Keep Playing with NZ Masters Games!

Each year the New Zealand Masters Games alternates between Whanganui (the home of Suzuki) and Dunedin. With around 5,000 competitors, this iconic event is the largest Masters multi-sport festival in New Zealand and quite simply, a lot of fun.

The 2023 Downer New Zealand Masters Games will be held in Whanganui from 3-12 February. With over 60 different sports and activities on offer, there is something for everyone aged 20 to triple digits. The Games turn the city into the ultimate playground for Masters participants and their supporters, and the fun doesn’t stop when the whistle blows!

At the heart of it all is the Games Village, host to a range of events and entertainment over 10 fun-filled days and nights. It’s your home for registration, relaxation and celebration and also the place to go to grab some new-look merchandise and have your hard earned medals engraved.

We decided to sit down with Heather (Games Manager) and Josh (Sports Partner Liaison) from the NZ Masters Games team to talk unusual sports, what Whanganui has to offer and all things #nzmg2023!

What is something we may not know about the NZ Masters Games?

Heather – 20FOR20s!

Josh - The Masters Games caters to ALL age groups – this year, we have over 20 sports available to people in their 20s!

What is the most unusual sport you have this year?

Josh – The Jigsaw Racing took the Masters Games by a storm in 2021, and in 2023 it is more popular than ever with all available spots now full. The participants have 7 hours to complete a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle of a local Whanganui scene (which they get to keep!) and the event tends to draw a lot of spectators. It’s all happening from 9am on Saturday 11th February for those of you who want to pop in and check it out!

What sort of things do the volunteers do during the Games?

Josh - Our sports couldn’t run without our volunteers. They will do everything from setting up the sports draws, liaising with competitors, refereeing games, timekeeping and providing refreshments to our competitors.

Heather – We also have volunteers who help our contractors and event staff ‘build’ the Games Village. They are onsite to assist with the set-up of furniture and equipment for all of the events held onsite during the week. Their friendly faces will be the ones welcoming participants to the Games Village and directing them check them in.

Which places should people visit while they are staying Whanganui?

Josh – Why not take a trip up the Whanganui River Road, or go for a cruise on the Waimarie Paddle Steamer!

Heather - The Games Village at Whanganui War Memorial Centre – there will be entertainment every night and a bar for refreshments!

Do you have any last minute advice for all of the competitors?

Josh - Have a blast! And make sure you come down to the Games Village throughout the week to enjoy our entertainment and social programme.

Heather - Warm up!

If you are at the Games this year, you are likely to spot a Suzuki or two helping volunteers deliver medals and provide assistance to the many sport venues around the city!

Don’t worry, it’s not too late to get involved! You still have time to register to participate in the Games and there are still lots of sports to choose from. Plus every entry in the 2023 Downer New Zealand Masters Games also goes in the draw to win a Suzuki Vitara JLX for a year – find out more and check out what’s on offer on the NZ Masters Games website.

We hope to see you there!