National championships provide valuable experience for Macleans College fencers

Macleans College was strongly represented at the 2026 New Zealand National Secondary Schools Fencing Championships - fielding the largest contingent of any school at the event.

Twenty-five students competed across foil and sabre divisions, gaining valuable experience and achieving several impressive results, including a silver medal and top 10 finishes.

The championships were held at the Te Pai Centre in Henderson and attracted competitors from schools throughout New Zealand.

Five Macleans College students competed in the Individual Boys' Foil division. Maxwell Chen (Upham House), the current Auckland Boys' Foil champion, finished eighth overall among almost 40 competitors.

Eight students competed in the Individual Girls' Foil division. With all but one new to the sport, the competition provided a valuable opportunity to test their skills against experienced opponents. The team's camaraderie and enthusiasm were also evident throughout the event.

Three students competed in the sabre division, gaining valuable experience at a national-level competition.

Eight boys also competed in the Individual Sabre division, with many having only one or two years of fencing experience. Harry Zhou (Upham) won a silver medal after reaching the final against the same rival he has faced at the championships for the past three years. Eddie Yao (Kupe) also achieved an impressive eighth place finish among 30 competitors.

The championships were organised by Fencing North. Macleans College acknowledges the efforts of Tournament Director Fiona Campbell, whose organisation helped ensure the event ran smoothly.

The school also thanks its coaches, Rory Ogg for foil and Detroit Evans and Wyatt Horsfall for sabre, for their commitment and support throughout the season.