EOIs close Wednesday, 28 January at 11:59pm
Athletics New Zealand invites interested athletes to submit an expression of interest form for the 2026 Oceania Area Championships.
EOI Form: https://events.mygameday.app/event/2026oaceoi
The 2026 Oceania Area Championships (OAC) will be held in Darwin, Australia, from 18–23 May 2026 and represent an important international development opportunity for New Zealand U18, U20, Senior and Para athletes.
The Oceania Championships provide meaningful competition, exposure to a championship environment, and an important step along the pathway toward major events such as the Commonwealth Games, World U20 Championships, Youth Olympic Games, and Paralympic Games.
This email outlines the Expression of Interest (EOI) process, Athletics NZ’s approach to team selection, and the anticipated costs associated with attending.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Athletics NZ is currently seeking Expressions of Interest to understand the level of athlete demand for the 2026 OAC.
Please note:
- Anyone wishing to be considered for this team must submit an EOI before the closing date to be eligible for selection
- Submitting an EOI does not guarantee selection
- Submitting an EOI does not commit an athlete financially
- EOIs are being used to assess demand and determine whether a formal selection policy is required for any events
EOIs close: Wednesday 28 January at 11:59pm
Athlete-Funded Event
The 2026 OAC is an athlete-funded competition. Due to the location of the event in Darwin, overall travel and accommodation costs are higher than previous Oceania Championships.
For 2026, Athletics NZ will operate independently, rather than using centrally arranged Oceania accommodation and services. While this increases the overall trip cost, it allows us to deliver a higher-quality, fully managed team experience, including:
- Upgraded accommodation (Novotel Darwin Airport & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort)
- Improved meals and athlete services
- Stronger team support, cohesion, and oversight within an Athletics NZ-managed programme
Athletics NZ Team Philosophy – 2026 OAC
Athletics NZ views the Oceania Area Championships as both a representative honour and a key performance and development opportunity across all age groups.
Where selection is required, decisions will balance:
- Athlete development and pathway progression
- Event depth and competitiveness
- The overall quality and sustainability of the team environment
Senior Athletes
Senior athletes targeting nomination and selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games (CGs) that have achieved the relevant CGs performance standard/s may receive priority for OAC selection (if applicable), to allow for competition opportunity prior to Glasgow.
Para Athletes
Para athletes targeting qualification for the 2028 Paralympic Games, Para athletes undergoing international classification, and those with prior Paralympic Games or World Para Athletics Championships experience, may be prioritised.
U18 & U20 Development Athletes
For emerging athletes, the Oceania Championships represent an important development step.
Selection consideration will favour athletes who are:
- Showing clear progression within the Athletics NZ pathway
- Competitive at the Oceania level
- Building toward future international opportunities, including World U20 Championships and senior or para pathways
This approach ensures the Oceania Championships support long-term athlete development, not just single-event outcomes.
Event Details
Event: 2026 Oceania Area Championships
Dates: 18–23 May 2026
Location: Darwin, Australia
Eligibility: Athletes must be 15 years or older on 31 December 2025
Entry Standards: OAC 2026 Entry Standards
Trip Options & Indicative Costs
Athletes submitting an EOI may indicate interest in one of the following options:
Option 1 – Darwin Only
Approx. $5,500, including:
- Return flights Auckland ↔ Darwin (16–24 May)
- 8 nights accommodation (Novotel/Mercure Darwin Airport Resort)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Local transport
- Management fees
All athletes will travel and stay together. Dates are fixed.
Option 2 – Gold Coast Pre-Camp + Darwin
Approx. $6,500, including:
- Pre-camp in Gold Coast (11–16 May)
- Flights:
- Auckland → Gold Coast (11 May)
- Gold Coast → Darwin (16 May)
- Darwin → Auckland (24 May)
- 5 nights accommodation (Gold Coast)
- 8 nights accommodation (Darwin)
- Meals in Darwin (Gold Coast meals at athlete cost)
- Transport in both locations
- Management fees
- More information about the pre-camp can be found here
Pre-camp capacity is limited to approximately 20 athletes plus staff.
Dates are fixed.
Team Management & Support Staff
Applications for team management and support staff will open in the coming weeks.
What Happens Next
Once EOIs close, Athletics NZ will:
- Confirm whether a selection policy is required
- Advise whether selection applies to the full team or specific events only
All athletes who submit an EOI by the deadline will receive an update by Friday 6 February.
EOI Form: https://events.mygameday.app/event/2026oaceoi
EOIs close: Wednesday 28 January at 11:59pm
If you have any questions, please contact Athletics NZ at [email protected]