Far North to welcome councils from across the country

Far North District Council hosts the 2026 Inter Council Sports Tournament next month and is keen for businesses to get in on the action as official sponsors.

The annual event brings councils together from across Aōtearoa, with 14 teams expected to travel to the Bay of Islands, creating a perfect platform to showcase the district and for businesses to align their brand with a positive national event.

Players pay a registration fee that covers most event costs, and the council is looking for sponsorship support to help with essential services such as St John Ambulance cover, venue hire, referees and trophies.

Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can email LGSports@fndc.govt.nz for further information. The tournament features football, touch rugby and a novelty event, followed by an awards dinner celebrating sportsmanship and collaboration across the local government sector.

Far North District Council last hosted the tournament in 2015 and placed first overall. With the event returning in 2026, there is plenty of motivation to deliver another memorable tournament and aim for a repeat performance.

Organisations already registered to attend include:

• Auckland Council
• Auckland Transport
• Hastings District Council
• Hutt City Council
• Kawerau District Council
• Northland Regional Council
• Rotorua Lakes Council
• Tauranga City Council
• Thames-Coromandel District Council
• Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council
• Wellington City Council
• Western Bay of Plenty District Council
• Whakatāne District Council
• Whangārei District Council

The council looks forward to welcoming teams and showcasing the Far North as a district grounded in manaakitanga, collaboration and healthy competition.