Palmerston North has been confirmed as the host city for the 2027 New Zealand Squash Open, with the tournament set to be staged at the iconic Regent on Broadway theatre.

Scheduled for February 15–21, 2027 (dates to be confirmed), the NZ Squash Open will see New Zealand's squash stars take on some of the best squash athletes from around the world.

The event will see a glass court installed on stage at the Regent on Broadway, allowing for amazing views of the competition as the space is transformed into a world-class squash arena.

Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith welcomed the announcement, highlighting the city's growing reputation as a host of major sporting events.

"Hosting the NZ Squash Open is a fantastic opportunity for Palmerston North," said Mayor Smith.

"The event will bring international athletes, visitors and significant economic benefits to our city, while showcasing Palmerston North as a vibrant and capable destination for major events."

Mayor Smith said the city has a proud history of hosting international squash events.

"Palmerston North hosted the men's World Team Squash Championship in 1971, the women's World Team Squash Championship in 2010 and the Junior Men's World Championship in 2006.

"It's exciting to welcome international squash back to our city, and we look forward to showcasing the very best of Palmerston North."

The New Zealand Junior Squash Open will be hosted by the city in conjunction with the main event, allowing the next generation of squash players to compete in their own age-group tournament while also watching some of the world's best players on court.

The announcement of the 2027 event comes just weeks before Christchurch hosts the 2026 New Zealand Squash Open, which will be staged from March 3–8 at the city's iconic Isaac Theatre Royal. The tournament will mark one of the final opportunities for fans in the South Island to see New Zealand stars Paul Coll and Joelle King compete on home soil ahead of the LA Olympic Games.

The 2025 NZ Open in Christchurch was a resounding success, breaking the national squash attendance record and delivering more than 2,000 visitor nights to the city.

Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa Chief Executive Martin Dowson said naming Palmerston North as host city follows a deliberate geographical shift of the New Zealand Squash Open, from Tauranga in 2022 and 2023, to Christchurch in 2025 and 2026.

"By moving the event from the upper North Island to the South Island and now into the lower North Island, we're ensuring more communities can experience world-class squash while strengthening the national footprint of the sport," said Dowson.

"This is an outstanding event, not just for squash fans but for anyone who enjoys high-quality sport and live events. Watching the world's best players compete on a glass court in such a unique venue will be something truly special, and I'd encourage the community to come along and be part of it."

The 2027 NZ Squash Open will also form a key pillar of the Road to LA, a national initiative designed to support New Zealand athletes in their pursuit of Olympic qualification for LA 2028.

The Road to LA series spans 'Three Years, Three Cities, and One Olympic Dream', featuring a rotating programme of international tournaments, junior development events and community activations across Christchurch, Palmerston North and Auckland.

"The Road to LA series is about more than just hosting tournaments," Dowson said.

"It's about creating a clear pathway for our athletes to compete regularly at home, gain world-ranking points, and be inspired by festival-style events that engage entire communities. Palmerston North will play a crucial role in that journey."

Further details around ticketing, festival events and confirmation of final dates will be announced later this year.

ENDS

About Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa:

Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa is the national governing body for squash in New Zealand.

Squash has a proud history in New Zealand and it is estimated that more than 90,000 people in New Zealand play or try squash each year, in more than 300 clubs and other facilities with squash courts around the country.

At the heart of everything we do together is our unrelenting drive to get more people on court more often, to succeed on the world stage and to help squash communities thrive.