Dunedin lands BMX National Championships for 2029

This will be the first time the event has been held in Dunedin in over 30 years, the last time in 1993, and coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the Dunedin BMX Club.

BMX NZ made the announcement on 28 June at its AGM in Auckland. The BMX NZ National Championships is the top BMX racing event in the country, attracting the best riders from across Aotearoa and expat riders from overseas.

It is predicted 85-90% of participants in the event will come from outside of Dunedin, including an estimated 550-650 riders and their families. It is projected visitors will have an average stay of 3.5 nights, resulting in an estimated economic impact of more than $1.5million.

The event will attract riders of all ages, with categories from just 8-years-old to 60+, meaning riders of all abilities, from grassroots to elite, can get involved.

The Championships will be held in March at Forester Park and BMX fans are encouraged to book in early for a bike-filled long-weekend in Dunedin, so they don’t miss out on the action.

Forester Park has a full national-standard BMX track and is also the home of the Dunedin BMX Club.

Dunedin BMX Club President Paula Hansen says the event will be an amazing showcase of the city and celebration of not just the sport, but the people.

“As we mark 50 years of BMX in Dunedin, hosting the Nationals here acknowledges the families, volunteers, riders and supporters who have built our BMX community over generations. It’s a chance for Dunedin to come together, showcase our city and inspire young riders.

“Hosting the Nationals is the perfect way to mark the Golden Anniversary of the club and cement Dunedin’s place as a top-tier cycle sport destination.”

Enterprise Dunedin Interim Destination Manager Teresa Fogarty says Dunedin has excellent facilities catering to a wide range of cycling disciplines and the BMX Nationals mark the beginning of a pipeline of cycling events looking at the city as a host destination.

“This is exactly the type of outcome our refreshed Festivals and Events Plan was designed to deliver. Rather than waiting for opportunities, we're actively pursuing events that bring visitors, generate economic activity, and strengthen Dunedin's reputation as a major events destination.

“Dunedin has outstanding cycling infrastructure and expertise, and we're building a strong pipeline of cycling events that showcase those strengths. BMX is often where a lifelong passion for cycling begins, so events like this also inspire participation and support the growth of the sport.

“This event also follows the successful attraction of other major events including this year's international women's hockey fixtures and the IIHF Men's and Women's Ice Hockey World Championship. Every event we secure helps build a more vibrant city for residents while delivering real benefits for local businesses.”

The BMX NZ event, hosted by Dunedin BMX Club, is supported by the Dunedin City Council’s events procurement funding which was approved by Council as part of the city Festivals and Events Plan.

The attraction of nationally significant events is a key action within both the Dunedin City Council's Festivals and Events Strategy and Destination Management Plan, supporting the city's long-term visitor economy and reputation as a premier events destination.

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