representative athlete for Canterbury and brings a strong commercial background to the Board. He is currently Chairman of Dr Libby Ltd, where he previously served as CEO, and has held senior leadership roles with New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing, Auckland Racing Club, Lion Nathan, and The Coca-Cola Company.

Chris’s leadership across events and brand development in both sport and consumer sectors brings valuable expertise in sponsorship, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. His appointment will support Athletics NZ’s revenue strategy.

Current Athletics NZ Board

• President: Andrew Stark
• Appointed Positions:
  • Catherine Rossiter-Stead – term ends 2026
  • Dr Megan Gibbons – term ends 2026
  • Chris Toomey – term ends 2028
• Elected Positions:
  • Ian Olan – term ends 2027
  • Chris Weaver – term ends 2027 
  • Toni Sythes – term ends 2027
  • Chair, Courtney Ireland – term ends 2028

āhei makes it easier for coaches, volunteers, and teachers to deliver sessions where all tamariki can join in, feel included, and succeed. By reducing admin and providing ready-to-go Run Jump Throw and Get Set Go resources, āhei gives coaches and educators more time to focus on what matters most: people.

This is a free digital planning platform now available to all Athletics NZ affiliated clubs, and already being used in 20% of New Zealand’s primary schools.

“The āhei team is really excited to be launching with Athletics New Zealand because it feels like such a natural partnership. āhei is about giving every teacher and coach the confidence to deliver quality sport and movement experiences, no matter their starting point. Partnering with Athletics New Zealand means we can connect their world-class programs directly into schools and clubs in a way that’s simple, practical, and inclusive. Together, we’re helping more tamariki move, play, and thrive through Athletics.”
— Laura Thompson, Founder of āhei

āhei also aligns strongly with para sport values. As Dunedin-based coach Josh shared:

“The language is strength-based and empowering. It aligns with para sport values—breaking down barriers and celebrating potential.”

Through āhei, clubs and schools gain access to:

• Run Jump Throw & Get Set Go activities
• A full video library and skill progressions
• Printable session plans and activity cards
• Adaptations to include all abilities
• Planning and tracking tools for coaches and teachers

Clubs can also look forward to an online training session coming soon.

Any questions? Contact membership@athletics.org.nz

For more information and getting your club started, please visit our info page linked here.

Athletics New Zealand brings two National Championships together on the same day at the same event, and it’s going down at The Spectacle Trail & Road Running Festival in Whakatū, Nelson, on Saturday 6 December.

This exciting double-header will see the New Zealand Road Mile Championships and the New Zealand 50km Championships integrated into one of the country’s most unique and fast-growing running festivals. 

Set in the stunning surrounds of Nelson, The Spectacle is a true festival of running. Every bit as tough-trail scenic as it is a road-speedsters’ paradise. Hosting the full gamut of running, from a 100-mile ultra, 10km trail run, to a 5km road race. 

Over 5000 fans packed the inner-Nelson loop as milers flew around the course in the inaugural 2024 event, before the post-race festivities began. The Black Seeds played late into the night, in a free concert celebrating the inaugural year of the event. They’ll be back jamming into the night to close out the 2025 event! 

The Mile

2024 saw a high-quality international elite road mile field assemble in Nelson for a road mile showcase, harkening back to the iconic 1983 Queen Street mile, which saw Mike Boit run 3:28.36 down Queen Street.

In 2025, the Mile returns with even more energy. Hosting the New Zealand road mile championships will see top Kiwi athletes line up in the elite fields to go head-to-head with some of the best in the world. All chasing finish-line glory and, for our Kiwi competitors, national titles. 

The course in Nelson is electric, with crowds packing the entire circuit. Racers complete 2.15 laps of the circuit around central Nelson. 

Read more about the logistics for the 2025 New Zealand Road Mile Championships.

