The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Black Falcons aerobatic team honoured the victims of the Mount landslide.
The four-day surf lifesaving carnival Oceans ‘26 has wrapped up, with the host club praised for an outstanding event after a late change of venue.
More than 700 young athletes and their families descended on Pāpāmoa Beach for New Zealand’s largest junior surf lifesaving event, which featured more than 4300race entries across individual and team events.
The event was hosted by Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club, shifting from Mount Maunganui for the first time in 25 years following the fatal landslide at Mauao last month.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Black Falcons aerobatic team honoured the victims by performing a display over the event on Saturday.
Surf Lifesaving NZ (SLSNZ) national events manager, Luke Smith, said the venue move showed the strength of the surf lifesaving community.
“To relocate an event of this size just weeks out required a huge collective effort.
“The way our clubs, volunteers and partners stepped up shows the strength of our community. The standard of racing across the weekend has been fantastic, but it’s the spirit of the event that really stands out.
“Pāpāmoa SLSC were outstanding hosts, with the club and wider community fully embracing New Zealand’s largest junior surf lifesaving carnival.”
Smith also acknowledged the volunteers who made the carnival possible.
“This event relies on officials, water safety crews, first aid teams and local support on the ground.
Image 1 of 8: Oceans ’26 junior surf lifesaving event at Pāpāmoa Beach. Photo / Surf Lifesaving NZ
“Their commitment ensured a safe and positive experience for hundreds of families travelling from all corners of the country.”
Several clubs featured prominently across the carnival, with Pāpāmoa, East End, Omanu, Waihī Beach and Mount Maunganui delivering multiple gold medal performances across individual and team events.
Standout individual athletes included Amelia McEwan of Mount Maunganui, Luke Mottern of East End, Caleb McLean of Pāpāmoa, Willa Hammond of Omanu and Chloe Gant of Waihī Beach, each claiming multiple titles across surf, board and beach disciplines.
On the final day the Individual Diamond finals were completed across all age groups, combining run, swim and board disciplines in a true test of all-round surf ability.
One hundred and ten six-person teams lined up for the Grand Cameron Relay, one of the most anticipated events of the carnival.
Featuring a run leg, two swim legs, two board legs and a final sprint to the finish, the relay showcased teamwork, endurance and club pride in front of a large crowd of whānau and supporters.
SLSNZ general manager of sport Zac Franich said Oceans continued to be about more than just results.
“Oceans is where we see our future volunteer lifeguards coming through.
“Over four days we’ve watched young people challenge themselves in the surf, support one another on the sand and create friendships with athletes from all parts of the country.
“That camaraderie is just as important as any medal.”
