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.