The 50km

On the other end of the spectrum, the 50km Championships offer a true test of grit. This year’s course will take athletes on a scenic yet demanding journey through the Nelson region, blending challenging climbing and descending with some incredible scenery that ultra runners thrive on. Participants in 2024 raved about the scenic and challenging course through the local trails. 

Jason Cameron, Head of Out of Stadia Events at Athletics NZ, is excited about the partnership:

“We look forward to partnering with The Spectacle on these exciting competitive opportunities with the athletics community. The Spectacle is an amazing event, gaining prominence nationally and internationally with its unique fusion of trail and road races. Staging the Road Mile and 50km Championships will be an epic combination for our trail and road devotees or even as a gruelling back-to-back double for the more adventurous.”

“We’re excited to be partnering with high-quality events in the running market to offer a different running and competition experience. We’re aiming to build the profile of running in our host regions and provide great opportunities for our member clubs and athletes to get involved too.”

Athletics NZ is proud to be working alongside The Spectacle team to deliver a truly unforgettable event.

Whether you’re a miler, an ultra runner, or just love being part of the action, this is your chance to experience something special. 

Enter by midnight, 27 September, to beat the price rise. Enter here.

The 2025 Athletics New Zealand Annual General Meeting, held in Cambridge, was more than just a formal gathering; it was a celebration of progress and a launchpad for the future. Set against the backdrop of the NZ 10km Road and Walks Championships and followed by the engaging Club Connects Conference, the weekend brought together our community to reflect, reconnect and reimagine what’s next for our sport.

Recognising our people. 

One of the most meaningful moments of the AGM was the chance to honour those who have given so much to athletics in Aotearoa. This year, we welcomed three new Life Members and celebrated five outstanding Merit Award recipients.

Life Memberships

John McBrearty
John McBrearty has dedicated over six decades to athletics in New Zealand, serving tirelessly across club, centre, and national levels. Beginning with the Ashburton Harrier Club in 1963, he has held numerous leadership roles, including President of Athletics Canterbury and Athletics NZ, and was instrumental in the development of facilities at Ngā Puna Wai following the Christchurch earthquakes. A respected official and administrator, John has managed teams, coordinated officials, and contributed to major events such as the NZ Track & Field Championships and the Riverside Relays. A Life Member of Athletics Canterbury and recipient of multiple merit awards, John’s lifelong commitment and leadership have left a lasting legacy in the sport.

Ian Babe
Ian Babe is a highly respected high-performance coach whose 60-year career has left a profound impact across athletics, triathlon, and rugby in New Zealand. A former national record-holder and world champion masters athlete, Ian has coached athletes to success at World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Olympic levels, including stars like Sam Warriner and Mary Davies. His influence extends beyond sport, having shaped national physical education policy and mentored athletes across multiple disciplines. A former President of Athletics New Zealand and lifelong member of Athletics Whangarei, Ian is known for his innovative, science-based coaching and unwavering commitment to helping athletes achieve their potential at every level.

Roger Robinson 
Roger Robinson is a globally respected figure in athletics whose lifelong contributions span elite competition, administration, commentary, writing, and education. A former international cross-country representative for England and New Zealand, Roger has won numerous national and international masters titles, including a World Masters 80+ title in 2023. He played a pivotal role in establishing the New Zealand Road Relay Championships and served on the NZAAA Management Committee. Renowned for his commentary at major events, including the 1974 Commonwealth Games and Olympic broadcasts, Roger is also a prolific author and historian of running, with acclaimed publications such as Running Throughout Time. His academic career as Professor and Dean at Victoria University of Wellington paralleled his athletics involvement, and he continues to support the sport through the Roger Robinson Scholarship. Universally recognised as a proud New Zealander, Roger’s influence has enriched athletics both nationally and internationally.

Merit Awards

Morris Grey – Northland 
Eileen Parsons – Northland 
Vern Mardon – Tasman 
Sally Kerr – Waikato Bay of Plenty 
Cameron Taylor – Auckland

These individuals have shaped our sport at every level, from grassroots to global, and their contributions continue to inspire.

