tri2028

ASICS join as Major Partner of Tauranga’s World Triathlon Triple Crown as 2026 World Cup date locked in

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:15:32 GMT

Three year deal a boon for age groupers as well as elite triathletes

• ASICS New Zealand confirmed as Exclusive Footwear & Apparel Partner through 2028
• 2026 World Cup Tauranga to incorporate mass participation favourite Tinman Triathlon
• Elite athletes, age groupers, staff, volunteers & officials to benefit from ASICS agreement

Three years. Three world-class events. One global stage for Tauranga

Triathlon New Zealand is proud to announce ASICS New Zealand as the Exclusive Footwear & Apparel Partner of Tauranga’s three-year run of World Triathlon events, a landmark window that will see the city welcome the world’s best triathletes through to 2028.

The partnership covers:

2026 World Triathlon Cup Tauranga

2027 World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) Tauranga

2028 World Triathlon Championship Series Grand Final Tauranga

Together, the events form a World Triathlon Triple Crown for Tauranga, cementing the city’s place on the global triathlon calendar.

A key milestone of the announcement is confirmation that 2026 World Triathlon Cup Taurangawill be held on Sunday, 22 November 2026 , with a race-day format designed to deliver a major boost for age group athletes.

The day will incorporate Tri Tauranga’s iconic mass participation Tinman Triathlon , which will again double as the Tri NZ Suzuki Series Standard Distance Championships . That will allow age group competitors to race for PBs, national titles and world champs selection before watching some of the world’s best triathletes compete, likely including New Zealand talisman Hayden Wilde .

Triathlon New Zealand CEO Pete De Wet said locking in both ASICS partnership and a 2026 date was a significant moment for the sport.

“We’re on the cusp of a game changing three years for the sport of triathlon in New Zealand and having a prestigious global brand like ASICS at our side all the way to 2028 only underscores that,” De Wet said.

“To also have a date locked in that will activate our age group community, the beating heart of our sport, is a vital part of our over-arching strategy to ensure a legacy for the sport long beyond the 2028 Grand Final. Tinman is one of New Zealand’s most popular mass participation events and will only add to the 2026 World Triathlon Cup Tauranga experience. We can’t wait.”

ASICS become the first major commercial partner confirmed across the three-event Tauranga hosting agreement, joining the New Zealand Government, through the Major Events Fund , and Tauranga City Council as key event delivery partners.

Three years. Three world-class events. One global stage for Tauranga

The partnership covers:

2026 World Triathlon Cup Tauranga

2027 World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) Tauranga

2028 World Triathlon Championship Series Grand Final Tauranga

Together, the events form a World Triathlon Triple Crown for Tauranga, cementing the city’s place on the global triathlon calendar.

Triathlon New Zealand CEO Pete De Wet said locking in both ASICS partnership and a 2026 date was a significant moment for the sport.

Bay Radiology named Official Supporter and Medical Imaging Partner of Tauranga’s World Triathlon Triple Crown

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:13:13 GMT

Bay Radiology’s involvement follows the recent renewal of RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group’s partnership as Official Medical Imaging Partner of Tri NZ through 2028

• Partnership spans three major World Triathlon events to 2028
• Includes 2028 World Series Grand Final
• Announcement builds on RHCNZ’s recent partnership extension with Tri NZ

World-class sport, local expertise, and long-term commitment to athlete health

Triathlon New Zealand is delighted to announce Bay Radiology as an Official Supporter and Medical Imaging Partner of Tauranga’s three-year run of World Triathlon events.

Reinforcing a shared commitment to athlete wellbeing and world-class event delivery through to 2028, the partnership covers:

2026 World Triathlon Cup Tauranga

2027 World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) Tauranga

2028 World Triathlon Championship Series Grand Final Tauranga

Together, the events form Tauranga’s World Triathlon Triple Crown , placing the Bay of Plenty firmly on the global triathlon map and delivering lasting benefits for elite athletes, age groupers and the wider community.

