News & Updates

Residents of Hawke’s Bay and visitors to the region will get the chance to see world-class athletes in action in their own backyard later this month when the Jennian Homes New Zealand Track and Field Championships come to town.

A revised version of the prestigious event will take place at Mitre 10 Park in Hastings over two days on 26-27 March and is set to attract hundreds of the country’s finest athletes.

It is always among the highlights of the sporting year but the 2021 meet promises to be even more special as it takes place only a few months before the rescheduled Olympic and Paralympic Games, meaning many of the competitors will be at their best as they look to peak for a shot at glory in Tokyo.

Many of the big names of New Zealand athletics will descend on Hastings, meaning locals will be treated to the likes of Dame Valerie Adams, Tom Walsh, Zoe Hobbs, Lauren Bruce, Olivia McTaggart, Hamish Kerr and Camille Buscomb all strutting their stuff on home soil.

A host of Paralympians will also be on show, including the likes of Holly Robinson, Anna Grimaldi, Jess Hamill and William Stedman, who all won medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, and world-record holder Lisa Adams.

“It’s a great opportunity for the Bay and for athletics to be brought here,” says Dame Valerie Adams, one of the most iconic figures in New Zealand sport after winning two Olympic gold medals and four world championship titles in shot put.

“It’s a lovely place to compete – I have competed here before and I absolutely love it. There’s a sense of everyone being in a chilled mode which I really love,” she adds.

“Everyone will be able to see athletes performing to the highest of their ability, especially with it being an Olympic year.”

And it’s not just spectators at Mitre 10 Park who will be in for a treat.

With visitor spend estimated in the millions, thousands of bed nights, significant media coverage across New Zealand and live streaming worldwide, the Hawke’s Bay region – which will also play host to the 2022 championships – is set to benefit greatly by hosting one of the marquee events on the New Zealand sporting calendar.

Jennian Homes New Zealand Track and Field Championships
Friday 26 – Saturday 27 March
Mitre 10 Park Hawke’s Bay, Hastings
Tickets via Eventbrite, please click here
From $15 adults, $5 U-16 children, $35 family, U-5 children free (full pricings on Eventbrite)
Live on Sky Sport Next YouTube channel
For more info, including a provisional timetable and event merchandise please click here