Nationals Wrap up 2026

2026 Aon SLSNZ Championships - Ohope Beach 5-8 March

Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club proved that last year’s national championship win was no fluke, backing it up with a dominant victory at this year’s titles held at Ōhope Beach.

Showing incredible depth across four days of competition in sun-soaked Whakatāne, finishing with a commanding 204-point margin in what was the 101st running of the championships.

Omanu amassed 550 points, well clear of second-placed East End Surf Life Saving Club on 346 points, with Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving Club finishing third on 328. Fellow Bay of Plenty clubs also performed strongly, with Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service placing fourth and Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club finishing seventh.

The medal tally well exceeded last years with the following impressive numbers:

Gold - 38, Silver - 32, Bronze - 23

Although the team was led by standout performances from athletes such as Alec Stewart, Braith Swanberg (Under-19), Pipi Te Pania (Under-19/Open), and experienced campaigner Gus Shivnan in the Open Men’s division, Omanu’s strength across all age groups — including Masters — proved decisive.

Coach and surf lifesaving legend Cory Hutchings praised the team’s collective effort.

“I really couldn’t have asked anything more from the team,” Hutchings said. “The way all the athletes not only went about their work but pulled together and fought hard in the team events was outstanding. To back up last year’s result shows the depth and commitment across the whole club.”

Pictures credited to Jamie Troughton of dscribe media