News

ADBA’s best of 2025 - Celebrating community and champions

The Auckland Dragon Boat Association celebrated an incredible 2025 season at its annual Sports Awards, recognising outstanding paddlers, coaches, managers, and volunteers. From inspiring rookies to dedicated leaders, the awards honoured the passion, commitment, and teamwork that power our vibrant dragon boating community. Read on to meet this year’s winners and hear the stories that made 2025 unforgettable!

Sat 05 Jul 2025

A wave of culture, community and heart joins the ADBA

This Filipino Independence Day, we’re celebrating the newest addition to our community, Alon Dragon, the first all-Filipino dragon boat crew in Aotearoa.

Thu 12 Jun 2025

Auckland Rep Squad brings the Ben Afitu Shield home - Again!

Auckland has done it again! Our Rep Squad has brought the Ben Afitu Shield back home for the sixth time after a nail-biting showdown at the 2025 NZ Dragon Boat Nationals. With just one point between Auckland and Waikato, every race counted—and our paddlers delivered. Six gutsy performances, 25 total points, and one seriously proud region. Click for the full story.

Mon 07 Apr 2025

Celebrating a record number of new Level 3 sweeps!

We're celebrating a record number of new Level 3 sweeps this season! These talented individuals will lead their teams at the National Championships in Lake Karapiro this April. From guiding boats through tricky turns to keeping crews balanced and safe, sweeps are the unsung heroes of dragon boating. Meet the new sweeps who are helping grow our community and keep the spirit of the sport alive!

Wed 02 Apr 2025

The best moments from the 2025 Auckland Dragon Boat Championships

The 2025 Auckland Regional Dragon Boat Championships delivered two days of fierce racing, inspiring moments, and unbeatable community spirit at Sylvan Park. From school crews getting creative with their chants to adult teams battling it out for gold, it was a weekend to remember.

Sun 30 Mar 2025

2025 Auckland Representative Crew Announced

After two months of coaching, training, and off-water trials, the 2025 program coaches have finalised the Auckland Regional Representative Crew.

Sun 30 Mar 2025

Birkenhead Primary teachers paddle their way to teamwork with dragon boating

The Birkenhead Primary School teaching staff traded their classrooms for the open water at Westhaven Marina, diving into a high-energy team-building session with the Auckland Dragon Boat Association (ADBA).

Wed 05 Feb 2025

Auckland Anniversary Dragon Boat Regatta a Splashing Success

The Auckland Anniversary Dragon Boat Regatta, part of the wider Auckland Anniversary Regatta, was an exciting day of racing, bringing together 14 standard crews and 30 small crews to compete on the sparkling waters of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour

Mon 27 Jan 2025

Introducing the Head Coaches for the Auckland Representative Crew!

The Auckland Dragon Boat Association is excited to announce the Head Coaches for this season’s Auckland Representative Crew: Deb Camplin, Ricky Greaves, and Sooupu Perese. These three bring a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to the program, ensuring a season filled with growth, connection, and achievement.

Sat 18 Jan 2025

Paddles Up: The Corporate Splash Delivers an Exciting Showdown!

Auckland’s Westhaven Marina was alive with excitement during last Friday’s Race to the Tower Corporate Splash.

Sun 01 Dec 2024

Record Numbers Turn Out for Auckland Dragon Boat Association's Free 'Give it a Go' Days

People from across Auckland took the opportunity to try dragon boating for the first time, making this the most successful Give it a Go campaign to date.

Sun 20 Oct 2024

Corporate Teams Set to Compete in Auckland's 'Race to the Tower: Corporate Splash'

The Auckland Dragon Boat Association (ADBA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Race to the Tower: Corporate Splash, a unique team-building event set to take place on 29th November 2024.

Fri 18 Oct 2024

Discover the Thrill of Dragon Boating for FREE This Summer!

The Auckland Dragon Boat Association is excited to welcome new paddlers to experience the exhilarating world of dragon boating, completely free of charge! Whether you're looking for a new team sport or simply want to try something adventurous, this is your chance to "Give It a Go" at one of our upcoming open days.

Sun 15 Sep 2024

Women Steel - Road to Italy

The Women of Steel (Wāhine Maitai) are on an incredible journey, moving from the local dragon boating in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) to compete at the World Club Crew Championships in Italy this September 2024. As a member of the Auckland Dragon Boat Association, their journey highlights their strong teamwork and commitment to both the sport and their community. Now, they’re preparing to represent their club and show the world the spirit and unity that have brought them to the global stage.

Wed 21 Aug 2024