The NPC 16-goal Championship (Wellington Polo Tour) concluded on Sunday 13 April at the National Polo Center (NPC), in Wellington. The winners of The Joe Barry Memorial Cup (Zapican BMW), Ylvisaker Cup (Bientina) and Outback Cup (Palm Beach Open) were joined by Kaia as the fourth team after Copperline Farm, winners of The Iglehart Cup withdrew from the competition.
The four teams competed in two matches to decide the finalists, with Kaia beating Palm Beach Equine 13-10 and Zapican BMW beating Bientina, which meant that Kaia and Zapican BMW progressed to the Final on Sunday 13 April.
Kaia secured a close 10-9 win over Zapican BMW in the Final and claimed the 2025 NPC 16-goal Championship title, with two crucial goals in the last chukka. Felipe ‘Pipe’ Vercellino was named Most Valuable Player and Machitos Rococo, played and owned by Lucas Criado Jr., was the Best Playing Pony.
The NPC 16-goal Championship Final Teams:
Zapican BMW (16): Max Torokovei (0), Vaughn Miller (4), Ignacio Viana (7) & Felipe Viana (5)
Kaia (16): Larry Austin (0), Lucas Criado Jr. (7), Felipe Vercellino (7) & Antonio Aguerre (2)
Photograph: Kaia, winners of The NPC 16-goal Championship. By David Lominska