Handball League Aotearoa Gears Up for an Exciting 2025 Season

The countdown has begun for the highly anticipated Handball League Aotearoa (HLA) 2025 season, promising fans an exhilarating showcase of speed, skill, and strategy. With both the men’s and women’s leagues set to deliver thrilling matchups, teams from across the country are preparing to battle for national supremacy.

The 2025 season will kick off with a high-stakes opening match featuring reigning champions Canterbury taking on Otago in the South Island derby on May 10th in Waimate, setting the tone for an action-packed season. Throughout the competition, fans can expect key clashes, including a fierce rivalry showdown on the men's side, between Canterbury and last year's runners-up Wellington, to be played in Hamilton on May 24th, which is already being touted as a must-watch encounter. This game will be part of the HLA Super Weekend, which is bringing handball to Hamilton. It is time to turn "The Tron" into "Handballton".

On the women's side, reigning champs Canterbury begin their title defence against Otago in Waimate on May 10th, but the highly anticipated match will be when they face Auckland in Hamilton on May 24th.  Auckland managed to go the 2024 regular season undefeated only to be beaten in the final, they are out to prove they have what it takes to win the big matches.

“The 2025 HLA season is shaping up to be our best yet,” said League Director KarlFitzpatrick. “We have an incredible lineup of teams, and the level of competitioncontinues to rise every year. We can’t wait to see handball fans across NewZealand come together to support their teams and we also want new fans to comeand witness handball firsthand.”

In addition to the main league matches, the season will feature special events, including community engagement initiatives, junior development programs, and opportunities for those new to handball to give it a go.

Fitzpatrick says that "handball is a really exciting sport to watch live and offers something different to the mainstream sports in New Zealand". Spectators are encouraged to give handball a shot and come support the teams at games across the country. Matches will also be streamed online for those unable to attend in person.

More information, including the full schedule and venue details, will be provided later.

Follow Handball League Aotearoa on Instagram @handball_league_aotearoa. For additional information on the league, go to HLA Links.

New Zealand Women's Handball Online Presence

New Zealand Handball Federation is proud to announce the creation of a separate online presence for NZ women’s handball. It is fitting that the creation is in line with International Women’s Day.

Visibility fuels growth. A strong online presence for women's handball in New Zealand isn’t just about showcasing talent—it’s about inspiring the next generation, building a community, and proving that women in sport deserve the spotlight. The more we share, the more we grow.

Leanne Dawson - Manager, National Women’s Team

“We are delighted to launch a site dedicated to the achievements and initiatives of our female representative squads. We are excited about how the site has been developed by the women’s leadership group, and the contribution it will make to the ongoing development and success of women’s handball in New Zealand”.

David Ireland - President, New Zealand Handball Federation

For links to NZ Women’s Handball,

Canterbury Pekapeka wins the 2025 Beach Handball Club Men's and Women's Championships

Canterbury Handball followed last year’s indoor handball success by winning both the men’s and women’s category of this year’s NZ Beach Handball Club Championship. Last year, Canterbury Quakes won both men’s and women’s Handball League Aotearoa and the men’s title of the 2024 NZ Club Championship. They started this year with Canterbury Pekapeka winning both men’s and women’s titles in beach handball.

Canterbury Pekapeka dominated the women’s championship winning all their games and the finals. The men’s tournament was a tighter affair. On the first day, Pekepeka men lost both their matches against Barad-dûr Beach Bros. Barad-dûr Beach Bros won all their matches on the first day. But they could not replicate it on the second day.

2025 Beach Handball Club championship Winners

2025 Beach Handball Club Men’s Championship - Canterbury Pekapeka

Ollly Donaldson (Charrots)

Top Scorer and Most Valuable Attacker

Cameron Ross (Charrots) and Jeremy Clarke (Charrots)

Most Valuable Defender

Jack Gallagher (Charrots) and Alex Brown (BBB)

Best Goalkeeper

2025 Beach Handball Club WOMen’s Championship - Canterbury Pekapeka

Jaclyn Parker (Pekapeka)

Most Valuable Attacker

Kianna Dawson (Parrots)

Top Scorer

Rowan Moloughney (Pekapeka) and Mae Bartlett (Pekapeka)

Most Valuable Defender

Julia Singhal (Pekapeka)

Best Goalkeeper

That concludes the New Zealand Beach Handball season. Good luck to the teams and players going over to the Australian Beach Club Championship starting 3rd of April 2025.

