Samuel Marsden rower Imogen Hille recently competed in the North vs South Regatta at Lake Karapiro on 17-18 April, describing the event as a valuable development opportunity as she looks to transition from school to club rowing.

The regatta, which followed a selection trial and training camp in Cambridge with fellow Marsden rower Charlie Fitzergald, is designed as a stepping stone for emerging athletes targeting higher honours, including New Zealand Under 19 selection.

Imogen, now in Year 13 and fresh off her final season with Marsden, said the experience offered both a challenge and a glimpse of what lies ahead.

“It’s definitely more of a development team environment,” she said. “It’s about preparing athletes for that next level, like Under 19s, and giving them a feel for how those programmes work.”

After the trials, which were held during the school holidays, Imogen stayed in Cambridge for a short training camp leading into the regatta. However, preparation time on the water was limited.

“We probably only had three or four sessions together,” Imogen said. “There was quite a bit of bad weather, including thunder, so we couldn’t get out as much as we’d planned.”

The main focus for the squad’s coaches – who included ex-WRC rower Oli Fahey – was on establishing rhythm and unity rather than technical refinement.

“There’s only so much you can do in a short time,” she said. “Our coach really emphasised doing everything together and getting us all in sync, especially in the eight.”

Imogen competed in both the eight and the four across the two-day regatta, which featured a morning and afternoon of racing on the Friday followed by additional racing on Saturday morning.

The highlight came in the eight (Imogen in six-seat), with the crew taking the win. “The eight went really well. It was just really fun to be part of a bigger boat, especially after racing the pair all club season,” she said.

The four proved more challenging, but Imogen still saw value in the experience. “The four didn’t go as well, but it was still really good to be part of a bigger crew environment.”

Off the water, the regatta also presented a social adjustment, with athletes coming from different regions and backgrounds. While some crews included multiple rowers from the same school, others, like Imogen, had to quickly build new connections.

“You kind of knew of people from racing, but not necessarily well,” she said. “It took a bit to settle in, especially when some groups already had those connections.”

In terms of overall results, the contest between North and South was tightly fought, with the teams initially tied on points. A subsequent points adjustment ultimately awarded the regatta to the South Island.

For Imogen, however, the focus remained firmly on the experience and development gained rather than the final standings.

“It was a really good way to finish the season,” she said. “Especially after school rowing, it was nice to have something more at the end of the season to work towards.”

Looking ahead, Imogen plans to take a short break before getting stuck into winter training, including participating in the Winter Hub based at Star and potential selection for interprovincial competition.

Later in the year, Imogen will also be weighing up her options for university, which includes the possibility of studying in the United States on a rowing scholarship.

“I’m still not sure whether I’d want to stay here in New Zealand or try to get to the US,” she said. “At the moment, I’m just looking forward to having a month or two off rowing!”

Article added: Sunday 26 April 2026