The first combined NZ Police and Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) Athletics Championships were a runaway success, Police Athletics code co-ordinator Rob Lyle says. 

The event was held in collaboration with the NZ Masters Association (NZMA) Track and Field Championships in Auckland from March 28-30, making the 17 Police and FENZ athletes who took part eligible for not only medals in their respective age groups within the “emergency services” category but also for NZMA medals and honours.

The group included nine serving police officers, three former constabulary and/or retired members, four from FENZ, and even a police officer from Sugarland Police Department in Texas, who made the long journey over to be a part of the action.

The 17 competitors walked away with 79 gold and four silver medals across the emergency services category as well as 29 gold, 22 silver and 13 bronze medals in the NZMA national categories.

“These numbers made that fact our emergency services personnel not only set season best or personal best marks but also snared NZMA medals and even championship and national records even sweeter,” Rob says. “It gave a glimpse of the potential for our athletes to be a significant force at future championships.”

In total, 281 athletes took part over the three days including 11 athletes from French Polynesia, four from Australia, three each from the Cook Islands and Samoa, and one each from the United States and England.

The venue for the 2026 championships is yet to be confirmed, Rob says, but rumours indicate a trip to the South Island is likely, and perhaps plenty more Police and FENZ athletes.

• Full results for Police-FENZ athletes will be published on the Police Sport website.

PHOTOS: STEVE SMITH (NZ Police)