President's Update - February 2025

President’s Update - February 2025

Ngā mihi o te tau hou, Aotearoa Handball whānau!

Better late than never, welcome to another year of Handball, Kiwi-style. Over the summer break your Executive Committee has been working hard on planning for the year ahead, and the planets have now aligned to share an update with you. As always there is more to come as planning continues, but here is a taster of what lies in store:

Handball League Aotearoa 

Building on the success of last year's inaugural national league, we are excited to confirm the programme for the year ahead. A key piece of feedback we received last year was that participants didn't feel they had enough notice of dates for events. We have listened, and that shouldn't be a source of complaint this year!

For 2025 HLA kicks off with the first leg of the Southern Shield in Waimate on May 10 and then we have yet another first on 24-25 May - a full national handball tournament being hosted in Hamilton! We are super-excited to be bringing Handball to the 'Tron with a Super Weekend being held at The Peak Sports Hall. We have received great initial support on the ground in Hamilton to make the most of showcasing the event in New Zealand's 4th largest city, just a bit over an hour's drive south from Auckland airport.

Note that with the HLA Super Weekend being held in Hamilton at this time, the traditional Auckland Open has been deferred this year to help people manage their travel budget.

We then move onto the home and away legs of the Northern Shield - 5-6 July in Wellington, and 2-3 August in Auckland. The 2nd leg of the Southern Shield with HLA points up for grabs then takes Canterbury and Otago back to Waimate on August 23 before it all wraps up in Christchurch on 11-12 October. Between those two events of course we have the NZHF Club Champs in Wellington 4-7 September - another chance to showcase the best that New Zealand Handball has to offer, even if no HLA points are up for grabs. The full schedule will be available on our website shortly.

A huge Handball thank you to Karl Fitzpatrick and the rest of the HLA committee for all the mahi put into getting the programme together. If you are keen on taking part, please contact your local regional association.

Player Registration system

Supporting a more professional approach to the way we manage participation in HLA, we have partnered with Esportsdesk to create a Club and player registration system for New Zealand Handball. As a starting point, all those wanting to take part in HLA and national representative squads will need to register on the new platform, but the plan is for the platform to finally provide an easy to use system to capture registrations for everyone wanting to take part in Handball in New Zealand.

There are still a few final details to nail with the registration system, and Julien Pringot and the team will be in touch with Clubs to provide further information and guidance to help get everything loaded up. This has been another big project for us to progress, and we are indebted to Julien for all the mahi he has put in to make the player registration vision a reality.

Beach Handball

Hard to believe it, but the domestic Beach Handball programme is nearly at an end, with the NZ Beach Club Champs to be held at the Pioneer Sand Courts on 1-2 March. It has been a trimmed down programme this summer to help free up space for players to take part in the Aussie Club Champs at the start of April, but once again we have seen another successful summer of action on the sand, with some exciting new talent coming through and a few of the Beach Handball stalwarts still  getting amongst it and showing the next generation how it is done. For details, teams, game schedule and livestream, go to our NZ Beach Club championship Event page. Thanks to Willy Silcock for all that you do for our Beach Athletes.

Grassroots Youth Development

Of course, it is not all just about High Performance. As a New Zealand community and participant in the global community that is Handball, a key objective for us is to ensure the next generation of players is coming through that will share our passion for this great game, and carry forward the legacy of what has been created into the future. Again building on last year's successes, we are working on a sustainable framework to support Handball develop and thrive amongst our younger enthusiasts and potential enthusiasts. Frank Stoltenberg has put a huge effort into pulling things together for the future benefit of us all, and NZHF is investing significant resources into this project. We will save details to be rolled out in future communications, but for now be assured that while we place a lot of emphasis on our high-performance initiatives, we remain focused on the future health of Handball in New Zealand

Incorporated Society Re-registration

As if all the action on the court and sand wasn't enough, we also have the excitement of the NZHF constitution review and re-registration as an incorporated society to get through this year.  We are well underway with our internal review, and hope to get a consultation paper circulated before HLA kicks off in May. Opportunities to update our governing framework do not come around too often, so we are keen to ensure everyone has a chance to have their say. We take feedback received on board to inform a replacement set of Rules that will be put to the September AGM for adoption.

All Clubs and Regional Associations have been sent a package to help get them underway with their own re-registration processes, where required. So for those with a thirst for governance and governing rules, this is finally your year to get amongst it.

Wrap

That is just a taste of all that is on the go for now - there is plenty of other work going on behind the scenes, and other initiatives in play. If you have any queries or would like to contribute more to what is going on, please do not hesitate to reach out to Leanne at secretary@handball.org.nz. We would love to hear from you.

Ngā mihi nui

David Ireland

President, New Zealand Handball Federation

High Performance Announcement

Happy New Year to the NZ Handball Community!

We are excited to share an important update about the future of the Indoor Handball High-Performance Programme in New Zealand for the upcoming year.

The High-Performance front has gained significant momentum, with the NZ Men's Team starting 2024 on a high note by securing their first-ever victory in the Asian Championships. The year concluded with a successful campaign for the Youth and Junior Men's teams in Tahiti this past December, both finishing as runners-up. In the midst of these achievements, we celebrated the inaugural season of Handball League Aotearoa, featuring over 100 players in competitive matches across the country, showcasing exceptional talent and commitment.

As we enter 2025, we are pleased to announce the key personnel who will be leading our High-Performance Programme and the new structure designed to enhance the development of our national squads. Our primary goal is to provide an environment where aspiring handball players can progress to higher levels of competition. Given handball's status as a relatively young and amateur sport in New Zealand, collaboration is crucial. Sharing knowledge and resources between squads is essential to ensure collective growth and avoid redundant efforts. With several squads either established or in the process of revitalization, we have streamlined our structure by introducing three pivotal roles reporting to the Director of High Performance. These roles will facilitate better coordination among coaches, managers, support staff, and players, fostering shared strategies and addressing challenges collectively.

Introducing Our Key Leaders:

Cyprien Pesques

Cyprien Pesques has been appointed as the High Performance Manager of Women's Handball. Cyprien will oversee coordination among the Senior, Junior, and Youth Women's Squads, ensuring a seamless progression pathway and clear expectations for programme participants. With a deep passion for handball, Cyprien, along with the management team, is committed to implementing a strategic vision for the Women's High-Performance Programme. A detailed update on the Senior, Junior, and Youth squad plans for the coming years will be provided soon.

Roland van den Tillaar

Roland van den Tillaar will continue his role as Head Coach of the Senior Men's squad. Roland will present his vision for the squad in an open call on January 29th at 8 pm (NZ Mens Kick-Off Call). With ambitious goals, Roland aims to build on the success of the 2024 Asian Championship victory and prepare the team for more triumphs in the 2026 event. He is also dedicated to fostering junior players' development, ensuring a strong future for the Senior Men's squad.

Thomas Schmider

Thomas Schmider will lead the Junior and Youth Men's squads as the NZ Youth Men's Programme Lead. Thomas has successfully overseen several campaigns and will work closely with Roland to establish a clear pathway for players advancing to the Senior Men's squad. Thomas and the NZ Youth Men's delegation are finalizing plans for the future and will soon announce them to eligible players, continuing the momentum gained in Tahiti.

As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we are enthusiastic about the journey ahead. With driven leaders at the helm and an expanding calendar of events and training opportunities, we are poised for growth. Active participation in Handball League Aotearoa will be a key requirement for NZ-based players aiming to join any of the High-Performance squads. Together, we will elevate the quality of handball in New Zealand and support our players in reaching competitive heights. Once each leader has their plan formalised, we will roll out a calendar highlighting key dates across all squads.

For more information, don't hesitate to reach out to Karl (Ted) Fitzpatrick at high-performance@handball.org.nz. 

Karl Fitzpatrick

Director, NZHF High Performance

NZHF and SELECT NZ partnership extended

NZHF and Select NZ announce the extension of their partnership to 2028.

The Partnership

SELECT NZ started outfitting the Men’s Youth and Junior teams for the 2022 IHF Trophy Oceania in Cook Islands. On March 2023, the partnership was formalised. Since then, SELECT NZ has been involved with all the international tournaments New Zealand national teams have played.

2022 IHF Trophy Oceania Men’s Youth and Junior, Cook Islands

2024 Asian Men’s Championship, Bahrain

2023 IHF Trophy Oceania Women’s Youth and Junior, New Caledonia

2024 IHF Trophy Oceania Men’s Youth and Junior, Tahiti

SELECT NZ was also involved in youth development including the Introduction to Handball video.

And with the creation of Handball League Aotearoa in 2024, SELECT NZ has been the preferred supplier of some of the teams.

