Player EOI - 2027 Masters Trans-Tasman Challenge

Hockey New Zealand and Hockey Australia have confirmed that the 2027 Masters Trans-Tasman Challenge will be hosted by the Tauranga Hockey Association from 9 to 15 May 2027. Two days of training will be available on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May 2027.

The competition structure will include a five-test series for the men’s and women’s 35s, 40s, 45s and 50s age groups. All other age groups will contest the traditional three-match test series.

We are now seeking expressions of interest from players who wish to be considered for selection in a New Zealand team to compete at the Trans-Tasman Challenge.

As part of the registration process, a non-refundable registration fee of $65 will be payable. The fee will be used to help offset the administration and associated costs of independent selectors, as well as the expenses associated with running a selection weekend in November 2026.

A selection weekend for all age groups will be held at North Harbour over the weekend of Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026. The first sessions will commence at 9.00 am on Saturday 21 November, and the event will conclude by 5.00 pm on Sunday 22 November.

To be eligible for selection, you must register through this EOI and attend the selection weekend in November.

As the National Masters Tournament is being played later than normal in 2027, it will not be considered a selection event for the Trans-Tasman Challenge. Teams/squads will be named at the conclusion of the selection weekend.

If you are unable to attend the selection weekend but still want to be considered for selection, you will need to apply to Hockey New Zealand (masters@hockeynz.co.nz) for a dispensation. To be considered for a dispensation, you must have played in either the 2025 Trans-Tasman Challenge, 2026 NMT or 2026 WMH World Cup.

Players selected for the Trans-Tasman Challenge will be required to arrive at the event location by the dates listed above and stay in accommodation arranged by Hockey New Zealand.

The estimated event cost is approximately $2,000, although this amount has not been finalised, and Hockey New Zealand will work to reduce it where possible. Travel to and from the event location is not included in this estimate and will be arranged and paid for by selected players.

To register for selection, please click here to complete the EOI. Registrations close on 15 November 2026.

Click here for the selection policy.

Click here for the dispensation form.

For any questions in relation to selection please email National Masters Coordinator, Peter Lowndes  masters@hockeynz.co.nz