Southland Teams Shine At National Marching Event

Marching Southland once again delivered an impressive performance at the New Zealand Marching Championships 2026, held at Te Rauparaha Arena on 13 and 14 March. The national event brought together 30 teams from across the country, creating a highly competitive environment. Despite the strong field, Southland’s four teams stood out with consistent and high-quality performances.

The Hokonui Under 13 team led the way with an outstanding result. They claimed the Champion Technical Drill Team title and placed third in the Display section. Their combined efforts secured them the overall Champion Under 13 Team title, marking their third consecutive national championship win. The team was coached by Levana McDonald and Aaliyah Bartlett, whose guidance has clearly contributed to sustained success at the highest level.

Southern Stars also delivered a strong showing in the Under 13 category. They were named Champion Display Team and placed third in Technical Drill. These results earned them the overall third place in the Under 13 division. Coaches Mel Canning and Jess King supported the team in achieving a well-balanced and competitive performance across both disciplines.

In the Under 18 category, Hokonui continued Southland’s success. The team secured third place in Technical Drill and finished as the overall third place team in their division. Coaches Levana McDonald and Emma Gray helped guide the team through a competitive field, maintaining a high standard throughout the event.

The Blue Jay Under 18 team, coached by Carla Johnson, may not have placed, but their performance was marked by determination and clear progress. Over the two days of competition, the team showed significant improvement, reflecting their dedication and commitment. Their efforts captured the spirit of Marching Southland and highlighted the importance of growth and teamwork.

Marching Southland expressed pride in all four teams, recognising not only the podium finishes but also the effort, discipline, and development shown by every participant. The results reinforce Southland’s reputation as a strong contributor to marching in New Zealand.