The Extension

The original partnership was for 2 years. Both parties agreed to extend the partnership for another 3 years to 2028.

“We are honoured to secure a Contract extension from the New Zealand Handball Federation till 2028 for the supply of Select Playing and Training kit.

This contract extension reaffirms our dedication to providing top-quality gear for their athletes and staff, and supporting their journey to success.”

— PUSHKAR KULKARNI, Managing Director, Select NZ

“We are delighted to have extended the term of our supply agreement with Select for another three years. The quality of the playing kit supplied for our national teams has been first class, and the Select Sports team’s ability to turn around complex team orders in a hurry has been outstanding. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Select brand through to 2028.”

— DAVE IRELAND, President, NZHF

How NZ Handball Secured Silver and Shined at the Oceania Championships 2024

As the dust settles on a thrilling campaign at the Oceania Championships in Tahiti, we’re not just celebrating the remarkable achievement of our Men’s U18 and U20 teams securing silver medals, but also the thriving talent across New Zealand’s regions that made this possible.

Insights from Past and Present Men's Teams

Handball in New Zealand is experiencing a renaissance, fueled by passionate players from diverse regions. Our annual reflection on regional representation showcases the tangible growth and dedication at the grassroots level.

Regional Representation of Men's Teams Over the Years

Here’s a glimpse at how our teams have evolved:

Canterbury: A beacon of consistent growth, doubling its U20 representation since 2022.

Otago: Home to a strong university program, although there’s been a slight dip, the region remains a steady contributor to our national squads.

Auckland: Facing challenges in the U18 category but showing resilience and improvement in the U20 division.

Wellington: Wellington showed significant progress this year, more than doubling its U18 representation, highlighting the impact of its local training programs.

These figures reflect not just the hard work of individuals but the collective effort of clubs, coaches, and the community nurturing these young talents.

Breaking Down Handball NZ's Recent Campaign

The path to the Oceania Championships was paved with rigorous preparation and a unified team spirit, highlighted by our structured training camps:

Training Camps: Building Unity and High Performance

1. First Training Camp in Christchurch: Focus on tactical awareness and team dynamics.

2. Second Camp in Rangiora: Enhanced technical skills under pressure.

3. Third Camp in Christchurch: Strategy refinement and mental preparation.

4. Final Session in Auckland: Last-minute tactics before flying out to Tahiti.

Each camp was a stepping stone towards not just competing but excelling on the international stage.

Learning from Legends: A Day at the All Blacks Experience

Before heading to Tahiti, our teams participated in a memorable team-building session in Auckland, featuring insights from former All Black Michael Jones about the honor and responsibility of wearing the New Zealand jersey. This experience not only motivated our players but also deepened their understanding of sportsmanship and national pride.

Performance at the Championships

The IHF Trophy 2024 showcased intense competition and captivating gameplay from the U18 and U20 New Zealand handball teams. Both teams demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience, concluding in their appearances in the finals against New Caledonia.

U18 Team Performance

The U18 team had a strong showing throughout the tournament, decisively winning their initial matches, including a significant 54:17 victory against American Samoa and a 48:41 win against Tahiti in the semifinals. These victories underscored their robust defensive strategies and efficient scoring capabilities. However, the final against New Caledonia proved challenging. The New Zealand U18 team faced a tough opponent and, despite their best efforts and a tournament filled with strong performances, they were defeated 27:47. This match highlighted areas for growth, particularly in handling high-pressure games against skilled opponents.

U20 Team Performance

The U20 team showcased exceptional teamwork and strategic acumen throughout the tournament, highlighted by their notable victories. They secured a strong start with a 23:23 tie against Australia, demonstrating their ability to compete against tough opponents. They followed this with a decisive 29:20 victory over New Caledonia in the group phase, showcasing effective offensive strategies and solid defense.

As they progressed to the finals, their rematch against New Caledonia was a test of their ability to apply lessons learned from earlier matches. Despite improved tactics and team cohesion, the final proved challenging, and the New Zealand U20 team was defeated with a score of 27:32. This close final match highlighted areas for tactical improvement and personal growth for the players.

Key Takeaways from the IHF Trophy in Tahiti

Both teams' journeys through the IHF Trophy 2024 highlight their competitive spirit and the high level of handball talent developing within New Zealand. These experiences not only provided the teams with invaluable international exposure but also highlighted key areas for tactical enhancements. The finals demonstrated the need for further development in maintaining composure under pressure and executing strategies against equally matched or superior teams.

