The Auckland Regional Dragon Boat Championships took place on the 22nd and 23rd of March 2025, bringing together crews from across the north island for two action-packed days of racing. This annual event saw a change in venue, moving from the traditional setting of Lake Pupuke to Sylvan Park. The shift provided a better viewing experience for spectators and helped mitigate the usual side winds that often disrupt afternoon races.

The event, run entirely by dedicated volunteers, showcased the passion and teamwork that define dragon boating. The weekend kicked off on Saturday with the adult standard boat championships, featuring 200m, 500m, and 2km races. Twenty-two teams competed across the Breast Cancer Survivor, Women’s, and Mixed divisions under beautiful weather conditions, making for a thrilling spectacle on the water.

Saturday’s highlights: Standard boat racing

The general mood on Saturday was one of fierce competition on the water and camaraderie off it. The day was punctuated by energetic team chants and special moments of sportsmanship. One of the most poignant highlights was the beautiful ceremony honouring breast cancer survivors following the 500m Grand Final. As the paddlers stepped off their boats, they took roses while a member of the breast cancer community read a heartfelt tribute to those we have loved and lost. The roses were then thrown into the lake, followed by a powerful haka from other participants. What made this moment especially moving was the response from the granddaughter of one of the breast cancer paddlers, who delivered a stunning mihi, expressing the deep gratitude of the breast cancer community for the heartfelt tribute and honour they had received.

The competition was fierce, with exhilarating finishes keeping spectators on edge. The City Dragons, considered underdogs, defied expectations by surging ahead in the 500m standard boat minor final and 200m small boat races. Dragon Riders delivered the fastest time of the day in the 200m small boat races, while Wairau Whanau dominated the standard boat racing, sweeping multiple gold medals.

See the results for the adult standard boat racing here.

Sunday’s races: Schools and small boats

Sunday morning was all about the school crews, and the energy was contagious. Schools trained for five weeks leading up to the races, though some had even less time on the water. Dragon boating is an incredible sport for Year 12 and 13 students, offering a unique combination of fitness, teamwork, and strategy. It’s a fantastic way to build resilience, leadership, and camaraderie while taking on one of the most demanding yet rewarding water sports. Plus, it’s perfect for students who might not be into traditional sports like rugby or netball but still want to be part of something exciting and challenging.

Throughout the morning, schools had one minute to perform their school chant - some getting creative with dancing and personalised lyrics that introduced their teammates and referenced their surroundings. The pride and enthusiasm were electric, with parents and teachers in the audience snapping photos and cheering loudly for their teams.

In the afternoon, adult crews returned for small boat (10-paddler) 200m sprints, which were a more laid-back and fun affair compared to the intense standard boat racing.

• See results for the school racing here
• See results for the adult small boat racing here

The power of volunteers and a new venue

This event would not have been possible without the dedication of 60 volunteers who played important roles in its success. Key positions included race finishing, and chief marshalling. Many volunteers were paddlers unable to compete due to injury, or friends and family who were pulled in to lend a hand, highlighting the true community spirit of the sport.

The move to Sylvan Park proved to be a hit, with spectators raving about the enhanced viewing experience. Unlike previous years where races finished towards the crowd, this new setup allowed people to see the boats racing past them, making for a more immersive and engaging atmosphere.

Adding to the achievements of the weekend, a record number of Auckland paddlers earned their New Zealand Level 3 sweep certification this year. Eleven Level 2 sweeps were officially certified at this event, a significant milestone that strengthens Auckland’s dragon boating community and prepares them for the upcoming National Championships in Karapiro on April 4-5.

A celebration of teamwork and community

More than just a competition, the Auckland Regional Dragon Boat Championships are a celebration of camaraderie, resilience, and community spirit. The event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of volunteers who worked behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly.

With stunning weather, thrilling finishes, and plenty of memorable moments, the 2025 Championships were a resounding success. As the dragon boat community looks ahead to the next racing season, this event has once again proven why the sport continues to grow in strength and popularity across the region.