Matilda (9) and London (10), whose families have been friends since before they were born, teamed up to win the pre-choreographed primary category in the competition.
The two were up against some stiff competition as eight teams from across the country were competing for the title.
The East Taieri school friends, who both train at Pulse Aerobics, also competed against one another in the pre-choreographed primary solo heat.
London placed second, and Matilda third.
Matilda’s mother, Kristy Compton, said she had initially had some concerns that competing against one another might cause friction between the two, but in the end "there really wasn’t any tension at all".
"They were just so proud of one another."
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the championship qualification heats were filmed on November 6 at various locations around the country, including Dunedin, Christchurch, Invercargill and Wellington.
The livestream and winners’ announcements took place online on Saturday.
The families of both girls watched the awards together.
Matilda said she felt nervous watching the awards, but that "as soon as they said ‘East Taieri’, we knew it was us, because we are the only ones from there.
"Then it was exciting."
London’s mother, Renee Hodge, said hearing the girls had won was "incredible".
"They’ve achieved so much in such a short time - especially since they only started in March this year."
The girls said, more than anything, they felt "proud" to have won, but agreed it was the first step in their journey towards qualifying for the world competitions in years to come.
