We are thrilled to invite you to partner with us for the 2026 New Zealand Secondary School Volleyball Championships, taking place in Palmerston North from March 22–27, 2026. This is New Zealand’s largest secondary school and indoor sporting event, featuring over 200 senior teams and bringing over 4,000 players, coaches, managers, and their families to our city.

The event has been hosted in Palmerston North since 2008, and this year we are proud to announce a 25% growth in participation compared to 2023. With over 1,100 matches scheduled over the week, the competition promises to be more exciting and competitive than ever before.The finals will be live broadcasted on Whakata Māori, offering sponsors a unique opportunity to showcase their brand to a broad and engaged audience, while highlighting the exciting world of secondary school volleyball.

Why Partner With Us?

The NZ Secondary School Volleyball Championships is a premier event in the New Zealand sports calendar, drawing attendees from across the country, including top-tier athletes, dedicated coaches, and passionate volleyball fans. Your support will help ensure the success of this celebrated event while offering your brand unmatched visibility in front of a diverse and engaged audience.

How You Can Get Involved:

Sponsorship: We offer customized sponsorship with tailored benefits, allowing you to choose the level of exposure that best suits your business. Work closely with Volleyball New Zealand’s Partnership Manager, Rob Waddell, and his expert team to create the perfect partnership.

Donations: Whether in-kind, financial, or through services, your contributions will directly support the event and enhance the experience for participants.

Discounts: If your business can offer discounts to players, coaches, or attendees, we’d love to include you as a supporter while boosting your visibility.

Volunteer: Join us through Volunteer Central, where your team can play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the event. Volunteering provides a unique opportunity to foster lasting connections with the volleyball community while supporting the success of this prestigious championship.

Sponsorship Benefits:

As a sponsor, you will receive a wide range of benefits designed to maximize your brand’s exposure, including logo placement, event signage, promotional materials, digital and social media recognition and additional marketing exposure through event-week activations, product placements and more.

Next Steps:

We would love to discuss the opportunities available and how we can make this partnership a success for your business. Please contact us by February 28, 2026, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or reach out directly to Kelsey Higgins, Volleyball Manawatū General Manager, at 0278655390 for tailored sponsorship options.

Thank you for considering partnering with us. Your support is vital to making this year’s championships a success. We look forward to working with you to create an unforgettable experience!

Volunteer central

Looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support the NZ Secondary Schools Volleyball Championships, including both the Opening Ceremony and Finals. Opportunities available from 22 March to 28 March inclusive. Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities: Set-up: Arrange seating, set up signage, and ensure the venue is prepared. Guest Greeting & Ushering: Welcome attendees, provide directions, and assist with seating. Pack-down: Help clear the venue and pack away equipment.

Required Skills:

Volunteers should be flexible, adaptable, and ready to take on various tasks as needed.

explore palmy

We are excited to be your host city once again for this year’s National Volleyball competition. From city sights to off-the-beaten-track adventures, Palmy has something for everyone.

To enhance your experience in the city, we've compiled a list of the best things for you to do during your visit, and we've organized a few events for you to join as well! 


beats n bites

To welcome teams, supporters and whānau to our city, PNCC ARE putting on Beats + Bites in Te Marae o Hine – The Square – a pop-up event packed with quality beats and delicious bites.

 Whether you’ve been playing hard on the court, cheering from the sidelines, finishing up at work, or just looking for something fun to do in town, come along and join the buzz!

Te Marae o Hine – The Square is just a short stroll from Central Energy Trust Arena, making it the perfect post-match (or after-work) hangout spot.

chilled events

Right in the heart of the city, the pop-up ice rink transforms Te Marae o Hine into a fun, festive winter hub. It’s the perfect team bonding activity between games. Glide like a pro or laugh your way around the rink for the first time. With great cafés, open green spaces, and plenty of photo-worthy moments nearby, ice skating in the Square is an easy, memorable way to experience the best of Palmy off the court. Lace up, bring your teammates, and make it part of your tournament adventure! ❄️


THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL SUPPORTERS