Auckland Representative Program

Auckland Representative Crew - Applications open now!

Be part of the Auckland Reps Coaching and Management crew

We're looking for coaches and managers who'll bring skill and can-do energy to our regional rep crew. This is a chance to help build a competitive, inclusive team that paddles hard, supports one another, and has a bit of fun along the way.

Who we’re looking for

We need coaches and managers who will:

Lift paddler performance with clear, practical coaching and feedback.
Foster a positive, inclusive team culture where everyone belongs.
Handle logistics so the crew can stay race-focused.
Commit to consistency by being dependable.

For more information, please read the 2026 Auckland Representative Policy.

Apply for a Coach/Manager position until 7pm, Saturday 18 October 2025

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About the Auckland Representatives?

The Auckland Representatives are proud six-time winners and current holders of the Ben Afitu Shield - awarded each year at the New Zealand National Dragon Boat Championships to the region with the most victories across multiple divisions.

Renamed in 2024 to honour the late Ben Afitu, a passionate leader in both dragon boating and waka ama, the sheild reflects his legacy and generosity and wholehearted approach to paddling.

In 2025, the battle for the Shield continued at Lake Karapiro - Auckland clinched the win by 1 point over the Waikato region.

What is the Auckland Representative Program?

Each year, the Auckland Dragon Boat Association (ADBA) invites paddlers, sweeps, callers, coaches and managers to representat the region at Nationals. It's a unique chance to test yourself against the best, grow your skills and compete against other regional crews at the NZ National Dragon Boat Championships.

Athletes - What we look for

Technical Skill - Solid stroke technique, sweeps who set their crew up for success, and callers who can motivate and sync with the crew.
Attitude - adaptable, coachable, and team-minded.
Commitment - Beyond showing up to training, athletes who train hard and push for continual improvement.

The program is demanding, but the rewards are immense: personal growth, the pride of wearing Auckland colours, and the excitment of representing your region at Nationals.

Previous campaigns

2025 Auckland Representative Coaches

The Auckland Dragon Boat Association was honoured to announce the Head Coaches for the 2025 Auckland Representative Crew: Deb Camplin, Ricky Greaves and Sooupu Perese. These three coaches brought a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to the program, to ensure a season filled with growth, connection, and achievement.

2025 Athlete selection

A record 126 athletes submitted Expressions of Interest (EOIs) last season, surpassing previous year’s total of 116. From this impressive pool, 85 paddlers were selected to represent Auckland and defend our regional title, along with the Ben Afitu Shield, at the 2025 National Championships at Lake Karapiro.

Auckland took six regional crews to the 2025 National Championships, including: