Twenty-five years after the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, New Zealand’s canoe slalom team returned to Penrith Whitewater Stadium for the 2025 ICF World Championships — a venue that felt like a home Olympics across the ditch.

Our team of nine athletes proudly represented Aotearoa across canoe, kayak, and kayak cross events, highlighted by Finn Butcher’s 4th place finish in Men’s K1 and 5th in Kayak Cross, his first ever K1 World Championships final. There were also personal bests, debut performances, and valuable international experience gained right across the team.

Off the water, Canoe Slalom New Zealand was represented in key international initiatives, including the ICF Women’s Symposium, Olympic Qualification discussions, and the Host Observer Programme. Jeanette MacLennan and Liz Fowler officiated as ICF Technical Officials, and Luuka Jones-Yaxley provided insightful and positive commentary throughout tracing.

Thanks to the team at Paddle Australia for hosting a great week both on and off the water.

Article added: Monday 6 October 2025