Oceania Masters Championships to be part of the 2026 NZ Squash Open & Festival of Squash

Ōtautahi Christchurch has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 New Zealand Squash Open, with the city’s iconic Isaac Theatre Royal to again be transformed into a squash arena.

Following the overwhelming success of the 2025 tournament in Christchurch, the Open has been booked for March 3-8, 2026, bringing world-class squash back to one of New Zealand’s most unique sporting venues. The 2025 event delivered a spectacular showcase of elite international squash, with hometown hero Paul Coll wowing fans as he defended his New Zealand Open title on the glass squash court installed on the Issac Theatre Royal stage. 

The event drew record-breaking crowds for a squash event in New Zealand and gave the city an economic boost by generating more than 2,000 visitor nights.“The 2025 Open was an outstanding success and a true celebration of squash,” said Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa Chief Executive Martin Dowson.

“The unique setting, strong community engagement and elite competition created a fantastic combination that we’re excited to build on. We’re proud to bring it all back in 2026 and once again celebrate squash in Christchurch.

”The 2026 event will again be classified as a Silver-level tournament on the PSA Squash Tour and will form the centrepiece of the New Zealand Festival of Squash, which returns with a full line-up of age-group and international events for all squash lovers.Alongside the Open, Christchurch will also host the Oceania Masters and the New Zealand Junior Open across multiple venues including Christchurch Squash Club, Burnside Squash Club, Richmond Club Squash Centre and Christchurch Football Squash Club.

The festival format provides a unique opportunity for families and squash fans to compete in their own age-group tournaments while also watching some of the world’s best players on court at a world-class venue.“We’re thrilled to confirm the return of the NZ Squash Open to the Isaac Theatre Royal,” said Event Organiser Scott Gardiner.

“The 2026 event will be even bigger and better and we’re encouraging fans around the country to mark their calendars and book it in.”ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events Karena Finnie says the return of world-class squash to the Isaac Theatre Royal is a great way to show Ōtautahi Christchurch to sports fans."

Christchurch has both a proud history of sport as well as a vibrant arts district and the NZ Squash Open showcases the balance of both brilliantly. Attendees loved the beautiful and novel setting for squash and we’re looking forward to both the Open and the Oceania Masters events next year.”

President of the Oceania Squash Federation Robert Donaghue added: “The Festival of Squash is a fantastic concept, combining international elite competition with age-group events that allow families to travel together, play together, and be inspired by the top players in the world. It’s a brilliant showcase of what squash can offer our region.”

The 2026 NZ Squash Open and associated events will once again be delivered in partnership with the Professional Squash Association (PSA), Squash Events Canterbury, and supported by key partners including Sport New Zealand, ChristchurchNZ and Lucino.