Leadership & Board

After two years of dedicated service, Sharee Jones concluded her term as President of Athletics NZ. We thank Sharee for her steady leadership and commitment to the sport during a time of change and growth.

Stepping into the role is Andrew Stark, previously Vice President. Andrew brings deep experience and a clear passion for the future of athletics in New Zealand. 

Andrew Stark has been a driving force in New Zealand Masters athletics for over a decade. After a successful early career as a middle-distance runner, he returned to competition in the 2000s and placed on the podium at the 2009 World Masters Championships. Stark has held key leadership roles since 2010, including President of Canterbury Masters Athletics and New Zealand Masters Athletics, where he has modernised operations through digital publishing, event management systems, and branding initiatives.

Locally, he chaired the Athletics Canterbury Track & Field Committee and Board, helping lead the development of the Nga Puna Wai track and introducing structural reforms. He continues to serve as NZMA President and on the Oceania Masters Athletics Council. Stark’s background in education and publishing has enabled him to balance extensive volunteer commitments, and he now brings his community-focused approach to the Athletics NZ Board as its President.

Athletics NZ is governed by a volunteer board made up of seven members, four elected and three appointed, along with the President and any New Zealand-based member of the World Athletics Council. Board members serve three-year terms and are entrusted with ensuring the organisation is well-managed and future-focused.

This year, we acknowledged the outstanding contribution of Cameron Taylor, who stepped down as Chair after seven and a half years of service. Cameron’s leadership has helped guide Athletics NZ through a period of strategic growth, and we thank him for his vision and commitment.

We’re pleased to confirm that Courtney Ireland and Dr Chris Tooley will continue their service on the Board, bringing valuable continuity and leadership. We’re pleased to confirm that Courtney Ireland will takeover as Chair from Cameron Taylor.

Welcoming Toni Sythes

We also welcomed Toni Sythes, appointed to the Board on 1 July. Toni’s connection to the sport runs deep, she grew up running, inspired by her father, who completed 50 marathons and trained alongside some of New Zealand’s greats. After earning a scholarship to Texas Christian University in the US, Toni transitioned into a successful legal career and now serves as General Counsel at a publicly listed company. Based in Marlborough, she brings strong governance experience and a passion for making athletics more accessible and inclusive.

Financial Performance

The 2024–25 financial year closed with a surplus of $17,580, up from $4,231 the previous year. This result lifts Association Equity to $487,959, reflecting careful financial management and a strong foundation for future investment in the sport.

Club Connections Conference

Following the AGM, the 2025 Club Connections Conference brought together club leaders from across the country for a full day of learning, sharing and connection. The energy in the room was energetic, with strong engagement across every session.

Raylene Bates presented “Clubs of Excellence” plaques to those clubs that had achieved Gold, Silver, or Bronze level in the new program.

The day continued with key insights from our Voice of Participant research and club survey results. A timely session on safeguarding and compliance helped clubs stay current with their responsibilities.

Attendees enjoyed a lively networking lunch, complete with club-to-club speed sessions and partner resource tables. The afternoon featured interactive roundtables on coaching, officiating, Para athletics, women and girls, and youth engagement.

We also explored innovation in action, including the Ahei app and the Southland pilot programme, before wrapping up with a funding deep dive and a panel on events, education and delivery models.

Whether you’re new to club leadership or a seasoned volunteer, the conference left everyone feeling more connected, more informed, and more excited about what’s possible.

To ensure fairness and integrity across all levels of competition, entry deadlines are essential. These deadlines are in place to provide a clear, structured process for all athletes, officials, event volunteers and event staff. Once entries close, our wider event team (including ANZ Staff, Technical Officials, and the Local Organising Committee) immediately begin the manual process of building the timed programme, creating start lists, and determining heat and lane allocations. This process is crucial in delivering a well-organised and professionally run event.

