Source: Radio New Zealand
Raglan’s Billy Stairmand surfs at the national championships at Raglan Beach. Photosport
Raglan will host the world’s finest professional surfers for nearly two weeks in May after its addition as a stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour.
The famed surfing town on the Waikato west coast has been confirmed as the fourth stop on the 2026 WSL circuit, Championship Tour, from May 15-25.
Raglan, which is renowned for its left-hand point break, will stage a combined men’s and women’s event for the first time in New Zealand.
Eleven-time WSL champion Kelly Slater of the United States after winning an event at Western Australia’s Margaret River Pro. Photosport
Taranaki hosted the elite women on four occasions in the early 2010s but the professional men’s circuit has never come here.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the event would attract global attention.
“This is an incredible opportunity for surfing in New Zealand. Fans will be able to watch the world’s most talented surfers get barrelled and compete, inspiring our budding young athletes and helping grow the sport in New Zealand,” Upston said.
“The New Zealand Pro will also give a major tourism boost to the Waikato, with a lineup of competitors and spectators
to the region and a global broadcast of the event, showcasing Raglan as a top surf destination internationally.”
Stephanie Gilmore of Australia. Matt Dunbar / photosport
The world’s top 36 men and 24 women will compete, with New Zealand set to be allowed one man and one woman to enter as wildcards.
There is likely to be trials to find the two New Zealand representatives, with recently crowned national champions Billy Stairmand and Maya Mateja likely to be among the favourites.
Maya Mateja (L) and Billy Stairmand celebrate their national championship surfing titles. photosport
The event is being backed financially by the Government’s Events Attraction Package, which aims to bring high-value international events to New Zealand.
“Major events like these give a huge economic boost to our cities and towns – supporting hospitality and tourism businesses, creating more jobs and growing our economy and building for the future,” Upston said.
“We’re not just hosting events; we’re building a reputation internationally as a world-class destination for culture, sport and entertainment.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
