As with most countries who compete in the sport of Water Ski Racing, it is definitely a minor sport amongst other that their nation competes in. It is no different in New Zealand and this county relies on the support of a small but very dedicated membership. In February 1962 the first Water Ski race was held on Lake Taupo as a endurance race around the island on the lake.

The early races in New Zealand were always 2-Up and long distance endurance races. Almost all of the boats were inboard (unlike today in New Zealand, where a large majority is outboard) and if you fell off or stopped for any other reason, you and your team were out of the race. After the first race in Taupo, the other main regions around New Zealand caught on and the Bay of Plenty Water Ski Club started to organize and host some events. N.Z.W.S.R.A life members John and Mary Lewis were on the executive of the Bay Of Plenty Water Ski Club at the time and would be considered some of the founders of our sport in this country.

When the sport originated competitors used to build their own home built boats, skis and engines compared to today where they majority is imported from Australia and USA. Overseas influences and a touch of kiwi ingenuity gave the basis to what Ski Racing in New Zealand is today. The growth of Ski Racing in New Zealand has relied on events like the Hamilton Bridge to Bridge which has now been running for 40+ years and also ski school and development days.

New Zealand has held the World Champs on 2 occasions, firstly in 2007 in Lake Rotorua and Lake Taupo And then again in 2015 in Wellington. We have also had 3 World Champions - all Junior Skiers. In 2001, junior girl, Kristy Sloane travelled to Las Vegas, USA as a single representative of New Zealand and managed to become the first person from her county to win a world championship race and also went on to become Junior Girls World Champion for that year. A huge accomplishment for such a small nation. In May 2007, Jaaron Fritz won the Junior Boys World title at his home event. This was the first time an all NZ team with NZ boat Top Gun had won a World Title. Jaaron’s older brother Logan observed for him and Ross Christensen was the driver. In September 2025, in Belgium, Ellison Hollands became NZ’s 3rd World Champion also winning the Junior Girls Title with her dad Gene driving and Jeff Weake observing.