Touch New Zealand is pleased to confirm the 2026 NZSS Championships will be held at Harry Barker Reserve and Nelson Park in Gisborne from Friday 11 December to Sunday 13 December 2026.

Expressions of Interest for team entries will open at the end of March 2026. The tournament will feature Girls, Boys and Mixed grades for secondary school–aged students, marking the return of the three-day format.

The event provides an important national platform for rangatahi to showcase their talent, represent their schools with pride, and compete at the highest level of secondary schools touch in Aotearoa.

We acknowledge that hosting the 2026 Championships in Gisborne will represent a change for many schools and whānau. This decision is grounded in our commitment to growth, inclusion and strengthening regional connections across the motu (regions).

Touch New Zealand is incredibly excited to host its first-ever National Secondary Schools Touch Championships in the Tai Rāwhiti region. Bringing this premier secondary schools event to Gisborne demonstrates tangible support for a community that has faced significant challenges in recent years, while creating meaningful opportunities for local rangatahi (youth) and the wider region.

For many participants, this will be their first experience of a major sporting event in Gisborne. Beyond the tournament itself, we are committed to ensuring a positive and lasting legacy fostering inspiration, connection and opportunity for the local touch community and the next generation of players.

Importantly, this announcement forms part of a broader, balanced hosting approach. It is our intention to stage the 2027 National Secondary Schools Touch Championships in Te Waipounamu (South Island), reinforcing our commitment to accessibility, geographic balance and national inclusion across Aotearoa.

Further event details will be released in the coming months.

Article added: Friday 20 February 2026