The New Zealand Development Tour is an exciting opportunity for Little Athletics Queensland (LAQ) athletes in the U14 and U15 age groups. It is an annual tour conducted by LAQ with athletes in the Team spending approximately 10 – 12 days travelling, training and competing together throughout the South Island of New Zealand, against local athletes from all over the Island. For athletes selected to go, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a team environment in a sport where individual performance is normally the focus.
LAQ has successfully conducted this tour for the past 15 years and both parents and athletes who have previously attended speak highly of the benefits of the tour, not just for their athletic development, but also their social and emotional development. Athletes of all skill levels are encouraged to apply, as this tour provides a development opportunity for all athletes, regardless of their skill level.
A team of up to 30 athletes will be selected for the Tour. Only full LAQ registered athletes in the U14 and U15 age groups are eligible for selection.
The team will be selected solely from those athletes who have nominated. Should nominations exceed 30 athletes, the following selection criteria will be used as a guide. All selections are at the discretion of LAQ.
- Athletes who have displayed exemplary behaviour at Centre, Region and State competitions
- Where possible, an even split of male and female athletes
- Commitment to Little Athletics
- Longevity of service and involvement in Little Athletics
- If the above criteria have been satisfied, priority will be given to U15 athletes due to U14 athletes being eligible to reapply the following year
Placing at LAQ sanctioned events or being selected as a member of the LAQ State Team or previous Development Tours does not guarantee selection in this Team.
2026 Tour
Nominations for the 2026 Tour are now open! The tour will take place from Saturday 10th – Monday 19th January. Athletes will spend 10 days training and competing in Christchurch and Nelson.
For further information about the Tour and to nominate, please click HERE.
Current U14 and U15 athletes (born 2010 and 2011) are eligible to nominate.