Monday, 9 February 2026

Organisers ‘pretty happy’ with Games

    By Kayla Hodge
    1. Sport
    2. Other Sport
    Geoff McGowan, of Timaru, is all concentration during the archery at Chingford Park. PHOTOS:...
    Geoff McGowan, of Timaru, is all concentration during the archery at Chingford Park. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH
    The Cromwell curling team called the Highlanders — (from left) Charlie Hughes, Gordon Stewart,...
    The Cromwell curling team called the Highlanders — (from left) Charlie Hughes, Gordon Stewart, Murray Kennedy and Harry Hendry — compete at the Dunedin Ice Stadium.
    Angela Johnson, of Wellington, was among those playing pickleball this week.
    Angela Johnson, of Wellington, was among those playing pickleball this week.
    As was Lee-Bin Tee, of Christchurch.
    As was Lee-Bin Tee, of Christchurch.
    Delvin Chin, of Dunedin, lines up a shot during the cue sports competition at Bowey’s Pool Lounge...
    Delvin Chin, of Dunedin, lines up a shot during the cue sports competition at Bowey’s Pool Lounge and Bar.
    Triathletes dive into Otago Harbour at Macandrew Bay yesterday, braving the chilly waters on the...
    Triathletes dive into Otago Harbour at Macandrew Bay yesterday, braving the chilly waters on the final day of the Masters Games.

    "Dunedin really put it on for us."

    The New Zealand Masters Games left athletes, volunteers and support staff with big smiles plastered across their faces as the week-long sporting event wrapped up in the city yesterday.

    The 37th edition of the Masters Games attracted more than 3500 athletes who took part in more than 60 sports.

    Dunedin Masters Games manager Vicki Kestila was delighted with the Games’ success.

    "I’m so happy with what happened," Kestila said.

    "It’s been awesome. We’ve had some great competition, we’ve had some great volunteers, such fun competitors.

    "I think they’ve all had a great time and they’ve all been just so positive — the sportsmanship’s been amazing."

    The Masters Games hub moved to the Edgar Centre this year.

    It was a hive of activity throughout the week, with several sports taking place at the facility.

    "I think the big thing that’s stood out is down here at the Edgar Centre where there’s been so much activity right around us — we haven’t had that before.

    "Being in the middle of it, we’ve been able to watch so much more sport which is really, really good because we do all the planning and then we only get to see five minutes of each one if we’re lucky. To be able to see all those sports in action has been really great."

    Registrations and live entertainment nights had been in the arena and the overall consensus was positive.

    "I think that’s a positive thing. We always go back and see if there’s anything we could do better, but at this stage, we are pretty happy with the outcome."