Athletics New Zealand advises that changes to the Competition Regulations have been adopted by the Athletics NZ Board following a 50-day community consultation period. These changes relate to representation at the New Zealand Track & Field Championships and the introduction of the New Zealand Short Track Championships.
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.