Bay Radiology’s involvement follows the recent renewal of RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group’s partnership as Official Medical Imaging Partner of Tri NZ through 2028, supporting athlete health and performance across the sport, from High Performance programmes through to community participation.

RCHNZ, New Zealand’s leading private radiology provider, operates under three brands: Auckland Radiology Group, Bay Radiology and Pacific Radiology Group.

Bay Radiology will play a key role in supporting the delivery of the three Tauranga events, bringing trusted local expertise and advanced diagnostic capability to a global sporting stage.

Tri NZ CEO Pete De Wet said the partnership strengthens the foundations of Tauranga’s long-term hosting vision.

“The partnership with Bay Radiology highlights the importance of strong regional partners in delivering the three Tauranga events, ensuring each one meet the needs of athletes, organisers and the local community alike,” De Wet said.

“We’ve already built a strong relationship with RHCNZ dating back to 2023 so it is great to be doubling down with the supportive team at Bay Radiology to leave a lasting legacy in the beautiful Bay of Plenty beyond these three events.”

Bay Radiology Regional Manager Nicola Daisley said the partnership reflects both regional pride and a long-standing commitment to community health. “As a lead supporter of the three global triathlon events coming to Tauranga, Bay Radiology is proud to help bring world class sport to the heart of our region. These events will showcase the Bay of Plenty on the world stage and bring our communities together,” Daisley said.

“With more than 30 years’ history in the region, we continue to deliver high quality diagnostic services supported by advanced imaging technologies including MRI, CT, ultrasound, mammography and PET CT. Our involvement reflects our commitment to supporting healthier, more active communities and celebrating the best of the Bay.”

About RHCNZ
RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group is New Zealand’s largest private radiology provider, delivering over 35% of the country’s radiology services. With over 180 specialist radiologists and more than 1,400 staff working across a network of more than 70 clinics nationwide, RHCNZ operates under three trusted brands — Auckland Radiology Group, Bay Radiology, and Pacific Radiology Group . Our mission is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders through the delivery of world-class radiology. RHCNZ stands for Radiology Holding Company New Zealand .

Port of Tauranga Back Volunteer Programme for Tauranga Triathlon Events

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:10:09 GMT

Secures category exclusivity in Sea Freight & Logistics

• Port of Tauranga confirmed as Official Supporter of Tauranga’s Triple Crown of World Triathlon events through 2028
• Named Official Supporter of the Volunteer Programme
• Secures category exclusivity in Sea Freight & Logistics

Regional Backbone Strengthens Event Delivery

Port of Tauranga has added its global clout and legacy of regional support to Tauranga’s Triple Crown of World Triathlon events through 2028, joining a growing portfolio of partners.

In addition to its Official “Supporter” status, New Zealand’s largest and busiest port will lend its name to the series’ volunteer programme, the operational backbone of any major event.

From meet-and-greet roles at the airport to course marshals and grandstand ushers, volunteers will play a critical role in delivering a world-class experience for athletes and spectators alike at:

• 2026 World Triathlon Cup Tauranga
• 2027 World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) Tauranga
• 2028 World Triathlon Championship Series Grand Final Tauranga

Port of Tauranga, which handles a third of New Zealand’s cargo and more than half of the country’s exports, will also have category exclusivity in Sea Freight & Logistics.

Triathlon New Zealand CEO Pete De Wet said the partnership was both practical and symbolic of the event’s community-first approach.

“A series of events of this magnitude requires significant volunteer support. Without it, they just wouldn’t happen. As well as being a major contributor to New Zealand’s economic prosperity, Port of Tauranga are strongly focused on the beautiful Bay of Plenty region so to have them own the community engagement piece is a great fit for them and us,” De Wet said.

“They’re a company with global prestige and local focus and add real gravitas to our growing portfolio of supporters. We’re really building momentum now as we count down to November 22 and the first event, World Triathlon Cup Tauranga 2026. We’re delighted to welcome Port of Tauranga aboard.”

