Start line scenes at Lake Ruataniwha Photo: Sharron Bennett Photography
Glassy conditions set the stage for a high-quality opening day, with standout performances and inspiring first-time school stories highlighting the start of the regatta.
The 2026 Maadi Regatta is officially underway.
A total of 2,287 athletes from secondary schools across the country have descended on the stunning Lake Ruataniwha, ready to contest Australasia’s largest secondary schools sporting event. The excitement of yesterday’s Maadi Parade quickly gave way to focus and determination on the water, as crews got their first taste of racing. Low cloud greeted athletes early, but by mid-morning it had lifted to reveal calm, glassy conditions, a welcome sight that held for the duration of the day.
Racing opened with the Boys Under 17 Single Sculls, featuring seven fiercely contested heats and cut-throat progression. Mount Albert Grammar’s Ted Rattray, the North Island Secondary Schools champion, set the benchmark as the fastest qualifier through to the quarterfinals. In the Girls Under 17 Single Sculls, St Cuthbert’s College’s Zara Blackie delivered a commanding performance, winning her heat by an impressive 10 seconds. With a new Laszlo single awarded to the winners of these events, there is plenty on the line.
Maadi Week is always a special milestone, but particularly so for the 10 schools attending for the very first time. Among them is Hillmorton High School, recipients of last year’s Milford Foundation Emerging School Scholarship.
Coaches Connor Fraher and Lisa Manson continue to make a significant impact across Christchurch rowing. This season, they have brought athletes to Maadi for the first time, from not only Hillmorton, but also Te Aratai College, Rolleston College, and Lincoln High School - the latter returning to Maadi for the first time since 2010. While these athletes train and compete together under Union Rowing Club throughout the club season, they are proudly representing their individual schools here in Twizel.
Hillmorton’s journey is one of steady growth. Lisa, a teacher at the school, has been instrumental in building the programme from just four Year 9 rowers. Now in Year 13, two of those original athletes remain, and making their debut at Maadi is a proud moment for both the athletes and the school.
Reflecting on the impact of the Emerging School Scholarship, Lisa shared:
“The scholarship has been huge. We can now have four rowers on ergs at school at the same time rather than working in time slots. We’ve now also got row suits for our athletes, they can proudly wear their school colours and look the part out on the water. It’s also helped significantly with the cost of getting to Maadi.”
“The school is incredibly proud. Our principal is coming down tomorrow, and it’s been great for raising the profile of rowing within the school. We already have a list of students keen to learn to row later this year.”
Back on the water, North Island crews set the pace early in the Girls Under 17 Coxed Four, with Waikato Diocesan and Whanganui Collegiate - gold and silver medallists at the North Island Championships - stamping their authority on the event. They progress directly to Friday’s final alongside Ashburton College and Christchurch Girls’ High School, while South Island champions Rangi Ruru will race through the repechage.
The Boys Under 18 Pair saw North Island schools dominate progression to the semi-final, with King’s College’s Charlie Field and Josh Haskell emerging as the fastest qualifiers after a commanding heat win.
In the Girls Under 18 Pair, Epsom Girls Grammar’s Jessica Walkinshaw and Imogen Wallis set the pace, securing the fastest time and a place in the semifinals. They are joined by Samuel Marsden Collegiate, Waikato Diocesan School, and Rangi Ruru Girls School, with remaining spots to be decided through repechages.
The Girls Under 16 Eight event produced tightly contested racing, with St Margaret’s College, Waikato Diocesan School, Christchurch Girls’ High School, and Auckland Diocesan emerging as early contenders.
The Boys Under 17 Double Sculls is shaping up to be an exciting event to watch, with winning crews from the heats posting times within a second of each other. However, it was the Burnside crew of Jack Payne and Thomas Carey who crossed the line in the fastest time of 7.05.98
Closing out the day, the Girls Under 18 Single Sculls delivered a fitting finale. Cashmere High School’s Eleri Clare continued her school’s strong tradition in sculling, while St Margaret’s College’s Scout Phiskie and North Island Champion Ayla Klein from Hamilton Girls also impressed, marking these scullers as key contenders in the days ahead.
A seamless opening day of racing was made possible by the efforts of more than 80 dedicated volunteers. With ideal conditions and high-quality racing setting the tone, anticipation is building for another exciting day on the water tomorrow.
Full results are available at www.rowit.nz
Livestream coverage available at https://rowingnz.kiwi/livestream/ OR https://www.youtube.com/@rowingnz/streams
