Christchurch to Host Two National Championships in 2027

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Competition Update – Dates & Venue for 2027 NZ Championships & NZSS Championships

We are thrilled to continue unveiling the dates and locations for the 2027 competition calendar, with two more pool competition announcements to share.

The 2027 New Zealand Swimming Championship will be held between 19 - 23 May at the Parakiore Recreation & Sport Centre. It will be the first time the championships have been held in Christchurch since 2009, marking an exciting return to the South Island for New Zealand’s premier swimming championships.

These championships will not only attract the nation's top swimmers, but also play a key role in the selection and qualification pathway for a number of pinnacle international competitions in 2027, including the World Aquatics Championships, World Para Swimming Championships and World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships. With athletes targeting selection for the international stage, the championships in Christchurch will provide an important opportunity for swimmers to race at their best on home soil.

Swimming New Zealand Competitions Manager Kate Griffiths says Christchurch is an exciting location for next year’s championships.

"We’re really looking forward to bringing our pinnacle swimming championships back to the South Island next year. With our first national event at Parakiore Recreation & Sport Centre coming up next month, we’re excited to showcase the new venue to swimmers from across the country, while Christchurch’s passionate swimming and officiating community will be key to delivering a successful championships."

Also to be hosted in Christchurch are the 2027 New Zealand Secondary School Swimming Championships, being held from 5 - 8 August 2027.

The championships have enjoyed a strong presence in the North Island in recent years, with the most recent edition attracting more than 800 students. The move to Christchurch provides an exciting opportunity to welcome more schools and swimmers from across the South Island and give more young athletes the chance to compete on the national stage.

Council Head of Recreation, Sport and Events Nigel Cox says hosting these two key national swimming events is a major win for Christchurch and the South Island.

"It’s not only a boost for local athletes but will also deliver benefits across the city – we’re so excited to keep showcasing Parakiore on a national stage and can’t wait to welcome swimmers and spectators to the facility."

These two events, alongside next month’s New Zealand Short Course Championships in Christchurch, will see three major national swimming competitions held in the South Island over the next 12 months, providing opportunity for more swimmers to experience these national championships while showcasing one of the country’s newest aquatic facilities.

Please stay tuned for further announcements regarding the 2027 competition calendar in the coming months. Details for both of these championships – including the information book, event schedule, and qualifying times – will be released later in the year.