Message from the Team at Rocket Foods

Welcome to the 2021 Rocket Foods New Zealand Rowing Championships. What a privilege it is that we can host this event with Rowing NZ and South Island Rowing here at Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel despite the events that have unfolded over the last 12 months. We are delighted to be able to gather with athletes, spectators, coaches, volunteers, and media for a world class rowing event right here in our own back yard.

The National Championships is the pinnacle of the domestic rowing season, and this year is no different. We look forward to seeing excellent performances on the water and no doubt some close competition. This event is unique in that it offers all athletes an opportunity to compete alongside legendary title winning athletes, World Champions and Olympic Medallists alike. It is great to be here spectating with you, and we are especially looking forward to the new showcase events which feature this year for the first time.

With the rollover of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to take place in July 2021, this regatta is especially important in the rowing calendar. In addition, we do not fully know what the international sporting calendar for 2021 will be, making this event even more significant in terms of training and selection for all participants.

We’d like to give a special good luck message to the Rocket Foods Ambassadors, who have joined us for a third year - Grace Prendergast, Kerri Gowler, Brooke Donoghue and Olivia Loe. It’s fantastic to be able to support these athletes and their dedication to the sport. We wish them the best of luck throughout this event, and for the rest of the season.

This event wouldn’t take place without the commitment and support of our sport’s volunteers. The volunteers that rowing attracts and retains are the most dedicated, and a real asset to the sport. We thank you for everything we see during the regatta, and everything that goes on behind the scenes.

Thank you also to the spectators, every year we see serious commitment to the sport which continues to impress and delight us.

We’d like to wish all the participants the best of luck over the next few days. We are delighted to be supporting the 2021 Rocket Foods New Zealand Rowing Championships.