The New Zealand Pro event will take place at Manu Bay and will be the fourth stop on the 2026 Championship Tour, bringing the world’s top male and female surfers to one of the sport’s most iconic locations.
The event will be the first combined men’s and women’s Championship Tour event held in New Zealand, and will take place during the 50th anniversary year of the Championship Tour.
New Zealand Wildcards
The WSL has generously allocated two wildcards (one male and one female) into the main event field. These wildcards will be awarded to the winners of the @backdoor_nz King and Queen of the Point event. This event also serves as the final of the 2026 New Zealand Surf Series, providing a direct performance-based pathway from the national series into a World Tour event.
Rising Tides Programme
The WSL event will also host the Rising Tides programme, offering 30 young surfers (15 boys and 15 girls) a unique opportunity to surf alongside World Tour athletes at Manu Bay on the official practice day, 14 May.
18 places will be awarded to the top nine boys and nine girls from the NZ Grom Series Under 14 Division.
12 places will be allocated to the local Raglan community, through the two boardrider clubs – @raglanpointboardriders and Whaingaroa Maori Boardriders.
This initiative is designed to inspire emerging surfers with close up access to athletes.
Local Grom Board Caddy Opportunities
Young local surfers under the age of 14 will also have the opportunity to act as board caddies for competing athletes during the event. These roles provide an exciting experience and a memorable connection to the competition.
Capability and Workforce Development
Surfing New Zealand is working closely with the WSL to manage a number of locally based operational and support roles. These positions will help build national capability, provide valuable development experiences, and strengthen the future delivery of major surfing events in New Zealand.
Aksel Bech, Mayor of Raglan and other parts of the Waikato, says the event recognises Raglan’s global standing in surfing and the wider opportunities it brings for the district.
“Raglan is one of the world’s great surf breaks, so it’s fitting to see it recognised on the WSL Championship Tour. Events of this scale help lift the profile of our district on a global stage, and we look forward to working with organisers as planning progresses.”
Whaaingaroa General Ward Councillor Lisa Thompson says the announcement will resonate strongly with the local community.
“Surfing is part of Raglan’s identity, and Manu Bay holds real significance for locals. It’s exciting to see the town recognised in this way, and it will be important that the event reflects the values of the community and the environment that make Raglan special.”
Council will continue working alongside event organisers, partners, and the local community as further details are confirmed.
The event window is scheduled for 15 – 25 May 2026.