This month we’re delighted to welcome our youngest member to the ONZ family and Wellington club. Our Chair, Sarah O’Sullivan gave birth to Isobel in July and we wish Sarah and her newly expanded whanau the very best and lots of rest – haha! Rest is seldom found in Sarah’s vocab but for the next while we can help lessen her ONZ workload.

Our elite athletes shone on the world stage last month in Czechia, Scotland and Poland with some of our best ever individual and relay performances. It was fantastic to see 3 podium finishes across JWOC and WOC and others coming excruciatingly close to the podium. Read further for a full report. Many more age grade NZ orienteers also travelled to Europe to watch and compete and to coach and manage teams. A huge thank you to everyone who supported our teams from near and far. Late night dot watchers might now enjoy more sleep although some should stay up for WUOC starting early August.

On the local scene I loved spectating at the recent NZ Secondary Schools Orienteering Champs. This is one of our 6 annual major events where the technical effort and coordination is next level for clubs and volunteers so congratulations Wellington for a very fine 3 days. Maps, courses and terrains were fitting for our premier schools competition, the long especially provided a big challenge to 300 plus resilient kids with technical Waitarere Forest courses and some foul weather just to make things harder for everyone. 

Stay warm and well and enjoy your wintery adventures.