About
Auckland Dragon Boat Association
Auckland Dragon Boat Association is the Regional Sports Organisation for dragon boating in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
We support and develop dragon boating across the Auckland region by providing regional leadership, equipment, events, safety processes and participation pathways for clubs, crews, schools, corporate teams, paddlers, sweeps, officials and volunteers.
ADBA is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation, incorporated society and registered charity. We are part of the wider New Zealand dragon boating community through the New Zealand Dragon Boat Association, which is affiliated with the International Dragon Boat Federation.
Our role
ADBA helps make dragon boating happen in Auckland.
We provide the structure and support that allows clubs and crews to train, race and grow.
Our role includes:
- supporting Auckland dragon boat clubs and crews
- providing boats, training equipment and safety craft
- organising regional regattas and racing opportunities
- supporting school dragon boating through College Sport
- creating pathways for new paddlers, sweeps, officials and volunteers
- supporting corporate and community participation
- promoting safe, fair and well-run dragon boating activity across Auckland
Dragon boating in Auckland
ADBA supports a wide dragon boating community across Auckland, including women’s crews, mixed crews, breast cancer survivor crews, school teams, corporate groups and community crews.
Our member clubs train through the summer season, with racing opportunities available across local, regional and national events. ADBA also runs opportunities for new paddlers and returning paddlers to get on the water, including Give it a Go sessions and winter paddling programmes.
Schools and pathways
School dragon boating is an important part of the Auckland dragon boating community.
ADBA works with College Sport and school communities to support safe, structured opportunities for secondary school students to experience dragon boating, develop teamwork and take part in racing.
We also support development pathways for sweeps, officials, coaches and volunteers, helping build the people who keep the sport moving on and off the water.
Our culture
Dragon boating is built on teamwork, timing and trust.
Across ADBA, we value a culture that is welcoming, safe, inclusive, respectful and community-minded. We believe people should be able to take part, contribute and grow in the sport, whether they are paddling for the first time, racing competitively, leading a crew or helping from the shore.
ADBA is powered by volunteers, and that contribution shapes the character of dragon boating in Auckland. The sport works because people step up, share their skills and support each other.
Why we stand out
- A proud registered charity and incorporated society
- Competely paddler-run - our gear, events, and success are powered by volunteerrs
- Strong community partnerships, making the the waterways of Auckland a home for dragon boat sport
Our events
ADBA delivers and supports a range of dragon boating events and activities throughout the year.
These include the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, Auckland Regional Championships, Give it a Go sessions, corporate team-building events, training opportunities and winter racing.
For event dates, race information and registration details, visit our Events page.
Governance and registration
ADBA is governed by a volunteer committee and operates as an incorporated society and registered charity.
- Auckland Dragon Boat Association began in 1998
- Incorporated Society number: 2166967
- Registered Charity number: CC44176
Our policies, rules and supporting documents are available on our Policies page.
Get involved
There are many ways to be part of dragon boating in Auckland.
You can join a crew, try dragon boating, enter a corporate team, become a sweep, volunteer at an event or support your club behind the scenes.