2026 Oceania Area Championships - Expression of Interest

Expression of Interest – 2026 Oceania Area Championships

EOIs close Wednesday 28 January at 11:59pm

The 2026 Oceania Area Championships (OAC) will be held in Darwin, Australia from 18–23 May 2026 and represent an important international development opportunity for New Zealand U18, U20, Senior and Para athletes.

 The Oceania Championships provide meaningful competition, exposure to a championship environment, and an important step along the pathway toward major events such as the Commonwealth Games, World U20 Championships, Youth Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Athletics NZ is currently seeking Expressions of Interest to understand the level of athlete demand for the 2026 OAC.

 Please note:

• Anyone wishing to be considered for this team must submit an EOI before the closing date to be eligible for selection

• Submitting an EOI does not guarantee selection

• Submitting an EOI does not commit an athlete financially

• EOIs are being used to assess demand and determine whether a formal selection policy is required for any events

 EOIs close: Wednesday 28 January at 11:59pm

Athlete-Funded Event

The 2026 OAC is an athlete-funded competition. Due to the location of the event in Darwin, overall travel and accommodation costs are higher than previous Oceania Championships.

 For 2026, Athletics NZ will operate independently, rather than using centrally arranged Oceania accommodation and services. While this increases the overall trip cost, it allows us to deliver a higher-quality, fully managed team experience, including:

• Upgraded accommodation (Novotel Darwin Airport & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort)

• Improved meals and athlete services

• Stronger team support, cohesion, and oversight within an Athletics NZ-managed programme

 Athletics NZ Team Philosophy – 2026 OAC

Athletics NZ views the Oceania Area Championships as both a representative honour and a key performance and development opportunity across all age groups.

Where selection is required, decisions will balance:

• Athlete development and pathway progression

• Event depth and competitiveness

• The overall quality and sustainability of the team environment

 Senior Athletes

Athletes identified by the Athletics NZ High Performance Team as pursuing qualification for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games may receive priority where selection is required.

Para Athletes

Para athletes targeting qualification for the 2028 Paralympic Games, Para athletes undergoing international classification, and those with prior Paralympic Games or World Para Athletics Championships experience, may be prioritised.

U18 & U20 Development Athletes

For emerging athletes, the Oceania Championships represent an important development step.

Selection consideration will favour athletes who are:

• Showing clear progression within the Athletics NZ pathway

• Competitive at the Oceania level

• Building toward future international opportunities, including World U20 Championships and senior or para pathways

This approach ensures the Oceania Championships support long-term athlete development, not just single-event outcomes.

Event Details

Event: 2026 Oceania Area Championships
Dates: 18–23 May 2026
Location: Darwin, Australia
Eligibility: Athletes must be 15 years or older on 31 December 2025
Entry Standards: 2026 OAC Entry Standards

Trip Options & Indicative Costs

Athletes submitting an EOI may indicate interest in one of the following options:

Option 1 – Darwin Only

Approx. $5,500, including:

• Return flights Auckland ↔ Darwin (16–24 May)

• 8 nights accommodation (Novotel/Mercure Darwin Airport Resort)

• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Local transport

• Management fees

All athletes will travel and stay together. Dates are fixed.

Option 2 – Gold Coast Pre-Camp + Darwin

Approx. $6,500, including:

• Pre-camp in Gold Coast (11–16 May)

• Flights:

  • Auckland → Gold Coast (11 May)

  • Gold Coast → Darwin (16 May)

  • Darwin → Auckland (24 May)

• 5 nights accommodation (Gold Coast)

• 8 nights accommodation (Darwin)

• Meals in Darwin (Gold Coast meals at athlete cost)

• Transport in both locations

• Management fees

Pre-camp capacity is limited to approximately 20 athletes plus staff.
Dates are fixed.

What Happens Next

Once EOIs close, Athletics NZ will:

• Confirm whether a selection policy is required

• Advise whether selection applies to the full team or specific events only

All athletes who submit an EOI by the deadline will receive an update by Friday 6 February.

 If you have any questions, please contact Athletics NZ via oceaniachamps@athletics.org.nz