Auckland Representative Crew

Each year, the Auckland Dragon Boat Association (ADBA) brings together paddlers, sweeps and callers from clubs across the region to compete at the New Zealand National Dragon Boat Championships, this season at Lake Ruataniwha on the South Island.

The Auckland Representative programme is an opportunity to train alongside some of the region's strongest athletes, develop your skills and compete against the best from around the country.

It's competitive, it's demanding, and there's something pretty special about pulling on the Auckland colours.

2027 Auckland Representative Squad

Unfinished business.

Auckland heads into the 2027 Representative campaign with plenty to race for.

Our 2026 squad trained, tested and put in the hard work to prepare for Nationals, but ultimately never had the opportunity to put that preparation into action on the race course as races were cancelled due to weather.

That work wasn't wasted. It gave us something to build on.

In 2027, Auckland returns as the defending holder of the Ben Afitu Shield, at this seasons National Championships, determined to continue raising the standard of representative dragon boating and defend our place among the country's best.

The programme will once again be led by Head Coach Bill Lomas, with planning for the new campaign already underway.

The opportunity is in front of us. Let's finish what we started.

Expressions of Interest opening soon

We're preparing to call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the 2027 Auckland Representative programme.

Opportunities will be available for:

• Paddlers

• Sweeps

• Callers

• Assistant coaches

• Managers

Whether you're an experienced Auckland Representative, ready to challenge yourself for the first time, or keen to contribute your skills in a coaching or management role, we'd love to hear from you.

Further information, including programme commitments, trials and selection requirements, will be released in the coming months.

Keep an eye on this page and ADBA's communication channels for EOI announcements.

What does it take to represent Auckland?

Selection for an Auckland Representative crew is competitive, and representing your region comes with responsibility.

Our coaches look for athletes who demonstrate:

• Technical ability: Strong paddling technique and the skills required for their role in the crew.

• Attitude: A positive, coachable and adaptable mindset, with a willingness to support teammates.

• Commitment: The dedication to train consistently, work hard and contribute fully to the programme.

• Teamwork: An understanding that success comes from working together, regardless of which club you represent.

The programme offers athletes the chance to push their limits, learn from experienced coaches and teammates, and experience the pride of representing Auckland on the national stage.

Our proud history

The Ben Afitu Shield

Auckland is a six-time winner and current holder of the Ben Afitu Shield, awarded at the New Zealand National Dragon Boat Championships to the region achieving the strongest results across multiple divisions.

Renamed in 2024, the Shield honours the late Ben Afitu, a highly respected leader in both dragon boating and waka ama, whose generosity, leadership and commitment to paddling left a lasting legacy.

2025 – A victory worth fighting for

The 2025 Representative programme attracted a record 126 Expressions of Interest, with 85 athletes selected to race for Auckland across six crews.

At the National Championships at Lake Karāpiro, Auckland retained the Ben Afitu Shield in a thrilling battle with Waikato, taking the title by just one point.

2026 – A campaign that never reached the start line

Athletes from 10 Auckland clubs came together to prepare for the 2026 National Championships, forming six Representative crews.

Although the squad's opportunity to race was lost, the commitment, preparation and connections built throughout the campaign have laid the foundations for what comes next.