Team campaign

Team Cook Islands, NZ Secondary Schools 2026

Represent the Cook Islands at the 2026 New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Whanganui. A two-stage youth development and selection pathway for secondary school athletes.

About the Campaign

Athletics Cook Islands is inviting secondary school athletes to apply for the opportunity to be considered for Team Cook Islands at the 2026 New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Championships (NZSSAC).

This campaign is part of our youth development pathway. The selection process is designed not only to identify athletes who are already performing strongly, but also athletes who show potential and are prepared to commit to structured athletics-specific training.

Who Can Apply?

• Athletes must be attending high school at the time of application.
• Athletes must meet Athletics Cook Islands eligibility requirements to represent the Cook Islands.
• Athletes under 18 require parent or guardian approval.
• Athletes must be available for the team travel dates unless an alternative return arrangement is approved in advance.
• Interested athletes must complete the online application form by the published deadline.

Age Categories

• Junior - Under 16, born in 2011 or 2012.
• Senior - Under 20, born from 2007 to 2010. (Must still be in high school)

Two-Stage Selection Process

Selection will take place in two stages. The first stage identifies athletes with the potential to develop to the required competition level. The second stage determines the final travelling team.

Athletes who are not selected for the final travelling team are encouraged to continue within the ACI Youth Development pathway and be considered for future development and competition opportunities.

Stage 1 - Development Squad Long List

Initial trial opportunities will be held as follows:

• Aitutaki - 24 August 2026
• Rarotonga - 26 August 2026 4:30pm
• Rarotonga - 28 August 2026 4:30pm

Long List Training Commitment

• Attend a minimum of 2 Athletics Cook Islands squad training sessions each week.
• Follow the agreed athletics training programme.
• Work towards the Final Selection Standard.
• Attend designated trial and competition opportunities.
• Demonstrate consistent attendance, effort, communication and a positive attitude.

Stage 2 - Final Selection

The final qualification period closes on 30 September 2026. Final trial opportunities will be held on 28 and 30 September 2026.

Athletes will be assessed against the published Final Selection Standards. Performances from other approved competitions within the qualification period may also be considered.

Meeting a performance standard does not automatically guarantee selection. Selectors may also consider performance progression, current form and fitness, training commitment, competition readiness, team balance and available funding.

The final team will be notified by 3 October.

If Selected to the Final Team

• Attend a minimum of 3 structured athletics training sessions each week, unless another programme is agreed with the team coach.
• Maintain regular communication with the designated Athletics Cook Islands coach.
• Attend compulsory team meetings and education sessions.
• Sign and comply with the Athletics Cook Islands Athlete Agreement.
• Meet financial commitments and participate in team fundraising where required.
• Maintain appropriate fitness, preparation and conduct through to departure.

Travel Arrangements

The team will travel together from Rarotonga to Auckland and then continue by road to Whanganui. Final ground transport and accommodation arrangements will be confirmed once the team is selected.

Alternative Return Travel

• We may be able to accommodate athletes who wish to remain in Auckland longer and return to Rarotonga on a later flight. Any alternative arrangement must be agreed with Athletics Cook Islands in advance.
• A parent or guardian must confirm the requested return travel date in writing.
• The parent or guardian must confirm who will take responsibility and guardianship of the athlete in Auckland once the athlete separates from the team.
• Any additional airfare, accommodation, transport or other cost resulting from the change may be the responsibility of the athlete and family.
• The arrangement is subject to airline availability and Athletics Cook Islands approval.

Trip Cost and Athlete Contribution

Expected total trip cost per athlete: approximately $3,300. This covers flights, transport, accommodation, meals, uniform. Personal expenses are at athletes own cost.

Athlete contribution: $1,000

Athletics Cook Islands expects to cover the majority of the remaining cost through grant funding and proceeds from the annual Round Rarotonga Road Race in September.

The athlete contribution is therefore a subsidised contribution towards the total cost of the campaign rather than the full cost of participation. Athletes are welcome to fundraise individually or together as a group to get funds for their contribution. Final costs and payment dates will be confirmed following final selection and once travel arrangements and grant funding are confirmed.

Key Dates

Team Management

The team is expected to travel with 3 management personnel. The final management structure will be confirmed once the athlete team and event disciplines are known.

Applications

Applications for this campaign closed on 24 August 2026, and the team is now being selected from the athletes who applied.

That is this campaign, not your athletics. Missing one deadline does not close the door.

• Join Athletics Cook Islands and train with the squad. Most athletes who make a team trained through the one before it.
• Keep competing. Marks achieved at approved competitions count towards qualification for future campaigns.
• Other campaigns open through the year, for different ages and different competitions.

Join Athletics Cook Islands

The Bigger Picture

The NZ Secondary Schools Championships are one step in Athletics Cook Islands' long-term youth development pathway. We want to identify young Cook Islands athletes with potential, provide access to quality coaching and competition, and help them progress towards future national representation.

For many athletes entering this programme now, the 2029 Pacific Mini Games in the Cook Islands is an exciting longer-term goal. The development work starts now.

Please reach out to the team below if you have any questions.

Who to talk to

• Simone Fe'ao, President
  athleticsci@gmail.com · 50343
• Marie William, Program Manager
  Info.athleticsck@gmail.com · 71618
• Sera Tuinalase, Coach
  tuinalasesera@gmail.com · 89717

See the performance standards Read the full selection policy