A South Auckland school principal says Rowing New Zealand should limit the Secondary Schools rowing regatta to older age groups, to ease the cost of the sport on families and make it accessible to a wider range of students.
The yearly regatta is where the Maadi Cup is raced.
This year it's in Twizel and the schools taking part are almost all from rich private schools or high decile state schools.
Otahuhu College Principal Neil Watson has started the first rowing team at the school in 50 years, and he's hoping they can compete at next year's regatta.
RNZ reported on Monday concerns a focus on winning at the event has led to dubious practices among some schools.
Watson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
