Remember all those wanting to compete at the Oceania Champs in Samoa to get your International Applications in. Should be a good one, was over there for the South Pacific Games in 2007 and they put on a good show.

Good post Steve. That bit about sitting back and down is so important, especially in a tight squat suit, you really have to push your glutes and hips back into the suit really hard to get the most benefit (tension) out of it. So many lifters let the suit push their hips foward as soon as the suit tightens up therefore putting the load onto the weaker quads and not reaching depth as early.

Master Proper Form and Technique. Perfect Practice makes Perfect Performance. Mental Toughness (no weak links). Avoid Injury. SQUAT EXECUTION Tight set up with total body and core switched on. Chest out and up. Look straight ahead with head still thruout. Feet spread for maximum floor contact. Feet and knees braced outward. Arch back hard for stronger leverage at bottom of Squat and better push from depth. Stretch hamstrings before bending knees. Flex hip flexors hard while descending. Control descent to maintain best form. Sit back and down to reach parallel quicker. Keep knees in line with feet. At depth drive traps into bar and push thru feet. Keep chest up and finish tight. Without correct form you are limited from reaching full SQUAT potential. Keep it simple on competition day - Tight, Control, Drive. Stephen King NZPF National Coaching Director

I was at a world champs 'after banquet drinks session', discussing powerlifting pro's and con's with good mate Steve Giffin (one of Australia's finest) a couple of years back, and thought you might find his analogy of weight lifting sports amusing. Steve says if Olympic lifting is the equivalent to formula 1 motor racing, then Powerlifting is the equivalent to drag racing, which makes bodybuilding like washing your car!

Just got back from the North Island Champs hosted by CD in Wellington, thanks to Warren, Craig and co. for putting on a great contest at the Powerhouse Gym. What an awesome gym, I'm jealous. Good to see Maria Brightwater-Wharf lifting again and Reuben Simanu totaling over 900 again with a 917.5kg total which included a very comfotable 355kg squat. Good to see alot of new lifters as well. Should see an exciting contest at the nationals between Felix Esterbaur and Doug Menie in the M4 100kg class, at the North Island's they both had the same sub-totals with Felix coming out on top by 20kg, looks like Doug has a bit more in him though. Both have a similar background in weightlifting and could teach some of the younger blokes a thing or two.

Thanks Jaypee Once again an awesome turnout from the Auckland Lifters had us pushing hard to make it a smooth running day. We could not have acheived this with out the huge effort put in by Darren and the committee as well as the support from the referees from the outer provinces of Auckland. Thanks to Paul and Julian for their continued support and for travelling up frequently for our events. After some great acheivements on the day we should be looking at a huge team for the Nationals. Goooooo Auckland.

inzer squat suit size 33 hardcore only been worn once. inzer blast shirt size 50 only been worn twice. katana bench shirt size 42 never been worn all are in excellent order u can email me on jackiebuckley@xtra.co.nz

This is a bit late coming, but congratulations to Auckland for running a great contest this year. I havn't missed an Auckland champs since 1996, and would have to say this would be one of the most enjoyable ones. The officials and spotters were all fed and watered, the contest ran on time, and above all there was some great lifting. Watch out NZ, Auckland may well be on it's way back to it's former glory as a dominate province if it's junior lifters are anything to go by. Young Strachen, the Burge brothers and big Jono Raddich lifted fantastically, with some to spare. the master's weren't too shabby either, Smokin Joe Tafua, 292.5 deadlift at M2, Neil Lauaki, 320 squat, no suit (super deep too) Again thanks Darren, Craig and co. for putting on a good one

Haven't received any dates yet from Central Districts and Northland. Will post as soon as possible.

Check out the calendar. Auckland has a novice on March 7th (Probably Gillies Ave) and Auckland Champs May 8th, July 3rd Bench and July 24th novice. See you there.