Event Details

Dates

Saturday 5 – Tuesday 8 September 2026

Saturday 5 September 2026 – Practice Day (Canoe Racing and Canoe Slalom)
Sunday 6 – Monday 7 September 2026 – Canoe Slalom
​​​​​​​Tuesday 8 September 2026 – Canoe Racing

Venues

McLaren Falls Park, Lower Kaimai, Tauranga (Practice Day and Canoe Slalom)

Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui (Canoe Racing)

Entry Fee

$80.00 per paddler (NZ$)

The entry fee covers participation in both the Canoe Slalom and Canoe Racing events. Paddlers may choose to take part in one or both disciplines.

RegistrATION TimeliNe

Entries Open

Friday 20 March 2026 at 9:00 AM

Entries Close

Wednesday 3 June 2026 at 7:59 PM

All registrations must be submitted online by each school’s designated Zespri AIMS Games Coordinator using their unique login code.

CONTACT

Email: info@nzaimsgames.co.nz

For Further Information

 Visit: http://www.canoeracing.org.nz/events

PLANNING INFORMATION

Entry Fees

• NZ$80.00 per paddler (non-refundable)
• Payment is due within 7 days of invoice receipt
• Invoices will be issued to school accounts managers after entries close

Eligibility

Students must be aged over 10 and under 13 years as of 31 December 2025. For the 2026 Games, eligible birth years are 2013, 2014, and 2015. Birthdates must be provided during registration.

Competition Divisions

Canoe Racing

• Canoe Racing Year 7 Girls
• Canoe Racing Year 7 Boys
• Canoe Racing Year 8 Girls
• Canoe Racing Year 8 Boys

There is no restriction on the number of paddlers a school may register.

Multi-Code Participation

Students may enter more than one sporting code, provided they meet permitted code crossover eligibility.

Please note: No timetable adjustments will be made to accommodate scheduling conflicts between sporting codes. It is the responsibility of each school and the parents/caregivers to ensure that students’ chosen events do not overlap.​​​​​​​

PROGRAMME

RULES

Canoe Racing format

• Event format will be the Kahawai Paddler X, where heats of up to 6 paddlers race from a start line in shallow water, around one or more buoys and back to a finish line adjacent to the start.
• Races aim to take 2-4 minutes and every paddler will compete in several races as they progress from heats through to division finals.
• Team relays (3 people) will follow completion of the individual events. Team relays will most likely be a mass start (depending on number of teams in each division entered).

General Rules

1. There is no limit on the number of paddlers a school can enter in each division. 
2. There is no limit on the number of teams a school can enter in the team event, but each paddler may only participate in one team event each.
3. For all individual and team events to be constituted there must be a minimum of three entrants from at least two different schools. If these criteria are not met, then the entrants go into the next age group i.e., Year 7 would compete in the Year 8 event. If there are insufficient girls, then they will move into the boy’s event of the corresponding year or as above up a year group.
4. Wear clothing that is associated with your school.
5. Approved lifejackets must be worn by all paddlers at all times on the water.
6. Please obey all marshals and briefings and park all vehicles in set areas.
7. All team managers are required to have their team medical forms with them during the event.
8. Team Managers are responsible for their parents and supporters.  Only team managers are permitted to speak to officials regarding racing incidents or result queries.
9. Please ensure that the safety and enjoyment of all competitors is of upmost importance.

Equipment Rules

1. Paddlers will use surfski-style kayaks (open top) provided by organisers. Own kayaks are not permitted.
2. Paddles will also be provided.  Own paddles are not permitted.
3. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)/Lifejackets will be provided and must be worn by paddlers at all times while on the water. Own PFDs are permitted but must be approved by Event Officials on race day to ensure it is of required safety standard and fit.
4. It is up to the paddler to ensure their equipment is correctly set up for them.

Health and Safety

1. All participants, team managers and schools are reminded that they compete at their own risk and absolve the event director, all marshals, helpers and volunteers from any blame or claim.
2. Lifeguards will be located on water with radio coverage to event organisers in case of emergency.
3. Clear instruction to coaches/team managers will be given about the extent of the organisers responsibilities at the managers meeting.

Discipline - Team Relay event

1. Schools to select teams comprising three boys or three girls in each year group (members are gender and year specific).
2. Team members can be of mixed gender and mixed year groups; however, they compete in the boys' team race of the eldest team member.
3. Canoe Racing NZ can put together mixed teams made up of different year groups, genders or schools, in order to include more paddlers, but these teams will not be eligible for school team prizes/medals.
4. All participants in the team event must have competed in the individual event.
5. The last opportunity to name or change teams will be at the team managers meeting with the exception of withdrawals due to injury or illness.

Event Honours

Medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each event provided the rules of event constitution are met.

MEDAL PRESENTATIONS

Medals for the top placegetters in both individual and team events, across all year groups and genders, will be presented at the venue once all races have been completed.