How to Qualify for Regional, National and International Competitions
DEFINITION OF NOVICE
A novice lifter is one who has not competed in an NZPF sanctioned event before. Once they have competed once as a novice they must register with their local association and the NZPF to participate in any further NZPF sanctioned events.
PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
All lifters competing in Provincial or higher level Competition MUST be financially affiliated to both their respective Provincial Association and the NZPF, and all lifters that are registered to NZPF and compete in NZPF sanctioned events are subject to both in competition and out of competition testing. This includes the time at which they qualified for the respective level of competition where qualifying standards are required. Those who are not financially affiliated cannot claim Provincial Titles or Provincial or National Records, or use Totals achieved at competitions (when they were not financially affiliated to both the NZPF and their respective Provincial Association) to qualify for higher level competition.
QUALIFYING FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Lifters seeking to qualify for the National Championships must reach the qualifying total for their age and weight class in an NZPF sanctioned competition within 12 months prior (this does not include the previous year's Nationals). They must also be a full financial member at the time of qualifying. Please see below for the qualifying totals
They must lift at the National Championships in the same weight class they qualified in unless they have exceeded the qualifying total in the weight class above, in which case they may lift in that weight class.
In the case of bench only competitions, lifters may use a benchpress completed in a three-lift competition to qualify for the National Benchpress Championships.
DISPENSATION
Lifters who have legitimate reasons for not being able to compete in a qualifying competition (family bereavement, injury, illness etc), must apply in writing to the NZPF National Executive Council through the form provided on the NZPF website and include (where applicable) suitable proof of the legitimate reason for not being able to compete. Each case will be dealt with on its merits.
NATIONAL RECORDS
National Records can only be broken at National level competitions.
Lifters applying for ratification of National Records (of any age group) MUST be current financial members of both their respective Provincial Association and the NZPF, and all athletes/lifters that are registered to NZPF and compete in NZPF sanctioned events are subject to both in competition and out of competition testing must be registered with the NZPF for a minimum of SIX months immediately prior to setting the record/s concerned.
QUALIFYING TOTALS
October 2024 Update: QTs are no longer utilised for International team selection
Qualifying Totals 3 Lift (Raw/Classic) click here (For Nationals 2024) UPDATED MARCH 2024
Qualifying Totals Bench only (Raw/Classic) click here (For Nationals 2024)
Qualifying Totals (Equipment Optional) click here
Qualifying Totals (Special Olympics Athletes) click here
There is no qualifying standard at club or provincial competitions, please check with your provincial association as to whether they have participation requirements prior to competing at regionals.
The qualifying totals apply for (except where dispensation has been granted):
QUALIFYING FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION AND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
For all lifters interested in attending international competitions in 2026, the NZPF International Selection Committee has created a document that will more clearly illustrate the process of qualifying and being selected for international teams.
Please review this document closely if you want to ensure your eligibility for international team selection. Application closing dates for 2026 are also outlined in the document, as well as FAQs and Carpino3 benchmark totals (which are used for selection).
Click here to view the document.
Age Classes
Sub-Junior (under 18 years)
Junior (under 24 years)
Open (24-40 years)
Master I (40-49 years)
Master II (50-59 years)
Master III (60-69 years)
Master IV (70-79 years & women 70+)
Weight Classes
Men
53kg(sJr and Jr Only) 59kg 66kg 74kg 83kg 93kg 105kg 120kg 120kg+
Woman
43kg(sJr and Jr Only) 47kg 52kg 57kg 63kg 69kg 76kg 84kg 84kg+
Admin Login