New Zealand's 41-strong rowing team made a solid start to the first world cup rowing regatta of the year in perfect conditions in Penrith, New South Wales, yesterday.

Rowing powerhouses Hamilton Boys' High School and St Margaret's College of Christchurch have the chance to win a prestigious double at the Maadi Cup regatta today.

One women's crew spot is likely to garner more attention than any other as Rowing New Zealand embarks on its 2013 campaign.

Olympic champion Joseph Sullivan could still be rowing at this year's world championships in South Korea in August.

Olympic gold medallist Joseph Sullivan is the shock omission from the New Zealand rowing squad for the World Cup in Sydney from March 22-24.

Dick Tonks has stepped down as head coach at Rowing New Zealand to devote himself solely to the women's programme over the next Olympic cycle.

Olympic gold medallists Eric Murray and Hamish Bond will end a stellar year with another great achievement.

World and Olympic rowing champion Mahe Drysdale will be swapping his oars for a set of golf clubs at February's NZPGA Championship in Queenstown.

Olympic gold medallist Mahe Drysdale will defend his single sculls title at the Rio Olympics after today announcing his intention to continue in the sport until 2016.

Good mate and fellow junior world championship gold medallist Michael Brake dips out and will not be back for the next school year.

A $5000 reward has been offered for the successful prosecution of the person responsible for damaging the Horowhenua Rowing Club.

The Horowhenua Rowing Club treasurer fears there may be more attacks on the club, after vandals broke in and destroyed all but two of the club's boats.