Unifying Water Polo Communities to inspire, grow and enjoy the game.

We are auckland water polo

Auckland Water Polo is the regional sports organisation representing seven vibrant clubs within the Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland region of New Zealand. Our rich history dates back to the early 1900s, and we are dedicated to promoting the sport of water polo at all levels. Our mission is to foster a supportive environment where athletes can develop their skills, compete, and thrive.

As a community-focused organisation, we offer refereeing programs, competitions, and holiday camps tailored for players of all ages and abilities. Our long-standing commitment to the growth of water polo has created a nurturing pathway for new and experienced players alike. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your journey in the sport, Auckland Water Polo provides the resources and support needed to enhance your experience and performance in water polo.

Join us in the pool and be part of a growing and dynamic water polo community, continuing the legacy of the sport that has thrived in this region for over a century.

  • Water Polo is a dynamic, fast-paced and physically demanding sport. Two teams of seven compete to score as many goals as possible while holding to the constraints of treating water and fielding the ball with a single hand. Limited physical contact is allowed, with players challenging each other for position and possession of the ball. The first team sport to be introduced to the Olympic Games, water polo was know as ‘aquatic football’ prior to the foundation of FINA in 1908. In New Zealand, water polo is a well known, growing sport, especially popular among school age players. Auckland is home to New Zealand’s largest and most successful water polo clubs, and the Centre is proud to see many of our athletes competing internationally.

  • From the early 1900s, Auckland Water Polo existed as a component of the Auckland Swimming Centre.

    In 1984 (around the time that the Marist, Waitakere and North Harbour Clubs were founded), it became an autonomous entity with an independent board. Meeting grounds for the board included the Olympic Pools in Newmarket (1970s), the Royal George Tavern (1980s) and the West Wave Aquatic Centre (1990s). In 2017, AWP became an incorporated society and adopted a formal constitution.

    The Centre’s current Chair, Mr. Matt Southerden, was preceded by Chris Hayward, Garry Hadfield, David Wistrand, John Court, Jack Mazzoleni and Geoff Knights. Past secretaries have included Heather Hume, Mike Richards and Chris Hayward.

    The Men’s League, which today sees teams compete for the Knights Family Trophy, had its origins in the 1890s. The Women’s League began later in 1918, with the Ralph Challenge Shield as its prize. The Centre now oversees league for age groups from Under 14s through to Seniors.

    Auckland Water Polo marked a significant milestone in 2018 with the appointment of its first life member, Mr. Colin Bright. Stepping down from his role as Treasurer at the 2018 AGM, Colin had been involved in Auckland Water Polo for 36 years, playing an integral role in the development of the sport in Auckland throughout that time.

    From 2017 Auckland Water Polo Centre incorporated and became a not-for-profit incorporated society – signalling a new era of water polo in the region, which continues to grow with increases in both club and player numbers.

  • Governance of the Auckland Water Polo Centre is the responsibility of a Board, made up of 7 appointed members and 4 elected positions (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Referee Representative).

  • The region's seven clubs are (from North to South):

    • HIBISCUS COAST WATER POLO CLUB (HBC)

    • NORTH HARBOUR WATER POLO CLUB (NHB)

    • WAITAKERE WATER POLO CLUB (WTK)

    • SEA WOLF WATER POLO CLUB (SWF)

    • ATLANTIS CITY WATER POLO AND AQUATICS CLUB (ATC)

    • MARIST AUCKLAND WATER POLO CLUB (MAR)

    • MOUNTFORT PARK WATER POLO CLUB (MFP)

    • Chris Hayward (2019)

    • Colin Bright (2018)

Values

  • Acting in honesty and integrity in all that we do.

  • Fostering a lifelong love of our sport.

  • Striving for excellence regardless of your ability.

  • Creating positive relationships to unify communities

Strategic Plan

In 2022, Auckland Water Polo undertook a strategic update to adapt to the evolving landscape post-COVID-19. This revision aimed to address the challenges facing us due to pandemic, whilst seizing new opportunities for growth and community engagement.

  • Provide competition and participation opportunities for all levels of ability, and development for athletes, referees, and officials.

  • Increase the number and diversity of people participating in social and competitive water polo.

  • Build capacity, performance, and development of participants through clear pathways and development opportunities for players, coaches, referees and officials and clubs and associations through greater engagement and exposure of the sport.

  • Provide leadership and direction as the recognised body for water polo in Auckland and adopt best practice governance principles and practices across all levels of the sport.

  • Build the awareness and profile of the sport through improved marketing strategies and enhanced use of technology, the internet and social media tools that are relevant and engaging.

Meet the Team

It all begins with a passion. At Auckland Water Polo, we understand that our strength lies not just in the sport itself, but in our whānau – the extended family of clubs, players, coaches, and supporters that make up our community.

Our commitment is to foster an environment where all seven clubs in the Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland region can thrive. By nurturing this passion, we aim to create an inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation at all levels, from juniors to seniors.

We celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of each club while uniting them under a common goal: the growth and development of water polo. Our team is dedicated to providing the resources, support, and opportunities necessary for each club to succeed, ensuring that the love for the game continues to flourish.

Together, as a whānau, we can build a vibrant water polo community that inspires the next generation of players. Our shared passion drives us forward, enabling us to overcome challenges and achieve excellence in the sport we all cherish.


  • Community and Operations Manager

    Fabian is the driving force behind transforming our vision into reality.

    With a focus on community engagement, he collaborates with local clubs to enhance participation and support competitions, or facilitating workshops.

    His dedication to fostering a positive environment helps individuals see their potential and grow both personally and athletically, ultimately contributing to the overall development of water polo in the Auckland region.

  • Admin Support

Meet the Board

  • Matt Southerden

    Chair

  • Kevin Ellyett

    Secretary

  • Stephen Bell

    Treasurer

  • Andrew Churches

    Referee Representative

  • Fred Oloapu

    Director

  • Dee Bailey

    Director

  • Nikki Gibson

    Director

  • Anna Scott

    Director

  • Charlie Veal

    Director

  • Richard McGechie

    Director