2026 Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships set to ignite Ōhope

New Zealand’s best surf lifesaving athletes are set to converge on Ōhope Beach this March for the 2026 Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships, the pinnacle event of the domestic lifesaving sport calendar.

Back in Ōhope for the first time since 2016 and supported by major partner Aon, this year’s championships promise high-intensity racing, skill, and the unmistakable energy that comes when the country’s top lifesaving athletes across all age groups go head-to-head on the sand and in the ocean.

From Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March, nearly 1,400 athletes representing 46 clubs across Aotearoa will line up across four days of competition, contesting the full range of lifesaving sport events - from intense board and ski races to powerful surf boats and fast-paced team relays.

For those within the Surf Life Saving community, this is the showcase event. For those new to the sport, it is a front-row seat to one of the most demanding and dynamic codes in New Zealand.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand GM Sport Zac Franich says the Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships represent the very best of what lifesaving sport has to offer.

“This is the biggest event on the Surf Life Saving calendar, where we see a huge range of talent and dedication on display. Our experienced masters, up-and-coming juniors, and our top open competitors all step up and show what they’ve got. Surf lifesaving clubs from every part of the country come together and we see awesome camaraderie as well as plenty of healthy competition. We can’t wait to kick this off for 2026,” says Franich.

Setting it apart from many sports, lifesaving competition is built directly on the foundations of operational beach safety. Every race reflects the techniques, teamwork and judgement that underpin surf lifesaving patrols across our beaches.

Major partner Aon is once again looking forward to standing alongside Surf Life Saving New Zealand at the premier surf lifesaving event.

Melissa Cantell, CEO of New Zealand for Aon says Aon is proud to support the event, celebrating the talent and mahi athletes put into keeping Aotearoa’s patrolled beaches safe.

“At Aon, we know that better decisions lead to safer beaches, which is why we’re proud to stand alongside Surf Life Saving New Zealand to bring to life our shared purpose. Best of luck to all the competitors.”

Ōhope Beach’s long stretch of coastline provides a spectacular backdrop for the action, and Whakatāne District Council is looking forward to the vibrant atmosphere as clubs battle for national honours.

Mayor of Whakatāne, Nándor Tánczos, says; "Hosting the Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships at Ōhope Beach is a real privilege for our district. The connection between Ōhope beach, our surf lifesaving club, and our community runs deep - it's built on commitment, service, and a shared responsibility for keeping people safe in the water. We're looking forward to welcoming athletes, volunteers and supporters, and sharing this kaupapa with them."

Race programme

The 2026 Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships cater to all levels of participation – juniors, open (seniors), and masters - and almost all aspects of surf lifesaving sport. The four days of racing include:

• Individual events: beach sprint, beach flags, 2km beach run, surf race, run-swim-run, board race, ski race, diamond, iron-person.
• Team events: beach relay, surf teams, board relay, ski relay, double ski, mixed double ski, 3-person taplin relay, 6-person taplin relay, rescue tube rescue, board rescue, canoe race – short, canoe race – long, canoe relay, surf boat race – short, surf boat race – long, surf boat relay.

Whether you are a lifelong supporter or a new fan of this dynamic sport, the 2026 Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships are not to be missed.

Ōhope Beach, Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March 2026

For event information, visit: Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships

Follow live results via: LiveHeats