Two teams of equal ability will be selected to compete for the Southern Cross Trophy against the six Australian states and the Australian Capital Territory in the 2026 Australian Schools Championships.

The championships will be held in the ACT as part of the Oceania carnival which runs from 26 September to 4 October 2026.

The specific School’s championship events are:

• Sprint Championship – 29 September
• Individual Long Championship – 30 September
• Relay Championship – 1 October

Each of the two teams will be a maximum of 20 athletes in size; five in each of Senior Boys, Senior Girls, Junior Boys and Junior Girls. Senior grades have a birth year of 2010 or earlier. Junior grades have a birth year of 2011 or later.

Selection Criteria

The team selection will be made in accordance with the Orienteering NZ Policy G1 – Selection Policy and Appendix. This policy is available on the Orienteering NZ website.

The 2026 New Zealand Secondary Schools Teams will be based on performances at the following event:

• King’s Birthday Weekend orienteering event hosted by Auckland Orienteering Club in Auckland, Saturday 30 May to Monday 01 June 2026.

If required for difficulties distinguishing between different athlete’s performances, all known form will be used as part of selection, with priority given to the most recent known form at major events.

If you wish to be selected for the New Zealand Schools Team, you must race in either the Junior Boys/Girls or Senior Boys/Girls ‘A’ grade at the King’s Birthday event in Auckland.

Exceptions may be given to named members of the New Zealand Junior World Orienteering Championship team who contact the convenor of selectors prior to the selection races, who may compete in junior or senior elite grades.

Junior: born 2011 or later. Senior: born 2010 or earlier.

Availability for selection

It will be assumed all orienteers entered in Junior Boys/Girls or Senior Boys/Girls ‘A’ Grades at the King’s Birthday event will be available for selection, so no nomination is necessary.