The 2025 LAQ NZ Development Team has returned home from an incredible trip to New Zealand, brimming with achievements, team spirit, and unforgettable experiences.
The adventure began in Timaru, where the athletes explored the competition venue and even met New Zealand Olympian Lauren Bruce. A fun visit to the Caroline Bay Carnival set the tone for what would be a perfect mix of competition and camaraderie.
Competing in Timaru
Despite chilly conditions, the team showed resilience and sportsmanship on the track. A special highlight was meeting Hamish Kerr, New Zealand’s 2024 Olympic High Jump gold medallist, who generously signed autographs and inspired the athletes.
Queenstown Adventures
The team then traveled to Queenstown, where they balanced training with team-building and thrilling activities. Highlights included a ropes course, combat archery, jet boating, and the famous Minus 5 Ice Bar. The athletes also enjoyed the stunning gondola ride and luge, where the managers humorously claimed victory over the athletes in the friendly race.
The training sessions in Queenstown provided valuable opportunities to connect with local athletes and even a holidaying Australian decathlete, Zac. These moments showcased the power of athletics to unite people across borders.
Christchurch and the Colgate Games
The final leg of the trip was Christchurch, where the team competed at the Colgate Games. Over two days of competition, the athletes earned an impressive haul of 18 medals in total:
🥇 Gold: 8
🥈 Silver: 7
🥉 Bronze: 3
Beyond the medals, the team gained widespread praise from officials for their willingness to assist at events. Their effort epitomized the true spirit of Little Athletics: teamwork, sportsmanship, and community involvement.
Final Farewell
The trip wrapped up with a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, where the team learned about life in Antarctica, experienced a simulated storm, and enjoyed interacting with huskies and penguins.
As the team boarded their flight back to Brisbane, they left with new friendships, valuable experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. Congratulations to all athletes, managers, and supporters who made this trip such a success!
