A change to the international triathlon calendar has led Triathlon New Zealand to postpone the inaugural Auckland Triathlon Festival until 2027.
The Wynyard Quarter event, scheduled for November 15, 2026, will no longer proceed given it now clashes with World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) Abu Dhabi, itself postponed from March following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict.
Triathlon New Zealand CEO Pete De Wet said the decision had not been taken lightly, but provided an opportunity to explore an enhanced Auckland Triathlon Festival in 2027.
“While we are disappointed not to be able to deliver the festival this year, we believe there is an opportunity to make the 2027 event bigger and better for athletes, fans and the Auckland community,” De Wet said.
Tri NZ is currently in discussions with World Triathlon and the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) about the potential inclusion of the Auckland Triathlon Festival in the rebranded T50 World Triathlon Tour in 2027. Discussions also include the addition of a World Triathlon Para Cup.
Further details will be shared once plans for 2027 have been confirmed with relevant local stakeholders and international partners.
Tri NZ will issue a full refund to all athletes entered for 2026.
