2026 Inter-Provincial Championships

Monday 18th May, 2026

Kia Ora Koutou, 

Just TWO weeks away now and it's getting crazy exciting as we draw closer to IPC next weekend

What's in this eNewsletter:

• Important dates
• VNZ No Pay, No Play! 
• IPC Seeding updates
• IPC Pools
• IPC Corporate tables
• IPC VNZPLUS.TV

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Thursday 30th April: ENTRIES CLOSED
• Monday 4th May: VNZ MEMBERSHIPS DUE
• Friday 8th May: ENTRY FEE DUE
• Friday 15th May: NO REFUNDS APPLICABLE (two weeks prior)
• Monday 18th May: TEAM BUILDER list DUE today!
• Thursday 28th: Regions HoD (Head of Delegation) “sign-off” 
  • Scheduled to be emailed.
• Friday 29th May:
  • National Referee Course (Whataitai room), 9am - 4pm
    • Still open, registration on previous correspondence
  • Arrival time (Matairangi room upstairs): 6.00pm
  • Mihi whakatau (6.15pm - 6.30pm)
  • Technical Meeting (6.30pm - 7.15pm)
  • RA connect forum (7.15pm -9pm)
    • more information to come 

VNZ “NO PAY, NO PLAY" POLICY:

Please click here: No Pay - No Play

• There are a number of athletes that owe money to VNZ for previous events, HP campaigns, unfortunately that means you will be unable to participate at IPC, Zones and Club Championships until this is paid in full.
• Please contact Mel urgently at accounts@volleyballnz.org.nz

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION SEEDING:

Because IPC teams can vary significantly in strength from positions 2–8, a simple and fair solution, is to adopt the three-year seeding system used in our schools' tournaments. This reduces the impact of a team not attending for a year while still recognising teams that are capable of strong performances. 

Hence, an amendment to IPC regulations: 6 COMPETITION STRUCTURE (clause 6.3 & 6.4) regarding how the seeding will be formulated.

6.3 Seedings within each grade will be based on the previous three years’ results of a region. This will be calculated as follows: 

• 60% weighting for the results from the previous year; 
• 30% weighting for the results two years previous; and 
• 10% weighting for the results three years previous. 

6.4 Teams may be moved up or down by 2 seed spots to help balance regions in a pool if VNZ determines this would assist the integrity of the tournament

• U17 BOYS HERE   
• U17 GIRLS HERE
• U19 BOYS HERE
• U19 GIRLS HERE
• OPEN MEN HERE
• OPEN WOMEN HERE

IPC POOLS:

• Done in serpentine format using the updated seedings above
• * Denotes a region swap for balance
• ** Denotes a Wellington Invitational team

Corporate Table Experience – Inter-Provincial Regional Championships 2026

Elevate your finals experience with our Corporate Table Package, designed for teams, businesses, and groups wanting to enjoy premium volleyball in comfort and style.

For just $50 per ticket, guests receive access to a reserved corporate table area overlooking the action, complete with a chilled bin of refreshments and a selection of snacks for your group. Table service is included throughout the Finals, so you can relax, connect, and enjoy world-class volleyball without missing a moment.

Perfect for client hosting, workplace outings, or social groups, this is a unique way to experience the Inter-Provincial Regional Championships 2026 Finals in a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere.

Limited availability. Book early to secure your table. More details to come!

We are working on having the draw available shortly. Thank you for your patience, until next communications later this week.

Manuia le po!