Dunedin is firmly staking its claim as one of the premier destinations for hockey in Aotearoa with the announcement of not one, but two tournaments taking place in the city next year.
The women’s international tournament has officially been announced, alongside the Secondary Schools Championship, taking place in January and August 2026 respectively.
Hockey New Zealand has announced the Dunedin international women’s Four Nations tournament, the Vantage Black Sticks Summer of Hockey, which will see the New Zealand Vantage Black Sticks, Korea, Japan and USA battle it out for glory at Alexander McMillan Hockey Centre.
This Four Nations series, which will take place 21-25 January marks the return of international hockey to Dunedin. The secondary schools tier 1 events, the Rankin Cup and India Shield, are also returning to the city first the first time since 2009.
Enterprise Dunedin Destination Manager Sian Sutton says both tournaments were expected to bring a few thousand people into the city, from teams and crew to family members and spectators.
“These tournaments will provide a boost for Dunedin, especially the accommodation, hospitality, and retail sectors. The Four Nations Series is also a massive highlight of our summer events season here in Dunedin and it will be a great family day out over the school holidays.
“Attraction of international sporting events such as the Four Nations Series, the IIHF Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey World Championship, which was held in April and May this year, the Otago Rally, and the All Blacks test match against France this past winter, have been a priority for our events team and is all part of the DCC Festivals and Events, and Destination Management Plans.
“Competitions like this will help to establish Dunedin as destination for international elite sport, especially with the incredible athletic facilities we have in such a walkable area.”
The Alexander McMillan Hockey Centre underwent an upgrade led by Council in 2024 which saw the playing surfaces replaced with the same Olympic grade turf used in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
DCC General Manager City Services Scott MacLean says the asset journey from upgrade to activation was very rewarding.
“When we commit to upgrade sporting and community assets our ultimate goal is to see increased utilisation of these spaces and ideally an enhanced ability to attract national and international sporting fixtures.
“Our upgraded hockey turf is a prime example of this plan coming to fruition and we hope to welcome these and many more tournaments to the city.”
Otago Hockey general manager Andy McLean says both competitions are a real boon for the city and the local hockey community.
“Otago Hockey is very appreciative of Dunedin City Council’s and New Zealand Hockey’s support in bringing international hockey back to Dunedin and how fantastic that will be to not only reward our loyal local hockey community but also introduce hockey to a new audience for the wider community of the lower South Island.
“It’s also great to have the Rankin Cup and India Shield tournaments return to the city after 17 years. So, we’re gearing up to have those 32 teams and their families here to continue that hockey competition atmosphere later in the year for the pinnacle secondary schools hockey event.”