World Archery Oceania Championships Go Ahead In Auckland — Rain Or Shine

13 April 2026

Archery has always been an all-weather sport — and if Katniss Everdeen never flinched at a little rain, neither will the athletes arriving from ten Pacific nations for the World Archery Oceania Championships in Auckland this week.

Olympians, Youth Olympians, World Games and World Championship veterans, World Cup athletes, and former Oceania champions will all be on the shooting line, ready to compete at the highest level – and the New Zealand team has archers from throughout the country.

Tournament organiser Cushla Matheson, Chair of the National Organising Committee, says excitement is sky-high.

“We won the bid for this tournament six years ago, and now that it’s finally here, we’re beyond excited. It’s fantastic to have ten countries from across the Pacific participating in our continental championships — shooting up a storm — in the lead-up to the Youth Olympics in Dakar this November, the XVIII Pacific Games in Tahiti next July, and the LA 2028 Olympic Games. There is so much to shoot for.”

Archery NZ is the host association, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the host city, and Pulman Park is the host venue. The Championships run from 16–19 April.

Cushla Matheson adds that archery is rapidly growing in global popularity.

“Archery is such a watchable sport. At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, every session sold out and viewership was unprecedented. It’s a sport on the move, and we invite everyone to come on down.”

Tongan Olympian Arne Jensen, President of World Archery Oceania, says the momentum across the region is remarkable.

“The growth of the sport in the Pacific is incredibly pleasing — we recently welcomed the Cook Islands as our newest member association — and the resilience of our Pasifika members is humbling as they navigate challenges of distance, connectivity, and simply earning a living. I’m grateful for the support of the organising committee on the ground, and to World Archery and Olympic Solidarity for their ongoing commitment. Volunteers are critical to making these events happen.”

Bring it on.

Notes:

BACKGROUND

World Archery Oceania Championships 

The Championships are the premier continental event for archers across the Pacific region. Divisions include Recurve, Compound, and Barebow, with age categories Under 16, Under 18, Under 21, and Open. Events typically include ranking rounds, matchplay, and target championships. (Not all divisions are represented at every iteration.)

World Archery Oceania (WAO) 

WAO is the continental authority for archery in the Pacific, representing 13 member associations. Recognised by the International Federation of Archery, WAO provides strategic leadership, development support, and governance to grow the sport across Oceania.

Archery New Zealand

Archery NZ is the national governing body for archery in Aotearoa New Zealand, recognised by the World Archery Federation. It promotes participation at all levels, supports clubs and athletes, and oversees target and field archery disciplines nationwide.

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