A national championship is an intricate, multi-day event with  complex operational requirements. Permitting late entries after this process has begun negatively impacts the wider events teams ability to deliver the event due to the significant manual work required for each and every late entry. 

Athletics New Zealand, the LOC, and Technical Officials are bound by the competition regulations. These regulations were created in consultation with the wider athletics community. ANZ alongside our Centres, LOCs, Technical Director, National Officials Advisory Group and Scheduling Committee will review these competition regulations after the 2025 Jennian Homes NZ Track and Field Championships. Any outcomes of this review will be communicated to the wider athletics community well in advance of the 2026 event. 

We appreciate that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes arise, and we always encourage athletes to plan ahead where possible. Entry deadlines are clearly communicated well in advance, including an already provided late entry period, and we appreciate the efforts of those who have taken steps to meet them.

If any athlete is unsure about future entry processes, we encourage reaching out to Athletics NZ before the deadline to avoid missing out. We truly value every athlete who competes at our national championships and look forward to an exciting weekend of competition in Dunedin.

Athletics NZ won’t be making any further statements.

At the age of 102, Arch was presented this honour in a heartfelt ceremony at his retirement village in Auckland, attended by family, friends, and fellow athletics icons.

The nomination, put forward by Athletics New Zealand correspondent and long-time friend Murray McKinnon, celebrates a coaching career that has inspired generations of New Zealand athletes and contributed immeasurably to the sport. CE Cam Mitchell presented the award, honouring Arch for his decades of dedication, particularly in middle-distance running, where his guidance famously helped Sir John Walker secure a gold medal in the 1500m at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

Reflecting on the honour, Arch shared, “I was rather surprised when I heard that I was to be made a life member. And it’s something, you know, I hadn’t really thought about, but it’s a great honour.”

Surrounded by around 40 friends and family members, Arch was celebrated not only as a coach but as a pioneer who championed New Zealand athletics on the global stage. Among the guests were his wife, Jean, daughter Sue Jelley, and family members who shared in the celebration of his lifetime of achievement. Also in attendance were notable figures from the athletics community, including Olympians Chrissie and Pete Pfitzinger, and several of Arch’s former athletes and close friends who have benefited from his mentorship and passion for the sport.

In a reflection of his career and running over the years, Arch said, “I remember, Peter Snell ran the world record 800 in ordinary old spikes on a damp track and broke the world record. And I think his performance would be equal to anything that they do now, even though they, you know, [run] 1:41. I think his performance was actually fantastic. The other big things that have happened since I’ve been in athletics… is that there are just as many females as males [running], and it’s just tremendous.”

In his tribute, Cam Mitchell shared, “There are obviously so many wonderful achievements. I think what stood out for me, in addition to all of your achievements, was the fact you also pioneered women’s coaching. It’s great to see some of that recognised… So this is very much a well-deserved, and potentially overdue award. We’re delighted to acknowledge you today.”

Arch’s journey as a coach began in 1959, and over the following decades, he would go on to mentor over a hundred middle-distance runners, including Olympians and national record holders. He played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous athletes, including several who represented New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. His dedication extended to pioneering opportunities for female athletes, helping them reach new heights and earn national and international titles.

With a career that spanned from the 1950s to his official retirement after the 2016 Rio Olympics, Arch’s influence has been profound. His guidance led to New Zealand records, international accolades, and an enduring legacy in the coaching world. A former teacher and principal, Arch combined his skills in education with his love for athletics, fostering both physical and personal development in his athletes. His accolades include an OBE for services to sport, and he was among the first inductees into the Athletics New Zealand Coaches Hall of Fame.

Attendees at the event reflected on Arch’s life of service and his unique journey, which also includes a distinguished military career during World War II, and his remarkable resilience and commitment to shaping New Zealand’s sporting future.

Arch’s lifetime membership award is a tribute not only to his achievements in athletics but also to his lasting impact on New Zealand’s sporting community. Athletics New Zealand is proud to honour Arch Jelley and looks forward to his story inspiring future generations.