Taupo Wins Race to Host National Schools Triathlon Champs

Taupo Wins Race to Host National Schools Triathlon Champs

Triathlon New Zealand has confirmed Taupo as the next host venue for the prestigious .kiwi National schools triathlon championships and at the same time has invited tenders for the subsequent two years, with a North Island/South Island annual rotation in a rolling three year forecast for the event.

The bid from Taupo Combined Schools (Hilltop Primary, Taupo Intermediate, Taupo Nui-a-Tia College and Tauhara College), won the race to host the 2015 National Schools in what was described as a close and difficult decision to make. The tender has the support of the local community, local government and the local Tri club and will see the event held at Wharewaka Point, with initial plans having the open water swim taking place at the Yacht club, with all events taking place across March 26 and 27 2015.

Triathlon New Zealand President Garry Boon said that there was much to like about the Taupo bid.

“The Board is delighted to endorse the recommendation to take the National Schools Champs to Taupo. The bid ticks all the boxes from a Tri NZ perspective, having the support of the community and local agencies, being central and accessible to schools throughout New Zealand and the region has a great history of hosting successful events of this nature.”

Karl Bishop is Deputy Principal at Hilltop School and a member of the Taupo Combined Schools bid committee and is thrilled to have won the rights to host the National Schools Champs in 2015.

“Taupo is one of the event capitals of New Zealand and naturally lends itself to large events of this nature. A small community with a big backyard sees four of the local schools and the community combine their resources and expertise to make this event happen.

“Taupo, as a community, loves triathlon. The four combined schools are excited to have this opportunity and look forward to delivering a world class event. As one of the Race directors along with Wiremu Clarke, I speak on behalf of us all to say we are proud to have won the right to hold this event here in Taupo and have already started the planning. Our local council and Tri club have been instrumental in the planning stages. We plan to have a world class event with a local feel and will be using the experience of locals and local firms when and where we can. We are excited to include paratriathlon and as a new event, Special Olympics open water swimming.”

Indeed a new innovation from the Taupo Combined Schools is to include the New Zealand Special Olympics Open Water Swim, a new event that highlights the inclusive nature of the sport at all levels. As well as this, paratriathlon will be included as an option in all events, reflecting the growth of Paratri worldwide with the event to make an appearance at the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

Other features of the successful tender include:

• Bad weather contingency plan (including wind) to ensure the event will remain a triathlon
• The event is close to the main town centre
• Accommodation is plentiful and suits varied budgets
• Billeting is an option courtesy of a programme run by local Taupo schools
• Taupo is easily accessed by road or by plane, with Rotorua Airport another option

More details on the event and how to enter, including an early-bird discount, will be made available in the coming months, with entries expected to be open in November/December 2014. But schools around New Zealand can put the event in their diaries and being planning for March 26-27 2015.

Further to the decision to award the 2015 event to Taupo Triathlon New Zealand has announced a three year cycle for the National Schools Championships that will feature an annual North/South rotation. Garry Boon says this is to benefit everyone wishing to take part.

“The National Schools Championships has varied KPI’s, one of which is to meet some high performance related targets but the other is to encourage and facilitate participation at school age in our sport. This is reflected in the many race options on offer at National Schools and an encouragement of those who wish to participate and not necessarily chase medals. For many athletes it is the camaraderie and fun in taking part that attracts them to the event.

“As a result of this planning and the great work of recent host venues and organizers, the National Schools Triathlon champs has grown to a consistent 800 plus participants across the many and varied events on offer. By giving schools and families a clear three year schedule everyone can plan and budget accordingly with obvious advantages in fund raising and costs around travel and accommodation.”

Interested parties can contact Triathlon New Zealand for tender document information. Enquiries should be addressed to:

Shanelle Barrett
Tri NZ Technical & Events Advisor
Email: technical@triathlon.kiwi

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