What the NZ Hopes Week & Challenge Includes: 

• Four days of high-quality training guided by international and national coaches appointed by TTNZ

• One-day Hopes Challenge, giving players the chance to put new skills into action through match play

• Engaging learning sessions covering mental skills, tactical awareness, technical development, and age-appropriate conditioning

• Skill-building workshops focused on teamwork, goal-setting, and developing positive training habits

• Fun and supportive environment designed to inspire young players and build lasting confidence

• National Hopes Week T-shirt for all participants

• Opportunities to form friendships with peers from across New Zealand who share a passion for table tennis

• Clear pathway insights, helping young players and families understand future opportunities, including potential progression to ITTF-Oceania Hopes Week & Challenge

Eligibility to enter

a. Age Requirements:
Open to TTNZ-registered male and female players who are older than 9 years of age and are eligible for either the Under 12 or Under 13 category (born in 2013-2016). 

b. Independent Supervision:
Players must be able to manage themselves independently for the full duration of each day (approximately 9:00am–6:00pm) without parental or caregiver supervision.

c. TTNZ Affiliation:
Players must be members of an association affiliated with Table Tennis New Zealand (TTNZ).

d. Tournament Participation:
Players must have competed in at least one Association Open or TTNZ national tournament in 2025 to be eligible.

Note:
For the ITTF-Oceania Hopes Week & Challenge, the TTNZ Selection Panel will select players based on all available results and player talent assessments at the time of selection, while ensuring compliance with any eligibility requirements set by ITTF or ITTF-Oceania. Please note that ITTF-Oceania and ITTF World Hopes events are typically restricted to U12 players (born in 2014 or later).

How to enter

All individual entries are to be submitted online

Enter here 

Entry Fees per player: 

Entry fees have been adjusted to equalise costs for players travelling from >280kms from Hamilton. The following entry fees shall apply dependent on where the player normally resides:

• Greater Auckland Region, (Auckland, Counties Manukau, North Shore, Waitemata),Bay Of Plenty, Waikato $400.00
• Northland, Manawatu, North Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Whanganui, Wellington $200.00
• South Island (Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Otago, Southland) $100.00

Conditions of entry

1. Full Participation Required:
   All players must attend the full five-day programme. Partial participation is not permitted. The full schedule will be provided to all participants following the close of entries.
2. Withdrawal and Refund Policy:
   Any withdrawals on or after Sunday, 14th December 2025 will not be eligible for a refund of entry fees.
3. Eligibility Compliance:
   Players must meet all eligibility criteria outlined by TTNZ to participate.
4. Behaviour and Conduct:
   All participants are expected to comply with TTNZ’s Code of Conduct and policies. Any inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the programme without refund.
5. Health and Safety:
   Players with medical conditions or special requirements must notify TTNZ prior to the event. TTNZ reserves the right to make decisions regarding participation based on health and safety considerations.​​
6. ⁠Challenge:  
   The challenge will be conducted in accordance with the current ITTF Laws and Regulations of Table Tennis, under a format chosen by Table Tennis New Zealand.

Recognition

As this is a development programme rather than a competition, no medals or prizes will be awarded. All participants will receive a 2026 NZ Hopes Week and Challenge Participation Certificate to acknowledge their involvement.

Officials

• Challenge Organiser: To be appointed by TTNZ
• Umpires: Players will be required to umpire matches in their round robins and knockouts. We will advise players of their umpiring requirements for the knockout phases of play.

 

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