Athletics New Zealand Statement on Entry Deadlines for the 2025 Jennian Homes New Zealand Track & Field Championships

We understand that some members of our community are disappointed that late entries cannot be accepted for the 2025 Jennian Homes New Zealand Track & Field Championships after the entry deadline has passed. We acknowledge that this has caused frustration in the community. 

To ensure fairness and integrity across all levels of competition, entry deadlines are essential. These deadlines are in place to provide a clear, structured process for all athletes, officials, event volunteers and event staff. Once entries close, our wider event team (including ANZ Staff, Technical Officials, and the Local Organising Committee) immediately begin the manual process of building the timed programme, creating start lists, and determining heat and lane allocations. This process is crucial in delivering a well-organised and professionally run event.

A national championship is an intricate, multi-day event with  complex operational requirements. Permitting late entries after this process has begun negatively impacts the wider events teams ability to deliver the event due to the significant manual work required for each and every late entry. 

Athletics New Zealand, the LOC, and Technical Officials are bound by the competition regulations. These regulations were created in consultation with the wider athletics community. ANZ alongside our Centres, LOCs, Technical Director, National Officials Advisory Group and Scheduling Committee will review these competition regulations after the 2025 Jennian Homes NZ Track and Field Championships. Any outcomes of this review will be communicated to the wider athletics community well in advance of the 2026 event. 

We appreciate that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes arise, and we always encourage athletes to plan ahead where possible. Entry deadlines are clearly communicated well in advance, including an already provided late entry period, and we appreciate the efforts of those who have taken steps to meet them.

If any athlete is unsure about future entry processes, we encourage reaching out to Athletics NZ before the deadline to avoid missing out. We truly value every athlete who competes at our national championships and look forward to an exciting weekend of competition in Dunedin.

Athletics NZ won’t be making any further statements.