Confidence New Zealand will be equipped to enter a competitive team at the overhauled race walking format at the Paris Olympics

In efforts to address equality in the sport, the previous mens' 50 and 20-kilometre races will morph with the women's 20k race for a new combined 35-kilometre male and female teams event.

Three time Olympian Quentin Rew says despite the recent retirement of Alana Barber, there are a number of promising young race walkers.



While waiting to return to his Melbourne base, Rew strutted to victory in the 10-kilometre Wellington race walking championships, blitzing the field by more than six minutes.