Excitement builds for 2025 14U National Championships in Auckland and Wellington

The 2025 14U National Championships are almost here, with teams from across New Zealand set to compete for national honours. Split across two divisions in Auckland and Wellington, this end-of-year tournament promises many exciting clashes. It’s great to see squads from across the regions involved and several returning teams adding even more depth to the field.

Division 1 will be staged in Auckland from 11-14 December, set to deliver four days of fast-paced water polo as top clubs from across the country battle for the title. Division 2 follows in Wellington from 13-16 December, with an impressive 24 teams competing across the boys’ and girls’ grades across two venues.

Division one

11-14 December | Auckland

The stage is set for an exciting four days of action at the 14U Division 1 National Championships, where the country’s top clubs will battle it out in the pool for the championship title. This year’s competition features 22 teams—11 in the Boys Division and 11 in the Girls Division—who will compete in a series of matches across the tournament, culminating in an epic championship final.

Girls

North Harbour Maroon will be looking to make it a three-peat after lifting the trophy in 2023 and 2024. However, Atlantis will be hungry for a championship after winning the 2025 Auckland Water Polo 14s league and securing podium finishes at the past three Nationals without taking home the title. Sea Wolf Black will also be aiming for the top, having beaten both North Harbour and Atlantis in pool play during the AWP’s 14s league, making them a team to watch.

Boys

Marist Red will look to defend their crown and continue their dynasty, having achieved three consecutive podium finishes since 2022 and taking out the championship in 2024. Sea Wolf Black and North Harbour Maroon proved they are serious contenders for 2025 after putting in strong performances in Auckland Water Polo’s 2025 14s league. Tauranga, Waikato, and the other travelling teams always bring their flair, with Tauranga taking silver and Waikato bronze in 2024, they will be looking to challenge the Auckland sides once again.

Division two

13-16 December | Wellington

The 2025 14U Division 2 National Championships kick off in Wellington on Saturday 13 December, featuring 24 teams, 11 in the Girls Division and 13 in the Boys Division. Clubs from across New Zealand, will travel to compete in what promises to be an action-packed weekend.

Girls

This year’s girls’ draw features 14 teams from across the country, bringing together a mix of experienced clubs and new challengers. Otago will be looking to back up their 2024 title, while Marist Blue, last year’s runners-up, come in strong after an impressive Auckland league campaign. Harbour City Hawks, Waikato, and Tauranga have moved into Division 2 this season, bringing valuable experience and depth to the competition. With such a diverse field, the girls’ grade promises plenty of intensity and exciting matchups.

Boys

The boys’ side of the tournament is even bigger, with sixteen teams ready to battle it out. Alongside the girls, the Otago boys return as defending champions, aiming to repeat their 2024 success, with North Harbour White close behind after finishing runners-up last year and claiming the recent Auckland league title. Sea Wolf White, who were bronze medallists at the 2024 Division 2 Nationals and in the 2025 Auckland League, will also be in the mix at the top end. Hutt and Manawatu rejoin the competition with new teams this season.

Ones to Watch

There are several standout contenders to keep an eye on in both divisions. In Division 1 girl's grade, Atlantis and Sea Wolf Black both shaping as serious threats after strong league form. On the boys’ side, North Harbour and Sea Wolf are pushing hard after impressive Auckland campaigns. In Division 2, North Harbour White and Marist Blue look to defeat Boys & Girls defending champions, Otago, eager to break through. With travelling sides also in the mix, the stage is set for some tight contests. 

Key details / links:

Competition webpage: https://nzwaterpolo.org.nz/14u-national-championships
Draw & Results: https://nzwaterpolo.org.nz/draws-and-results/u14-division-1-national-championships-2025