The 2026 TradeZone New Zealand Powerboat Nationals at Lake Rotoiti on 28 February and 1 March arrive at a pivotal moment in the season. Two major race weekends have just reset momentum across multiple classes, and with the Lucas Oil NZ Hydro Thunder Series heading into its final round, the stage is set for a decisive close.
Round four of the Lucas Oil NZ Hydro Thunder Series was held on 7 and 8 February at Lake Karapiro. The meeting also hosted the 101st Masport Cup and the Matt Morrison Memorial Trophy, delivering one of the most significant weekends of the summer.
David Alexander set the early pace at Karapiro, claiming pole position in Miss Waverley with a 33.69 second lap. Heat racing proved unforgiving. There were disqualifications, mechanical setbacks and a red flagged start in the Grand Final. When the final was run, Alexander secured the win. Jack Lupton finished second to maintain his championship advantage, while Raymond Hart completed the podium.
The Masport Cup belonged to Lupton. In GP33 JLM, he delivered two controlled heat victories to claim his fourth Masport Cup title, reinforcing his position at the front of the GP hydroplane fleet.
In the Pro Com and Pro Stock ranks, Karl Weller steered Rat Attack 001 to victory in the 2026 Matt Morrison Memorial, emerging from one of the busiest and most competitive grids of the weekend.
Just days later, on 14 February, the Manawatu River hosted the 54th Gold Cup. Brendon Cornes finally secured the title in Total Chaos, a tunnel hull boat that generates lift through a central air cavity between twin sponsons, allowing it to ride high and fast on the surface. After 15 years of competing, Cornes closed it out. “Happy to take this one,” he said following the win. Andrea Robinson marked her first Gold Cup start with a podium finish, describing her result as “awesome”.
Brendon Cornes “Cornsey” claims 54th Gold Cup on the Manawatu River
Adding further intrigue is the unresolved AE Baker Cup. The historic trophy was abandoned earlier this season at Lake Ruataniwha due to deteriorating weather and safety concerns. While Hydro Thunder heat points were awarded at that meeting, the cup itself remains undecided and is set to be re run at Rotoiti.
AE Baker Cup abandoned as Hydro Thunder round settled on points at Twizel
With one round remaining in the Lucas Oil NZ Hydro Thunder Series, Jack Lupton holds the points advantage. However, Alexander’s Karapiro win, combined with consistent pressure from Scott Coker and Ken Lupton, ensures the championship remains live.
The TradeZone NZ Nationals will now bring together national titles, a re run historic trophy and the final chapter of the Hydro Thunder championship in one decisive weekend.
