The National Rowing Championships started in Twizel on Tuesday with the country's club and elite rowers lining up to race for New Zealand titles.
Hamish Bond (L) and Eric Murray after their win in the men's pair. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The regatta will give the national selectors a chance to assess talent before the upcoming world cup and world championship events.
This year's Championships on Lake Ruataniwha, will have 691 rowers representing 35 rowing clubs and four Regional Performance Centre's in 72 boat classes.
Heats and repechages occupy the first three days and finals are split over Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Rowing New Zealand selectors are expecting some world class performances at this regatta across all the boat classes.
The Championships provide selectors the opportunity to identify future talent in New Zealand rowing. At the conclusion of the regatta selectors will name rowers who are invited to trial for the elite and under-23 team.
High Performance Manager Alan Cotter says 2015 is an exciting year for New Zealand rowing, and they're planning on sending a large team to the elite world rowing championships this year, with the focus on Olympic events and Olympic qualification.
Rowing New Zealand plans to take competitive squads to the upcoming 2015 World Cup events in Italy and Switzerland and the World Championships in France.
The World Championship regatta doubles as the first Olympic qualifier.
