Auckland Sword and Shield

Submission link: https://www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/54SCSSC_SCF_9E8E8A14-A51C-4567-AB33-08DE9053A7D1/legislation-definitions-of-woman-and-man-amendment-bill

Last weekend Auckland Sword and Shield and Auckland Longsword had the privilege of hosting the incredible Miro Lahtela for a longsword workshop.

One of the realities of being a HEMA club in New Zealand is that we’re a long way away from most of the international community. We learn a huge amount from one another, but opportunities to host fencers of Miro’s calibre are relatively rate, which makes them all the more valuable when they come along.

Miro isn’t just an exceptional fencer, he’s also an engaging and memorable instructor. There was plenty to challenge experienced fencers, while still giving everyone practical takeaways they could immediately apply. If your club ever has the opportunity to host Miro, we’d strongly recommend taking it!

Thank you, Miro, for sharing your knowledge and passion with the HEMA community in NZ! You’re welcome back anytime 🤺⚔️🗡️

UFC26, you were a great time! Thanks heaps to for making it all happen. Till next year!

HEMA is an academic practice as well as a physical one. Rooted in the study of historical manuals, translations, and ongoing research, access to these sources is essential for developing a deeper understanding of the art.

Our final sponsor for AAA 2026, HEMA Bookshelf, plays a vital role in the community by preserving and sharing the historical sources, manuals, and research that underpin everything we practise. Their work helps connect modern fencers to the traditions, techniques, and knowledge of the past.

We’re very grateful for their support and for the scholarship that continues to shape and deepen our understanding of the art. You can find them or at www.hemabookshelf.com.

Longsword is fast, powerful, and unforgiving, meaning good gloves aren’t optional, they’re essential. Because of this, we’re proud to have Sparring Gloves supporting the Auckland Autumn Affair 2026.

Sparring Gloves are widely recognised across the community for producing durable, high-protection gloves that allow fencers to train and compete with intensity while staying protected.

In a discipline where hand protection can make all the difference, we’re grateful to have their support behind this year’s event. You can see what else they on offer at or www.sparringglove.com.

Whether you’re levelling up your kit or just getting into HEMA, the HEMA Shop has you covered. As one of our sponsors for AAA 2026, we couldn’t be more thrilled to sing the HEMA Shop’s praises!

Access to reliable equipment is a key part of growing the HEMA community, and having suppliers who offer a broad range of gear in one place makes a real difference, especially for newer fencers finding their footing.

Support like this helps keep our community growing and accessible. Head over to www.theknightshop.com/ to see the full range of what they have on offer.

We’re excited to have supporting the Auckland Autumn Affair 2026.

BlackFencer is a well-known name in the HEMA community, producing high-quality synthetic and steel training weapons used by practitioners worldwide. Their gear is widely recognised for its accessibility and durability, making it a staple in many clubs.

For AAA this year, Blackfencer is generously supporting the celebration of our tournament winners, by contributing to their podium prizes.

We’re grateful for their support and proud to have them as part of this year’s event. Please join us in thanking them!

Find Blackfencer’s full range of steel and synthetic weapons here: https://blackfencer.com/en/

We’re proud to have supporting the Auckland Autumn Affair 2026.

Regenyei Armory has long been a respected name in HEMA, known for producing high-quality training weapons used by practitioners around the world. We are thrilled to have their support for this year’s event.

We’re committed to showcasing our sponsors and sharing the highlights of the event and we look forward to celebrating our winners (and their new gear!) after AAA.

Thank you to Regenyei for supporting the HEMA community here in Aotearoa.

Joining our esteemed list of sponsors for this year’s Auckland Autumn Affair is SIGI Forge, a name you should all be very familiar with!

SIGI is a highly respected manufacturer within the international HEMA community, known for producing high-quality training weapons with a strong focus on reliability, performance, and customisation. Their equipment is used by clubs and competitors around the world, including right here at Auckland Sword and Shield.

For AAA 2026, SIGI has generously provided prizes which will be awarded to competitors across the tournament. We’re very grateful for their support and for their contribution to the global HEMA community. You can find out what else they’re up to at or sigiforge.com.

The 2026 Auckland Autumn Affair is not far now! Today, we’re incredibly excited to introduce one of our key sponsors for AAA 2026, , joining us as our first ever International Partner.

HCA isn’t just supporting the event; they’re helping us elevate it. From sponsoring all podium positions to recognising the vital work of our event volunteers, their support reflects a real commitment to the people who make this community what it is.

What stood out to us most is their collaborative approach, working with clubs, supporting events, and building something long-term with the HEMA community worldwide.

We’re very proud to be partnering with HCA for this year’s Auckland Autumn Affair, and we can’t wait to showcase their support across the weekend.

Give them a follow and check out their work here www.historicalcombatarmory.com/. They’re doing some incredible things for HEMA!