Yes, this is big news and we are so excited. The announcement of the 2029 Junior World Orienteering Championships follows a decision by the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) Council at a 6–8 July 2026 meeting.
This will be first JWOC to be held in New Zealand and only the second in Oceania.  The event will showcase Canterbury’s diverse and challenging terrain.
We look forward to welcoming the world’s best junior athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters to Ōtautahi / Christchurch in 2029.

Read IOF statement:
https://orienteering.sport/new-zealand-appointed-to-host…/
ONZ news & linked bid embargoes (which will most likely be updated as plans firm-up):
https://www.orienteering.org.nz/…/orienteering-nz…/