Zoe Hobbs (L) in the women's 100m sprint. Photo: photosport
The next three editions of the national track and field championships will be in Auckland, ending its shared staging around the country.
Auckland hasn't hosted the event since 2013 but Athletics New Zealand said it would host the three championships from 2026 to 2028 as it seeks "certainty" ahead of the next Olympic Games.
The pinnacle domestic event has historically been shared around New Zealand venues, with Dunedin staging this year's event last month.
Tom Walsh competing at the 2023 National Athletics Championships in Wellington. Photo: Supplied / Athletics NZ
Athletics NZ chief executive Cam Mitchell said establishing a consistent home for the event would provide athletes, coaches, and supporters with a "strong platform" ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
"Having the championships locked in for the next three years allows athletes and their support teams to plan with certainty, while also giving Auckland the chance to build momentum as the home of our sport's premier domestic event," Mitchell said in a statement.
"New Zealand athletics is in a golden era, with Olympic and Paralympic champions, world indoor champions, and a new generation of stars breaking through.
"As we build towards the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, having this consistency will be invaluable for our athletes' preparation."
Mitchell said staging the event regularly in Auckland would make it "a must-attend event, attracting larger crowds, greater media attention, and an electric atmosphere for athletes and fans alike".
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