The Legion of Rowers has always had a simple purpose: support Masters rowing, create opportunities for Masters to compete and connect, and give back to the sport by supporting the next generation of New Zealand rowers. Our Masters events across the North Island are an important part of this work. They bring rowers together, create competition and, through the income they generate, enable the Legion to support Under 19 rowers selected to represent New Zealand at the World Ro

At this year's Legions AGM, presenters shared the highlights and challenges behind three building projects — Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre, St George's Rowing Club and Northshore Rowing Club. A shared story about people who saw a gap, held onto a vision and kept showing up, sometimes for decades, for the next generation of rowers. Watch the presenters here, or read what was shared below. Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre Presented by Murdock Dryden, Trustee 2016

Most sports clubs, charities and community groups rely on volunteers to run their committees and make decisions. These roles can be rewarding, but they also come with responsibilities. In New Zealand, the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 sets out duties for officers and committee members. They must act in good faith, act in the best interests of the organisation, and take reasonable care when making decisions. Association Liability Insurance helps protect the organisation

Through Aotearoa Boat Company, Poralu Marine’s world-class pontoon infrastructure is available to rowing clubs, schools and organisations throughout New Zealand.­­­ We work with Poralu and its customers to guide projects through every stage - from the initial feasibility study and design, through to manufacture, installation and final commissioning on the water. No project is too small or too large 180 mm freeboard Complies with New Zealand standards Low maintenance requirem

The Aotearoa Boat Company Bow Light Finally, we have a fit-for-purpose bow light designed by two Kiwi coaches for New Zealand conditions. This light is a game-changer for our rowing community. 100% waterproof (rated to 50 m) Magnetic on/off switch for easy operation Automatic shut-off at sunrise to save battery life Built specifically for saltwater use Positive buoyancy ensures it won't sink Attaches to most bow number holders White flashing LED light visible from up to 4 km

At Matariki Weekend, July 2026, a group of rowers from six clubs gathered for two days of rowing adventures on two Rotorua lakes. The weather was kind with blue days starting with cool mornings. The weekend was coordinated by Christine Hobbs, St George's Rowing Club and Barbara Neale, Rotorua Rowing Club. They created a range of new experiences for the rowers. Coastal boats were hired from Rowing New Zealand and skiffs were provided including two Octuples. Masters from Auckla

Rowing is a captivating sport in New Zealand. Many people are drawn to it, inspired by the Kiwi Pair, the Tokyo Eight, or Emma Twigg. If you’re an adult considering rowing, you’re not alone. There’s a growing interest in trying this fantastic sport. Adult learn to row courses serve two important purposes. They help raise funds for clubs and attract new members to your masters training group. Let’s explore how to run a successful adult learn to row course. How to Run an Adult

A note from the Legion of Rowers newsletter sponsor: “I’ve been involved in the rowing shoe industry for 10 years. In that time, Bont Rowing shoes are the best shoes I’ve come across! With their carbon split sole technology using top end cycling industry materials, Bont Rowing shoes help to increase foot force production while reducing lateral movement to improve on water performance. A product that shows you’re truly invested in your results. “When coaching in the lead u

Rowing pioneer, administrator and volunteer and Past President of the Legion of Rowers, Lesley Milne has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Sir Eion and Jan, Lady Edgar Lifetime Achievement Award from New Zealand Sport and Recreation. Here is her speech... Thank you Rowing NZ for this most unexpected and humbling honour- thank you Sport NZ for this wonderful evening and everyone for your ovation. This honour has come quite out of the blue for me and has completely bowled me o

Sponsored by C&R and ICIB Brokerweb Insurance Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) Regatta August 29 and 30, 2026 Organised and run in partnership between the Legion of Rowers and with the Bay of Plenty Rowing Association BOPRA. Two days of racing Saturday 29th August: Single gender, 1000 metres N.B. Where there is more than 1 Heat in a category there will be a Final race at the end of the same Block. Sunday 30th August: Mixed Racing, 1000 metres, 2 person, 4 person and 8 person events

Hear an update from three 2025 award recipients - Angella Carney, Blake Cooper and Maclaine Stuart. Angella Carney Thank you again to you and the Legion of Rowers for your generous support of my U19 campaign. It was an unforgettable experience that taught me a lot. Since then, I have raced a club season with Waikato Rowing Club, where I placed second in the senior double, quad and eight at nationals. I definitely found club rowing very different to school programs, but I ulti

(By Nicky Knowles, Cambridge Rowing Club) Nicky Knowles & Peter Fraser at Lake Rotoiti I am a mediocre rower. There, I said it — and honestly, I’m okay with that. Maybe it’s because I’m inherently a bit lazy at times and I lack motivation when life gets in the way perhaps? A conversation for a different time I feel Rowing is technically a very hard sport to master, especially when you didn’t start as a nimble teenager. In theory, once you have good technique and solid fitne

Why Rowing Camps Matter Going on camp is a fantastic way to invest in your rowing skills and fitness. Many clubs organise camps focused on technique, crew selection, and training. These camps provide a unique opportunity to enhance your abilities while connecting with fellow rowers. Camps are also a chance for an overseas adventure. Some locations and coaches should definitely be on your rowing bucket list. Imagine rowing in beautiful settings while learning from the best in

Rowing is a sport which should be very aligned with climate action. As water users we are very aware of variable water levels and weather patterns changing. I’m sure you have experienced a regatta cancellation due to high winds. The World Rowing Federation is actively supporting three UN Sustainable Development Goals #13 on Climate Action, […]

Administrator of the Year Chris Williams, Whangarei Rowing Club Chris Williams has been a dedicated member of the Whangarei Rowing Club since 2011, beginning asa Masters rower and evolving into a highly respected coach and President. His unwaveringcommitment to the club and its athletes is evident in the countless hours he devotes each week tocoaching, […]

There have been some changes to the conditions of racing – please be aware. Summary of principal changes. See file below for the full details. Entries Open: April 3rd at 10 am Entries Close: April 17th at 10 pm Supplementary Entries Open: April 19th at 10 am Supplementary Entries Close: April 30th at 10 pm SCRATCHING FEE to apply […]

The Regatta Committee are keen to get more trophies to present and when asking around, the Auckland Rowing Association told us “we’ve got lots of trophies which are no longer presented”. Wow, what a find! Terry Tidbury reviewed the cupboard full of cups and found among them the WG Mason coxless fours trophy first presented […]

Your boat fleet should match the needs of your group. Many masters group ‘inherit’ boats but for optimal club alignment match the boats with the membership needs. Assess the current fleet – look for the manufacturer’s label – serial number, year of construction and athlete weight. Log these for your whole boat fleet. Different boat […]

Mahe Drysdale recruited his children to assist with prizegiving.

https://row-360.com/missed-opportunity-reflecting-on-new-zealands-2019-junior-world-championships/