Gold For NZ Black Dragons At The World Dragon Boat Championships In Berlin

The NZ Black Dragons have launched their biggest international campaign yet with a golden start claiming victory in the 2000m Senior B Mixed Small Boat race on Day One of the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships held in Brandenburg an der Havel, Berlin, Germany.

The emotional win was marked by a stirring haka, celebrating a moment of pride, unity, and cultural strength on the world stage.

A 90-strong squad is representing Aotearoa across thirty-eight race divisions, supported by coaches, managers, and a passionate crew of whānau. This year’s event is the largest in IDBF history, featuring record global participation and the debut of the Breast Cancer Paddlers (BCP) division - a milestone for inclusivity in the sport.

Veteran paddler Audrey Wikiriwhi was given the honour of flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony. Audrey first represented Aotearoa in dragon boating in 1993 and over 30 years later, she is still going strong, leading the team onto the world stage in Germany.

She was proudly supported in the parade by Chef de Mission Marina McGrath; their youngest squad member Jenna Rope, and the twenty-six athletes representing the BCP category - a powerful symbol of resilience and unity.

Chef de Mission Marina McGrath said: “He kaupapa nui ake tēnei i te whakataetae, he whakanui i te kotahitanga - this campaign is more than just racing; it’s a celebration of kotahitanga, the unity that binds us as paddlers, whānau, and a nation. Every stroke we take in Berlin carries the mana of our communities back home. The team have trained with heart, with purpose, and with each other. Now, we stand together; 90 strong, ready to represent Aotearoa with pride, passion, and the spirit of champions.”

The team has trained through winter, uniting paddlers from across the motu - from the alpine waters of Queenstown to the heart of Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) in a campaign built on kotahitanga, pride, and purpose.

The NZ Black Dragons continue racing throughout the week, flying the silver fern high and aiming to bring home more medals, memories, and momentum for the sport’s future in New Zealand.

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