The 2026 Oceania Canoe Slalom Championships delivered an exciting weekend of racing in Auckland, with Oceania titles awarded across kayak, canoe and kayak cross disciplines in hot and settled conditions.

The event attracted an international field, with athletes representing Australia, Great Britain, Canada, the United States and Korea to race alongside New Zealand paddlers. The championships formed part of the International Canoe Federation World Ranking Series, providing valuable international racing experience and ranking points early in the 2026 season.

A standout performance came from Nicholas Collier, the 2025 Under-23 Kayak Cross World Champion, who continued his strong form by securing Oceania titles and podium finishes across kayak cross and kayak events. Rosie Rex, Cooper Egan, and Kahlia Cullwick also impressed with multiple Oceania medals across open and age group categories, highlighting the depth of New Zealand’s emerging athlete pipeline.  The championships also marked a significant milestone for Finn Anderson, who secured his first Oceania Men’s Canoe Single (C1) title, while Oliver Puchner added a kayak cross podium finish to his Oceania medal haul.

International athletes featured prominently throughout the weekend, with Australian Olympian Timothy Anderson and Great Britain's Paris Olympic bronze medallist Kimberley Woods both using the event as part of their international preparation. Woods claimed victory in the Women’s Kayak Cross on her first visit to Wero Whitewater Park.

The Oceania Championship concluded Canoe Slalom NZ's National Squad Selection series.  Squad announcements coming soon.  A full list of results and medals is available here.

Photo:  Rod Hill

Article added: Sunday 08 February 2026