As the teams return from the tournament, the focus will be on harnessing the insights gained from these high-stakes matches to refine their approaches, enhance player skills, and build on their mental toughness. The dedication of the players and the coaching staff continues to be a driving force in the pursuit of excellence in the international handball arena.

Celebration and Reflection

Following our success, the team enjoyed a boat trip around Tahiti, celebrating with BBQ and snorkelling, a perfect way to bond and bask in their hard-earned victory.

Acknowledgment of the Delegation

Special thanks to the delegation who put their hearts into this campaign, ensuring our players could perform their best and grow significantly through the experience.

A special shoutout to Jun Tanlayco for capturing the heart and soul of the tournament through his incredible photography. Additionally, we want to acknowledge the efforts of our referees, Herve Roy from Auckland and Willy Makea from Wellington, who represented New Zealand with professionalism and commitment on the court.

A Tribute to Our Backbone: Families and Friends

This journey would have been impossible without the immense support from the families and friends of our players. Your cheers, both from the stands in Tahiti and from homes across New Zealand, have fueled our teams’ spirits. A heartfelt thank you to every family member and friend who has been part of this adventure.

One parent expressed their gratitude beautifully: "Our son cherished every aspect of the tournament and trip. We extend our sincere thanks to the coaches, managers, organizers, and all the dedicated individuals who made this opportunity possible."

A Call to Action: Join the Movement

Our commitment to enhancing handball in New Zealand remains unwavering as we launch new initiatives aimed at developing the skills of both players and coaches. Through collaborations with the IHF and Jochen Beppler, we're committed to facilitating upskilling for coaches to enhance their expertise and methodologies. Additionally, we explore international opportunities, such as attending the ISI Handball School in Denmark, where players can study and play for a semester or a year, furthering their development in the sport. These efforts are aimed at addressing existing challenges and aligning with long-term development goals.

As we look to the future, the growth of handball in New Zealand relies on the continued support and involvement of our community. Whether you’re a player, a potential coach, or someone who can lend a hand in club management, your contribution is invaluable. Let’s work together to uplift each other and push the boundaries of what we can achieve in handball.

Together, we create more than just teams; we build a whanau united by our love for handball. Join us in this exciting journey to develop and promote handball across all regions of New Zealand.

If you’re inspired to join us on this journey or want to learn more about handball in New Zealand, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at youth@handball.org.nz or follow us on Instagram @nzyouthhandball to catch all the highlights from our recent campaign.

Written by

Thomas Schmider

Head of Delegation, U18 & U20 Teams

President's Update - December 2024

Meri Kirihimete, Aotearoa Handball Whanau!

Hard to believe it, but we are nearly at the end of another year of Handball, Kiwi-style. 

Looking back 

It has been a year of firsts for us:

The inaugural Handball League Aotearoa to provide us with our first ever regional championship played over more than just a single weekend, 

• Five teams from overseas attending another successful National Club Champs, the first time more than two non-New Zealand Clubs have been represented;

• Our first ever senior win on the indoor handball international stage at this year's Asian Men's Handball Championships to start the year, and

• Perhaps most significantly for the future of Handball in New Zealand, inaugural intermediate school tournaments in Auckland and Wellington to hopefully provide us with a blueprint for years to come.

But the focus of this message is not on the past, but the excitement of what lies ahead!

IHF Trophy Oceania Championships

After a year of uncertainty, our under 18 and under 20 boys have finally taken off for Tahiti  to compete in the Oceania qualification round of the IHF Trophy, seeking a place in next year's U19 and U21 Intercontinental Championships.

The competition is going to be fierce. Our teams are well prepared and have put in the mahi over the past few months. With a good mix of experience from the previous campaign and some exciting new talent both teams look as strong as any that have ever represented New Zealand, but on regional powerhouse Tahiti's home soil it won't be easy.

All games will be livestreamed, with the opening game for New Zealand our U18s playing at 8am on Tuesday. Check out details on our FaceBook page

Games are live broadcast on the IHF Competitions YouTube channel 

Go well, boys - no pressure, but the hopes of a nation are on your capable shoulders!

Best wishes also to New Zealand's refereeing pair selected to help officiate at the championship, Herve Roy and Willy Makea. No trophies up for grabs for you two, but just as much pressure to perform. 