For Port of Tauranga, the partnership aligns with a long-standing commitment to supporting major events that deliver both community and economic benefit across the Bay of Plenty.

Port of Tauranga Chief Executive Leonard Sampson agreed the opportunity to contribute to the success of the series was a natural fit.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for Tauranga to be host city of these prestigious World Triathlon events which will attract a myriad of visitors, international attention and widespread economic benefit,” Sampson said.

“Port of Tauranga has a proud history of supporting elite sports events held in our community so it made perfect sense to lend our backing to this exciting series and ensure a long-lasting legacy.”

About Port of Tauranga
Port of Tauranga is New Zealand’s largest and busiest port, handling a third of all cargo and more than half of the country’s exports. From its headquarters in the Bay of Plenty, Port of Tauranga connects New Zealand and the world.
www.port-tauranga.co.nz

Full circle moment as Barfoot & Thompson partner Tauranga’s World Triathlon events

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:08:00 GMT

The new partnership covers both 2027 WTCS Tauranga and the 2028 WTCS Grand Final Tauranga

• Barfoot & Thompson named Official Supporter and Exclusive Real Estate Partner

• Partnership covers WTCS Tauranga 2027 and the WTCS Grand Final Tauranga 2028

• Full-circle moment after title sponsorship of 2012 World Triathlon Grand Final Auckland

Historic partnership renewed as Tauranga prepares to welcome the World

In a full circle moment, Triathlon New Zealand and Barfoot & Thompson are set to reunite on the global stage.

The real estate powerhouse has been named as an Official Supporter and Exclusive Real Estate Partner for Tauranga’s World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) events in 2027 and 2028.

Barfoot & Thompson was title sponsor of the 2012 World Triathlon Grand Final in Auckland, the only other time New Zealand has hosted the sport’s pinnacle short course event.

The new partnership covers both 2027 WTCS Tauranga and the 2028 WTCS Grand Final Tauranga, two of the biggest events in the LA 2028 Olympic cycle.

Tri New Zealand CEO Pete de Wet said the renewed partnership reflects both history and opportunity as the sport returns to the world stage in New Zealand.

“We’re delighted to have Barfoot & Thompson back in the Tri NZ family given the deep history between our organisations,” de Wet said.

“Barfoot & Thompson’s presence in Tauranga means the WTCS round in 2027 and the WTCS Grand Final in 2028 are a great platform for them to continue growing their presence in the BOP market with a brand triathletes up and down Aotearoa already know well and trust.”

With strong ties to communities with deep swim, bike and run connections, Barfoot & Thompson’s involvement will help amplify the impact of the events both regionally and nationally.

Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director Peter Thompson said the events represent a significant opportunity for the region and align closely with the company’s commitment to local communities.

“The confirmation of Tauranga as the host city for the World Triathlon Championship Finals presents a huge opportunity for the Bay of Plenty, and we’re proud to be involved through our partnership with Triathlon New Zealand,” Thompson said.

“The events taking place in 2027 and 2028 will bring athletes, visitors and attention to a region we’re deeply committed to, and we’re excited to see what this delivers for the local community and everyone involved.”

The partnership reinforces the growing momentum behind Tauranga’s WTCS events, with Barfoot & Thompson joining major partner ASICS and fellow Official Supporters Port of Tauranga and Bay Radiology to help deliver world-class sport and community engagement across the 2027 and 2028 competitions.

About Barfoot & Thompson
Barfoot & Thompson is New Zealand’s largest privately owned real estate company and has remained family owned and operated for more than 100 years.

Founded in Auckland in 1923, the business has grown steadily through changing market cycles while staying focused on long-term relationships, consistent standards and strong local knowledge. Today, Barfoot & Thompson operates across Auckland, Northland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, with more than 2,700 people working across residential, lifestyle and rural, commercial, property management, body corporate and project divisions.

