Manukau was buzzing earlier this year when it hosted the 2024 Weightlifting New Zealand National Championships, the pinnacle event on the domestic weightlifting calendar.
Over three days, the Due Drop Events Centre welcomed 88 competitors, including three guests from Vanuatu, all vying for national titles in a showcase of strength, skill, and determination.
Among the organisers was New Zealand weightlifting star Megan Signal, a 2022 Commonwealth Games representative who holds seven national and two Oceania records.
“We had an incredibly successful three days of competition,” she says, highlighting the record-breaking performances across youth, junior, senior, and Masters categories.
The championships also served as a hub for developing technical expertise, with two Category 1 and 2 written and practical exams conducted to enhance the skills of New Zealand’s technical officials.
The event wasn’t just about the competition—it was a community celebration. A group of 22 students from Te Kura Māngere met Olympian Ajah Pritchard-Lolo, who shared her inspirational journey, while students from Tangaroa College gained hands-on work experience by helping with event setup. Wiri Central School also added local flair with a vibrant performance at the opening ceremony.
The Wiri Licensing Trust played an important role in supporting Weightlifting New Zealand’s $30,000 funding application to secure a premium venue in South Auckland.
General Manager Kim Green says the Trust is passionate about backing events that benefit the local economy. “Our Board is also committed to supporting initiatives that provide tamariki and rangatahi with opportunities to participate in sport locally,” she says.
Hosting the national championships is just one step in Weightlifting New Zealand’s ambitious vision for South Auckland. “We believe Aotearoa has a unique opportunity to become a central hub for weightlifting in the Pacific,” Megan explains.
Three key strategic pillars are vital to making the dream a reality.
The first is establishing a world-class performance centre in South Auckland, encouraging collaboration across various sports within New Zealand’s sporting ecosystem.
The second is fostering relationships within the Pacific region, which is crucial to weightlifting’s development and success.
The third is providing pathways for tamariki and rangatahi in South Auckland to help them pursue their potential through sport.
With participation in the sport growing—especially among women and youth—Weightlifting New Zealand is seeing promising momentum. The New Zealand Secondary School Championships experienced a 40 per cent increase in competitors at the 2022-23 event, maintaining that growth in 2024.
With competitors from as young as 11 right through to those in the 70-plus group, weightlifting is a sport for everyone, Megan says.
“And support from the Wiri Licensing Trust and its funders is vital to allow the sport to offer high-quality experiences in the local community.”
Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us at info@wiritrust.org.nz.
