We are thrilled to announce the next venue and dates for our pool calendar. The Apollo Projects NZ Age Group Swimming Championships will continue to be held at the Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre for the next 2 years. With the successful delivery of these championships in Hawke's Bay in 2023 and 2024, we are looking forward to continuing our partnership with Hawke's Bay Tourism and the Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre, powered by Pak'nSave Hastings.

Following the announcement of the Competition Review findings in May, the calendar has been finalised to align with the timing of competitions as outlined recommendation 2. In this case, the 2025 Apollo Projects NZ Age Group Swimming Championships will be held from Sunday 13 - Thursday 17 April to fall in the first week of the Term 1 School Holidays, noting the championships will be completed prior to the Easter weekend.

Whilst the school holidays for 2026 are pending confirmation from the Ministry of Education, we haven't announced the exact dates for 2026 as yet but it will fall in the first week of the holidays also.

Swimming NZ’s Head of Participation, Competitions & Engagement, Dale Johnson, is looking forward to these championships continuing in Hawke's Bay for 2025 and 2026.

"The Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre has proved to be a great pool. We are thrilled to be continuing to grow swimming in the region by hosting these national championships with opportunities alongside, whilst also supporting the local region as they continue to rebuild from the cyclone."

Napier City Council's Event Manager, Kevin Murphy, is thrilled to have extended the support for hosting swimming in the region.

"Supporting national sporting events like the Apollo Projects NZ Age Group Swimming Championships is fantastic for the regions, with competitors, clubs and parents all staying for the week."

Hastings Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst, said she was looking forward to welcoming swimming competitors from around NZ back to Hawke's Bay.

"It's fabulous to showcase our Regional Aquatic Centre to athletes of all ages, and for our community to enjoy the benefits a competition of this size brings to Heretaunga Hastings."

Johnson also took the opportunity to thank those involved in confirming these championships.

“We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the region and venue. It's a great pool that produced some special moments earlier this year. Thank you to our partners Hawke's Bay Tourism, Napier City Council, Hastings District Council, Apollo Projects, Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre, Swimming Hawke's Bay Poverty Bay and Pak'nSave Hastings for their support of hosting these championships.”