Kia ora CRNZ Community,
As we wrap up another incredible year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you – our paddlers, coaches, volunteers, partners, staff and supporters – for your passion and commitment to our sport. Together, we’ve achieved milestones that make us proud, from outstanding performances on the water to growing participation and strengthening our community.
2025 – What we achieved together:
- Growing youth pathways: The NZ Secondary School Kayak Championships, AIMS Games and Try Learn Explore paddling programmes across Aotearoa connected more youth with a safe, skill‑first, low‑barrier kayak racing experience.
- Grew Events: We saw significant growth across events in 2025 – Canoe racing participation at 2025 Aim Games grew 45%, we saw nearly 400 paddlers in the Winter Series (+42% YoY), and strong engagement in the Darcy Price Ocean Ski Series and Secondary Schools Champs and sprint events. In 2026, our focus shifts to growing and evolving our Sprint events.
- Stronger foundations: We modernised our constitution, improved policies for Code of Conduct and Member Protection, and shared practical club coaching/programme resources for delivering great programmes locally.
- Racing momentum: From early domestic events, to Asia Pacific, World Cups and World Championship regattas, momentum grew across the season and we demonstrated good depth in the pathway and Olympic events.
- Partnerships: We strengthened relationships across the sector and activated new partner initiatives – fuelling community programmes and our performance ambitions.
- Financial Sustainability: We have increased focus on financial sustainability in the community side of the sport.
None of this happens without you. Thank you for the coaching hours, the early‑morning trailers, the officiating, the fundraising, and the countless acts of generosity and support that keep our community thriving.
Your passion and dedication is what drives our sport forward, and I’m excited about what we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead.
On behalf of the CRNZ team, I wish you and your whānau a safe, joyful, and relaxing festive season. Enjoy the time on and off the water, and we look forward to seeing you in 2026!
Ngā mihi,
Graham Oberlin-Brown
Chief Executive, Canoe Racing NZ
