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New Zealand Pro riding wave of success into 2027 season
AAP • September 15th, 2026 10:09 am
NZ surf pro | Photo: AAP
The New Zealand Pro will return next year after the World Surf League confirmed it as a stop on the Championship Tour for the 2027 season.
After the success of this year's inaugural event, the WSL and the New Zealand government have ensured the world's best surfers will return to Aotearoa's outstanding left-point of Raglan next year.
Long regarded as one of the finest waves in the world, Raglan's Manu Bay had never experienced the highest level of surf competition before the inaugural CT event in May.
Providing a lengthy left canvas that offered a solid mix of progressive high-performance surfing and traditional rail work, Manu Bay announced itself as a must-watch venue.
Five-time world champion and 2020 Olympic gold medallist Carissa Moore took out the women's event this year.
The men's event went to Brazilian Italo Ferreira, the 2019 world champion and 2020 Olympic gold medal winner, as Raglan attracted the cream of the crop.
The New Zealand Pro attracted plenty of fans to watch the world's best surfers in action | Photo: AAP
"The WSL is so excited to see the CT return to Raglan in 2027," World Surf League Australia Pacific president Andrew Stark said.
"Raglan is a truly special place, with a deep surfing heritage, world-class waves and an incredibly passionate local community, and after an amazing event in 2026, we know the athletes and fans will embrace the opportunity to experience it again.
"We'd like to sincerely thank the New Zealand government for its support, as well as the Waikato and Raglan communities for welcoming the WSL back.
"The enthusiasm and commitment we've seen from everyone involved has been fantastic, and we're looking forward to working together to deliver an unforgettable Championship Tour event in 2027."
New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said it was great to see the country in the global spotlight.
New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said it was great to see the country in the global spotlight.
"Following the success of this year's event, bringing the world's best surfers back to one of New Zealand's most iconic surf breaks will once again showcase Raglan and the Waikato to a global audience,'' she said.
"We're backing events that put New Zealand on the world stage, attract visitors, support local businesses, and create lasting benefits for communities.
"We know major events deliver real economic impact, and the return of the World Surf League is another great example of that in action."
Beyond the international competitors, the 2026 New Zealand Pro also provided a platform for three Kiwis - Billy Stairmand, Alani Morse and Tom Butland - to showcase their talent to the world.
Beyond the international competitors, the 2026 New Zealand Pro also provided a platform for three Kiwis - Billy Stairmand, Alani Morse and Tom Butland - to showcase their talent to the world.
For next year's event, two New Zealanders will receive wildcard spots through a local trials event.
