Hayden Wilde is looking forward to competing on his home turf. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tauranga will host the biggest event in the world of triathlon, with Triathlon New Zealand awarded the 2028 World Triathlon Championships.
The city will host the championships as part of a three-year partnership with World Triathlon, which will also see a World Triathlon Cup in Tauranga in 2026, and the World Triathlon Championship Series race in 2027.
The partnership will culminate with the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Series Grand Final. Alongside the grand final, Tauranga will host the Age Group World Championships, Paratriathlon World Championships, and World Triathlon Congress in November 2028.
New Zealand triathlete Hayden Wilde, who grew up in the Bay of Plenty, is excited the event is coming back to Aotearoa: "Being in the place I train and being very close to my home town."
Wilde, an Olympic bronze and silver medallist, said 2028 would be a huge year for him.
"The LA Olympics and potentially my last Olympics but also probably my last short-course race before I look to go full distance in the ironman so to have the opportunity to race at home. Race in front of friends and family for the grand final in 2028 is super exciting for me and and could be a really cool way to have a bit of a send off in my short-course career," Wilde said.
Momentous day
At an event launch in Tauranga on Wednesday morning, Triathlon New Zealand chief executive Pete de Wet described it as a momentous day for the sport in Aotearoa.
"After an absence of 16 years, the World Triathlon Championship Series final will be returning to our shores in 2028, and we couldn't be prouder. Triathlon has such a rich heritage in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we are excited to be adding to that history over the next three years," de Wet said.
"Our age group athletes are loved around the world for their unique Kiwiana approach, and I am so pleased for all those that are dedicated to attending world championship events around the world, that they will finally have the chance to do this at home, in Tauranga, in 2028."
De Wet, who is also a World Triathlon Executive board director, said it would be a rare opportunity for New Zealand's top triathletes.
"And for our elite athletes, who campaign for so much of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the chance to race at home, in front of their family, friends and fellow New Zealanders will be truly special."
Tauranga will welcome the international triathlon community as part of a three-year partnership. Photo: Simon Dawson Photography
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the events would be a major boost to the economy and provide global exposure for the region and country.
The events are expected to attract thousands of athletes, supporters, and spectators over the three-year cycle, with 4500 total athletes expected for World Triathlon Championship Finals 2028 alone.
The three-year partnership will generate 6000 international visitors, 100,000 international visitor nights and $25 million in tourism visitor spend.
Tauranga mayor and Olympic gold medallist Mahé Drysdale is thrilled with the news. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tauranga ayor Mahé Drysdale, a two-time Olympic champion in rowing, was also at this morning's announcement.
Drysdale said securing the World Triathlon events was a landmark achievement for Tauranga, and reflected the city's aspiration to be a premier destination for major international events.
"Tauranga already boasts a proud triathlon heritage, with annual events such as the Mount Festival of Multisport, the Tinman Triathlon, and the Surfbreaker Triathlon, delivering strong community engagement and economic benefits. Hosting three of the sport's most prestigious international events will build on that momentum and elevate our city to the world stage," Drysdale said.
"These events are about more than sport - they're an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. From inspiring the next generation of athletes to boosting tourism, showcasing our manaakitanga, and creating enduring economic and social benefits, the impact will be felt well beyond the finish line."
World Triathlon president Antonio Arimany is excited at the prospect of triathlon's biggest event returning to a country with a rich heritage in the sport. New Zealand previously hosted the pinnacle event in Queenstown in 2003 and Auckland in 2012.
Event partners include the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Tauranga City Council, and World Triathlon.