2025 Schedule

The calendar of events for next year is slowly taking shape, and we will keep the schedule updated as events get locked in. For now, you can lock in Club Champs in Wellington (starting Thursday afternoon 4 September and concluding 3pm Sunday 7 September) and the finals weekend of Handball League Aotearoa  in Christchurch for the weekend of 11-12 October.

At this stage a venue has not been able to be secured for the traditional Queenstown tournament so that one is up in the air, and that impacts on Auckland confirming the timing of its early-season Open and the opening weekend of the 2025 edition of Handball League Aotearoa . As always, we will endeavour to lock in events as far in advance as we can, and will keep our website calendar of events updated as bookings are confirmed.

Of course, the Beach schedule for the summer ahead is well baked in - see last month's Beach season announcement for full details It is another action-packed season on the sand, culminating with the Aussie Club Champs at the start of April, with plenty for everyone on the way. And this year's summer holds special significance for our youth female beach players as the squad to represent New Zealand and Oceania at next year's U17 Beach Handball World Champs takes shape.

Final word for 2024

All up, 2024 has been a year of some successes and some really encouraging areas of developing strength, but not without its challenges and plenty to work on to ensure  Handball continues to thrive for the years ahead. Thank you to our wonderful community of supporters and the volunteers who have made it all happen, and we look forward to your contributions in the year ahead.

For those from the Aotearoa Handball whanau taking to the road or the skies this holiday season, safe travels, and we look forward to seeing on or beside a Handball court in 2025.

David Ireland

President

New Zealand Handball Federation

Oceania Champs: What’s Funded, What’s Not, and How You Can Help

The success of our campaign isn’t just built on the hard work of players, coaches, and supporters—it also depends on financial backing. While we are grateful for the support we’ve received so far, we rely on sponsorships and community contributions to cover the wide-ranging costs of preparing for and participating in the Oceania Championships. Here’s a closer look at the financial aspects of this campaign and how you can help.

Covered Costs

Thanks to the International Handball Federation (IHF), significant portions of our Oceania Championship expenses are already covered, including:

• Flights for players and delegation members.

• Accommodation and meals throughout the event.

This generous support alleviates some of the financial burden, allowing us to focus on preparing for competition.

Player Contributions

Despite the assistance provided, players and their families still face several costs, including:

• Training camp fees: Essential for high-performance preparation.

• Uniforms: Ensuring players are equipped to represent New Zealand professionally.

• Extras: Such as travel insurance, personal equipment, and local transport for training camps and events.

These costs can add up, especially for families who have supported their players throughout the year.

The Role of Sponsorships

As a growing sport, handball in New Zealand lacks dedicated fundraising or corporate sponsorships. To bridge the gap, we rely heavily on:

• Social media visibility: Showcasing our players’ journeys to engage potential sponsors.

• Community networks: Word of mouth and grassroots efforts to connect with businesses and individuals who believe in supporting the next generation of athletes.

Sponsorship isn’t just about funding—it’s about investing in the future of New Zealand handball. By partnering with us, sponsors can:

• Gain brand visibility on a national and international stage.

• Associate their business with values like teamwork, resilience, and community spirit.

• Play a pivotal role in helping young athletes achieve their dreams.

How You Can Help

We’re calling on our community to support this campaign in any way possible:

1. Spread the word: Share our story with friends, colleagues, or businesses that might be interested in sponsorship opportunities.

2. Sponsor a player: Even a small contribution can go a long way in easing the financial burden for our families.

3. Corporate partnerships: If you or someone you know is part of a business that values youth development and sport, we’d love to connect.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or make a contribution, please reach out to us directly.

Written by Thomas Schmider, Head of Delegation U18 & U20 Teams

Chasing Gold: The Journey to the Oceania Champs 2024

The Oceania Handball Championships 2024 are fast approaching, and our Men’s U18 and U20 teams are gearing up to represent New Zealand with pride on the international stage. This men’s campaign is about more than just competition - it’s about building a stronger future for handball in New Zealand, developing our youth talent, and fostering a deep sense of national pride and teamwork.

As we reflect on previous campaigns, we can see the incredible progress we’ve made. The dedication, hard work, and lessons learned from those experiences are now coming to fruition. It’s clear that everyone involved - players, coaches, and supporters alike - is stepping up their game to make a stronger impact on the Oceania stage.

This campaign represents a shift in mindset and ambition. We’re not just participating; we’re striving to make a statement and build a legacy. With the support of our incredible handball community, we’re confident this campaign will inspire not only our players but also future generations to continue growing the sport across New Zealand.

