Kia ora koutou katoa, Sensei, Coaches, Referees, Clubs, Parents, and Caregivers,

Thank you to all the athletes, sensei/coaches, and parents/caregivers who supported the recent KNZ January National Training Camp in Auckland. Your dedication and commitment are greatly appreciated.

The 2025 Oceania Championships

As part of our preparation for the 2025 Oceania Championships in June in New Caledonia, we have begun planning and discussions for athletes seeking selection. A key step in the selection process for the 2025 Oceania Championships is participation in the 2025 New Zealand Cup—a premier-grade event for athletes aged 14 and over—held in Hamilton on Saturday, 29th March. Competing at the NZ Cup is a mandatory requirement for Oceania Championships selection. To minimise time and travel burdens, this will be a one-day event.

While participation in the Australian Open in Sydney (Friday, April 4th – Sunday, April 6th) is not compulsory, athletes were informed that competing in this tournament can further strengthen their selection prospects for the New Zealand team. The final Oceania team selection will be announced shortly after the Australian Open.

Competing in the Australian Open

We expect several senior athletes to compete at the Australian Open, with national coaches present to provide support. KNZ is offering all New Zealand athletes, whether current representatives or not, the opportunity to compete under ‘Team New Zealand’. This allows NZ athletes to avoid being drawn against fellow Kiwis in the early rounds and face a wider pool of competitors from Australia and beyond.

Competing as Team New Zealand enables clubs to collaborate and support each other while representing the country abroad. Clubs without senior representative players may choose to compete independently, but joining Team New Zealand fosters teamwork and provides athletes with a sense of national unity and mutual support when competing overseas.

Kumite athletes, please note:

• Cadet, Junior, and Senior divisions are divided by weight categories.

• An Open Kumite (all weight categories combined) event will be held over the weekend for the above grades.

Travel and Logistics

KNZ will not be organising flights or accommodation for the Australian Open. Clubs and individuals are responsible for their travel arrangements. However, we strongly recommend:

• Arriving in Sydney by Thursday, 3rd April, as the first of the weigh-ins will occur that evening.

• Departing at your convenience, with most athletes likely returning on Sunday, 6th April.

KNZ will require information on which athletes want to attend the 2025 Australian Open and which events they wish to enter, as KNZ will enter entries on Sportdata. Athletes competing under Team New Zealand will be expected to wear NZ tracksuits if they have them or predominantly black-coloured clothing at the competition venue.

Timeline for 2025 New Zealand Cup and Australian Open Participation

Saturday 1st February

• NZ clubs can enter in Sportdata for the 2025 New Zealand Cup. Clubs go on the waiting list to deter automatic entry for non-NZ clubs.

Monday 3rd – Saturday 8th February

• Clubs and athletes discuss their interest in attending and competing in the 2025 Australian Open.

Sunday 9th February

• Clubs confirm with Keith (kcrawford@karatenz.org.nz) whether they will participate under ‘Team New Zealand.’

Wednesday 12th February

• The initial list of athletes and their chosen events is submitted. All athletes who want to compete at the Australian Open and their selected events are with Keith.

Friday 28th February

• Final confirmation of the initial list of athletes competing in the 2025 Australian Open.

Saturday 8th March

• Entries close for the 2025 New Zealand Cup.

Friday 14th March

• Athlete entries are submitted via Sportdata for the Australian Open.

• Entry fees are calculated, and invoices are sent to clubs.

Tuesday 18th March

• Athlete entry payments are processed.

Saturday 29th March

• The 2025 New Zealand Cup takes place in Hamilton. The competition is used to assist with the Oceania Championships selection.

Friday 4th – Sunday 6th April

• The 2025 Australian Open takes place in Sydney.

If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact Keith. We look forward to seeing our athletes take on these exciting opportunities!

KNZ Coaching Council

KNZ CC Selection Process - Oceania Championships & Oceania Cup 2025

Article added: Tuesday 04 February 2025