Tauranga to Host 2028 World Triathlon Championships in Historic Return

Tauranga has been selected to host the prestigious 2028 World Triathlon Championships, marking a significant milestone for the sport in New Zealand. This announcement comes as part of a three-year partnership with World Triathlon, which includes the staging of a World Triathlon Cup in 2026 and a Championship Series race in 2027. The culmination of this partnership will be the 2028 Championship Series Grand Final, along with the Age Group World Championships, Paratriathlon World Championships, and World Triathlon Congress in November.

Tauranga has not hosted this level of international triathlon competition for 16 years, making this event particularly meaningful. Renowned New Zealand triathlete Hayden Wilde, who grew up in the Bay of Plenty, expressed his enthusiasm about the event returning. Wilde, an Olympic medalist, stated, “To have the opportunity to race at home… in front of friends and family for the grand final in 2028 is super exciting for me.”

Significance of the Event

During the event launch in Tauranga, Triathlon New Zealand chief executive Pete de Wet emphasized the importance of this occasion for the sport in the country. He noted that the return of the World Triathlon Championship Series final after such a long absence is a source of pride. De Wet highlighted New Zealand’s rich heritage in triathlon, adding, “Our age group athletes are loved around the world for their unique Kiwiana approach.”

The opportunity to compete at home is particularly significant for elite athletes who typically campaign in the Northern Hemisphere. De Wet remarked, “The chance to race at home, in front of their family, friends and fellow New Zealanders will be truly special.”

Louise Upston, New Zealand’s Tourism and Hospitality Minister, also spoke on the economic impact of these events. The series is expected to attract thousands of athletes, supporters, and spectators over the three-year period, with an estimated 4,500 athletes anticipated for the 2028 finals alone. The overall partnership is projected to generate around 6,000 international visitors, 100,000 visitor nights, and approximately $25 million in tourism revenue.

Tauranga’s Aspiration and Legacy

The announcement was attended by Mahe Drysdale, Tauranga’s mayor and a two-time Olympic champion in rowing. He described the securing of the World Triathlon events as a landmark achievement for the city. Drysdale stated, “Hosting three of the sport’s most prestigious international events will build on that momentum and elevate our city to the world stage.”

He underscored that these events go beyond competition, serving as a platform to inspire future athletes and promote tourism. “The impact will be felt well beyond the finish line,” he noted.

World Triathlon president Antonio Arimany expressed excitement about returning to a country with a storied history in the sport. New Zealand previously hosted the championship events in Queenstown in 2003 and Auckland in 2012.

The collaboration involves multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Tauranga City Council, and World Triathlon. As Tauranga prepares for this momentous occasion, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a celebrated return of triathlon’s biggest event to New Zealand.