Three Christchurch high school rowing coaches were sent home from the prestigious Maadi Cup after socialising on the first day of the regatta. Shirley Boys' High School has confirmed the trio were told they could not participate further at the competition and to return home because of their conduct. The Maadi Cup secondary schools national rowing championships is one of New Zealand’s most prestigious sporting events. Last year police were forced to call reinforcements when wide-scale disorder broke out on the small town’s streets following the New Zealand Rowing Championships. The 2026 Maadi Cup ran from March 23-28, with 2280 athletes from 127 schools participating.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 08, 2026 08:40 UTC