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

Kent Gray • July 8, 2026

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

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