This campaign would not be possible without the incredible efforts of everyone involved - players, supporters, parents, and coaches.

A Special Thank You to Non-Selected Players

To the players who gave it their all but didn’t make the final selection this time - your commitment, courage, and progress have been outstanding. A heartfelt thank you to Carles Pardo, Noah Cunningham, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Hunor Peter, Harry Schirnack, Taylor Brown, Brodie Jones, John Whittaker (due to injury), Brent Manangan, and Lachie Tait.

Each of you has made great strides during this campaign, and we see immense potential in your handball journey. Stay committed, keep training, and you’ll go far in this sport. You are the future of New Zealand handball, and we’re excited to see what you achieve in the coming years.

Our Supporters and Parents

Behind every player is a network of dedicated parents and supporters who make this journey possible. From driving players to training camps and cheering them on during tournaments to helping with billeting during camps, your efforts are invaluable. You are the foundation of our handball community, and your unwavering support means the world to us.

Looking to the Future: Danish Handball Education at ISI Sport Folk High School

We’re always seeking new opportunities to help our players grow and develop. One exciting opportunity is ISI Sport Folk High School in Denmark, a renowned institution offering a world-class handball education and a supportive environment for young athletes.

Several of our players have already attended ISI, including Josh Bruce-Campbell, Stanley Schirnack, and Michael Zanderbergen, who are currently benefiting from its intensive training programme. John Barham also gained valuable experience during his time there before returning to New Zealand to continue his handball journey.

For those who aspire to take their handball journey to the next level, this could be the opportunity for you. ISI offers a personalised development plan focusing on technical, tactical, and mental growth, with support from highly qualified coaches. To learn more about life at ISI and the experiences of our players there, check out our insights shared on social media.

If this is something you or someone you know is interested in, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us @nzyouthhandball or youth@handball.org.nz.

Key Details for the Oceania Championships

The Oceania Championships are just around the corner, and the excitement is building as our U18 and U20 teams prepare to compete on the international stage. Here are the essential details about the event, its significance, and what we hope to achieve.

Dates and Location

The Oceania 2024 IHF Trophy will take place from 16th to 20th December 2024 in Tahiti, French Polynesia. The competition venue is the Hubert Langy Sports Hall, located in Titioro, near Papeete. This picturesque location sets the stage for an incredible tournament, with training halls in the surrounding area also available for teams to utilise.

Participating Teams

In the Youth (U18) competition, six teams will compete for the trophy:

• New Zealand

• Australia

• Tahiti

• New Caledonia

• Cook Islands

• American Samoa

In the Junior (U20) competition, four teams will compete:

• New Zealand

• Australia

• Tahiti

• New Caledonia

This mix of teams highlights the growth of handball across Oceania, bringing together a diverse array of talent and styles.

Historical Context and Pathway to the World Stage

The Oceania Championships serve as the Continental Phase of the IHF Trophy, a qualification event for the prestigious Intercontinental Phase. Winners of the Intercontinental Phase automatically qualify for the Youth and Junior World Championships.

Our teams have a strong legacy in the Oceania competition:

• 2018 (New Caledonia): U18 claimed 1st place, U20 secured 4th place.

• 2022 (Cook Islands): U18 finished as runners-up, U20 placed 3rd.

This year, we aim to not only reclaim the top spot but also demonstrate how far New Zealand handball has come in developing competitive teams and players.

Team Aspirations

Our goal is clear: to bring home gold. However, success isn’t measured only by podium finishes. A successful campaign means seeing players grow, playing with joy and unity, and competing at a level that reflects the hard work and dedication poured into this campaign.

• For the players, this is a chance to test themselves against the best in the region.

• For the team, it’s about strengthening bonds and showcasing our progress on the Oceania stage.

For the delegation, it’s about ensuring every player has an experience that fuels their passion for the game.

Final Comments

As we approach the Oceania Championships, we want to thank everyone who has supported this campaign - parents, coaches, and fans. Your contributions have been the backbone of our journey, and we couldn’t have come this far without you.

The team is focused and ready to represent New Zealand with pride. This campaign is about more than results - it’s about progress, passion, and building a stronger future for handball in our country.

We value your feedback and ideas to help us improve. Whether it’s about communication, logistics, or player support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your input helps us grow and create better opportunities for everyone involved.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s finish strong and make New Zealand proud!

Written by Thomas Schmider, Head of Delegation U18 & U20 Teams