The company’s non-franchised structure allows its network of more than 1,800 salespeople to work collaboratively, sharing buyer insight and market information without regional restrictions. This model supports broader exposure for vendors and a strong level of buyer engagement across local, national and international markets. Barfoot & Thompson has a long history of involvement in the communities it serves, supporting sporting organisations, events and local initiatives across the Upper North Island. The company’s values — centred on people, family, diversity and community — continue to guide how it operates and how it partners with organisations that share a similar commitment.

For more information, visit barfoot.co.nz

Suzuki New Zealand Drives Tauranga’s World Triathlon Triple Crown Through 2028

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:04:12 GMT

• Suzuki NZ named Official Supporter and Exclusive Motor Vehicle Partner
• Additionally joins Port of Tauranga as Official Volunteer Programme Partner
• Partnership spans 2026 World Triathlon Cup, 2027 WTCS Tauranga and the 2028 WTCS Grand Final
• Suzuki NZ to provide vehicles central to the operational delivery of the Triple Crown

Suzuki New Zealand brings its long-standing commitment to New Zealand triathlon to the world stage

Auckland, (April 2, 2026) – Suzuki New Zealand has been unveiled as an Official Supporter of Tauranga’s triple crown of World Triathlon events through 2028, locking in one of the sport’s most enduring commercial relationships for what shapes as the most significant three-year period in New Zealand triathlon history.

The agreement grants Suzuki NZ exclusivity across the motor vehicle category and positions the brand at the operational heart of the series through a key partnership role in the triple crown’s Volunteer Programme, a critical function that keeps world-class racing moving. Suzuki joins the Port of Tauranga, announced earlier, as a cornerstone partner of the programme.

The events Suzuki will support across the three-year term are:

2026 World Triathlon Cup Tauranga
2027 World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) Tauranga
2028 World Triathlon Championship Series Grand Final Tauranga

For Triathlon New Zealand CEO Pete de Wet, securing Suzuki wasn’t a commercial transaction, rather a natural progression of a partnership that has been built over years on mutual respect for the sport. The renowned Japanese manufacturer are long-time title sponsors of Tri NZ’s annual series of grassroots, mass-participation national championships, the Tri NZ Suzuki Series.

“It’s awesome to have such an important anchor sponsor of triathlon get in behind Tauranga’s triple crown of events in 2026, 2027 and 2028,” de Wet said.

“Suzuki has shown great commitment to our sport for such a long time, so it just feels right to have them as the official vehicle partner for the series. They’ll also be a key player in the Volunteer Programme, providing vehicles to assist us in ensuring the event can be delivered successfully.”

The volunteer workforce underpinning three consecutive global events is one of the most logistically complex undertakings in New Zealand sport. Suzuki’s support across that programme isn’t peripheral, it’s foundational, and through the provision of vehicles, will enable the kind of seamless athlete and official movement that World Triathlon demands.

For Suzuki New Zealand CEO and Executive General Manager Automobile Gary Collins, the partnership reflects something deeper than brand exposure. It reflects who Suzuki is.

“Suzuki New Zealand is delighted to partner with Tri NZ for the upcoming World Cup and World Triathlon Championship Series events in Tauranga,” Collins said.

“Suzuki has been a long-term local supporter of triathlon in New Zealand so the involvement with the world’s premiere showcase of the sport is a perfect fit for our brand. We’re the masters of making a little go a long way with our range of affordable, efficient vehicles. But most of all we’re about having fun and enjoying life. So it is a pleasure to be able to assist Kiwis to compete on the world stage in our backyard.”

With a World Triathlon Cup, a WTCS round and a WTCS Grand Final set to call Tauranga home across three successive years, the region is entering an unprecedented chapter as a global destination for the sport. Suzuki New Zealand, practical, efficient, community-rooted, and built for the long haul, is the right partner to drive it forward.

About Suzuki New Zealand
Suzuki is one of the world’s most successful brands, enjoying a reputation as an innovative leader in compact car, motorcycle, marine and 4WD technology. The Suzuki brand symbolises outstanding quality and value and the team at Suzuki New Zealand and its nationwide dealer network are dedicated to providing New Zealanders with a fun and rewarding ownership experience.