Southland Youth Marching Teams Sweep South Island Championships

Young performers in Southland are showing the country what dedication looks like. Five marching teams from the region finished in the top three at the recent South Island Championships, setting themselves up for success at the upcoming national competition in March.

The Hokonui U18 team secured second place overall and second in technical performance. Their younger counterparts, Hokonui U13, tied for first in technical execution and earned second place as champion team.

Southern Stars U13 delivered what organizers called a beautiful performance, earning third place in both technical and overall rankings. Blue Jay teams in both U18 and U13 categories added to Southland's strong showing with committed performances that demonstrated the depth of talent in the region.

"Blue Jay U18 and Blue Jay U13 showed their determination and commitment on the field," said Sheree Hall, publicity and promotions officer for Marching Southland. "Their performances added to the strength and pride of Southland's marching community."

The teams are already back in training after the Christmas break. They'll compete at the New Zealand Championships on the second weekend of March, where Southland has established itself as a formidable competitor.

Last year, Invercargill hosted the national championships at ILT Stadium Southland for the first time since 2017. The home advantage paid off spectacularly for local teams.

The Ripple Effect

Hokonui U18 claimed the overall national title for the third consecutive year, cementing their legacy as one of the country's most successful youth marching teams. Hokonui U13 also took home a national championship, remaining undefeated for the second time while winning both technical and display categories.

These victories represent more than trophies. They showcase what happens when young people commit to a shared goal, practice together through countless hours, and support each other through competition.

Southland entered six teams out of 37 competing nationally last year. That level of participation from a smaller region speaks to the strength of community support and coaching infrastructure that makes excellence possible for young performers.

With five teams placing in the top three at South Island Championships, Southland's marching community is building momentum heading into nationals and inspiring younger participants to join their ranks.