Zahara has always expected a lot of herself. From starting recreational gymnastics in Levin to now training and competing with Manawatu Gymsports at senior international level, she credits gymnastics with developing a work ethic that extends well beyond the gym. “I love how I naturally put my everything into all the things I do,” she says. But one of the … Read More
Marsh Sponsors the 2026 XP Gymnastics Nationals
We are pleased to announce Marsh as a sponsor of the 2026 XP Gymnastics Nationals. Marsh has been helping businesses across Aotearoa manage risk with confidence for more than 60 years. Backed by the world’s leading risk and insurance advisory network, Marsh brings local insight, global strength and specialist expertise to help businesses make better decisions about risk. Since 2013, … Read More
Road to Nationals: Chasing More Than Another Title
Returning to the XP Gymnastics Nationals as defending champion in both trampoline and synchronised trampoline brings some added pressure for James Dougal, and a challenge he’s looking forward to. But James hasn’t spent this season trying simply to repeat what he did last year. He has increased his personal best scores in both disciplines and, as part of his continued … Read More
Road to Nationals: More Than an Athlete – 13 Years and Counting
When aerobics first found its way into Emma McCaughan’s gymnastics club in 2013, neither she nor her mum could have known how big a part of her life it would become. Emma’s mum, Janine, had attended a women’s artistic gymnastics coaching course in Alexandra where aerobics was used as part of the warm-up. She brought what she’d learned back to … Read More
Road to Nationals: From Climbing Furniture to Senior Competition
At two years old, Abel Standen liked climbing over the furniture at home – and sometimes falling off it. His mum decided gymnastics might be a safer place for all that climbing. Eleven years later, the 13-year-old Bay of Plenty men’s artistic gymnast is still at Argos Gymnastics, preparing for a new milestone in a journey that has already taken … Read More
Tāku Steps Up to Support the Next Generation
We are proud to welcome Tāku Honey as a supporter of the Gymnastics NZ Athlete Support Fund, one of two newly launched Gymnastics NZ philanthropy funds, and a sponsor of the 2026 XP Gymnastics Nationals. As part of their support, Tāku will donate 10% of online sales to the Gymnastics NZ Athlete Support Fund, which was established to help athletes … Read More
Kitted Joins the XP Gymnastics Nationals Team
We’re pleased to announce Kitted as a sponsor of the 2026 XP Gymnastics Nationals. As a New Zealand brand focused on supporting women and girls in sport, Kitted already has strong connections to the gymnastics community. Through its philosophy, Sport is Better with a Full Kit, Kitted aims to create environments where female athletes have access to the products, support, … Read More
Road to Nationals: Courtney McGregor
After five years away from competitive gymnastics, Olympian Courtney McGregor wasn’t sure whether a return to elite sport would fit alongside medical school, hospital placements, and life beyond the gym. But one drafted email changed everything. “What originally sparked my interest in returning to gym was the idea of competing at a Commonwealth Games in Australia,” Courtney says. “I drafted … Read More
How to Follow the 2026 Gymnastics Season
The 2026 competition season is officially underway, with events taking place across the country through to September. Whether you’re a parent, supporter, or simply interested in seeing gymnastics in action, there are plenty of ways to follow along and get involved. Across the season, events provide opportunities for athletes to showcase new skills, build confidence, and create moments that can … Read More
Media release: Olympian McGregor’s comeback among eye-catching performances as veterans lead the way at the 2025 XP Gymnastics Nationals
Former Olympian Courtney McGregor made her return to elite gymnastics in style at the XP 2025 Gymnastics Championships in Auckland, claiming the all around women’s artistic title on the opening day before comfortably taking out her specialist vault event as competition concluded on Saturday. Having retired after a career that included appearing at the 2016 Rio Olympics as a 17-year-old … Read More