U13 team tops win with perfect score

Wellington’s Bandoliers Masters in formation. PHOTOS: TONI MCDONALD
Wellington’s Bandoliers Masters in formation. PHOTOS: TONI MCDONALD
A roar of delight went up from spectators and competitors at the New Zealand Marching Championships on Saturday when the Hokonui under-13 team scored a perfect 13/13 in their technical march.

Marching Southland promotions officer Sheree Hall said it was the second year in a row the team had left the annual competition undefeated, but the perfect score was one for the record books as they were extremely rare.

The Pioneers of Canterbury masters grade marching team compete.
The Pioneers of Canterbury masters grade marching team compete.
The team of young girls were awarded first place in the technical and display divisions as well as the 2025 New Zealand Marching Championship under-13 team category.

"Hokonui smashed it.

"It’s never been achieved in Southland as far back as I can remember."

The Hokonui under-13 marching team claimed top honours at the national champs in Invercargill...
The Hokonui under-13 marching team claimed top honours at the national champs in Invercargill over the past three days.
The Hokonui under-18 team were awarded their third consecutive New Zealand under-18 team championship.

Both the under-18 and under-13 Hokonui teams made history with their results, she said.

The team as well as the coaches were "overwhelmed and just elated with the outcome".

A judge inspects the Buckingham Guards under-13 team from Hawke’s Bay with precision callipers...
A judge inspects the Buckingham Guards under-13 team from Hawke’s Bay with precision callipers during their technical march.
About 700 spectators watched the national event, where up to 600 marchers and supporters had gathered for the three-day competition.

Next year the national championships would be hosted by Wellington clubs but competitions would be held in Palmerston North, Hall said.

By Toni McDonald