History of School Rowing

In 1885 Wanganui Collegiate School was the first school to row in New Zealand.

1889

School rowing started in the south 120 years ago - Christchurch Boys' High School in 1897, then at Waitaki Boys' High School in 1907.

1936

School rowing began in Auckland with Mt Albert Grammar and Sacred Heart. Progress was rapid and soon they were racing in a four-oared event the following year.

1965

Girls began rowing in the 1970's and a four-oar race over 1000m was included in the programme and there were six entries.

2000

Regatta cancelled due to COVID-19.

2021 1885

First inter-school rowing boats were four-oared fixed-seat clinker in-rigger practice boats and the distance was 1 mile at the Wellington Regatta in 1889.

1897

Christ's College started rowing. The first Heats and Finals were held at a quadrangular tournament on the Avon River.

1913

At the championship regatta racing was now held over 2000m, heats were also run and the boy's four-oar race was for the first time included in the regatta programme.

1973

The regatta had just 846 competitors, and due to weather issues on the very last day racing fell behind and the eights were held after 6pm with darkness almost falling.

2020

There are now 2,623 competitors from 122 schools that attend the Aon Maadi Cup, for six full days of racing.