News & Updates

The 2025 Jennian Homes New Zealand Track & Field Championships is heading south to be staged at the Caledonian Ground, Dunedin from 13-16 March.

The city last staged the pinnacle event of the domestic season in 2016 and the decision will be warmly welcomed by the passionate athletics community in the Otago region.

Athletics Otago were keen to commit to the event for one year and as Athletics NZ is also reviewing its hosting strategy for 2025 and beyond, the announcement is a pivot away from the typical two-year hosting arrangement we have adopted more recently for the Jennian Homes New Zealand Track & Field Championships.

The Caledonian Ground – which recently secured an extension to their World Athletics Track Certification until 2027 – is one of New Zealand’s most historic athletics venues and in 2025 will stage its eighth New Zealand Track & Field Championships in the past 50 years.

An atmospheric venue, the university town will provide a unique experience for athletes, supporters, officials and volunteers at a time when many students are back adding an extra vibrancy to the city.

Dunedin-based Athletics NZ Para Lead Raylene Bates said: “For the city to host the 2025 track and field nationals is an exciting opportunity. The Caledonian Ground is situated in a picturesque spot, and the close proximity of the track to the large stand and embankment will help generate a special atmosphere for both the athletes and spectators.”

Paralympic javelin F46 champion Holly Robinson, who lives and trains out of Dunedin, is also hugely excited by the news.

“It is awesome, we haven’t had the nationals down here for a number of years and it will a great chance to showcase our excellent stadium and facilities to the rest of the country,” said Holly. “With our superstar able-bodied and Para athletes down here in Dunedin it will provide a big boost for the local athletics scene for what, I’m sure, will be an epic event.”

The Board Chair at Athletics Otago Simon Rhodes said: “Athletics Otago is delighted to have secured the 2025 New Zealand Track and Field Championships. It is a wonderful opportunity to host Aotearoa’s elite athletes, allowing them to compete at the highest and best standard. Moreover, it will allow us to showcase athletics and drive participation across all age groups and abilities, for both in-stadia and out-of-stadia events. In short. the championships will provide a strong draw not only to engage and spectate, but also participate.”