New Zealand has claimed the Asia Pacific Sprint Cup for the first time in the event’s eight-year history, ending Australia’s six-year reign as defending champions with a commanding 30-point victory at Lake Tikitapu in Rotorua.
The three-day international competition brought together paddlers from Australia, Japan, and Singapore, but from the opening day of racing, the young Kiwi team controlled the points race. By the final day, New Zealand had accumulated 389 points, with Australia finishing second on 359, Japan third with 329, and Singapore fourth on 249.
Conditions were ideal for sprint racing. Glassy, flat water dominated nearly the entire event, with only a blanket of low-lying fog on the final morning disrupting the schedule by roughly 90 minutes. Rather than wasting the delay, athletes and coaches from all nations spontaneously organized a lakeside dance party to stay warm and connected, creating one of the memorable moments of the competition.
New Zealand’s Under 18 women delivered a standout performance by sweeping the podium in the WK1 500m final, a result that underscored the depth of talent in the junior ranks. The opening ceremony, featuring a local kapa haka performance, offered international competitors and local spectators alike a genuine introduction to Rotorua’s Māori culture and history—setting a respectful tone for the event from the start.
For a young team still building experience on the international stage, claiming the Asia Pacific Cup represents a significant milestone. Coach and athlete performances across multiple classes and distances contributed to the overall victory, suggesting New Zealand’s sprint programme is moving in a strong direction heading into the Olympic quadrennial.
