Eastern Southland's Hokonui Under 18 and Under 13 marching teams have both come home New Zealand champions after competing at this year's national marching championships held in Hamilton (7-9 Mar).

The championships are held annually and attracted 42 teams from around the country. This years event was held indoors at the Globox Arena and Event Centre in Hamilton.

The 12 strong Under 18 team won their technical phase and placed second in their display to not only secure the national title, but also propelled them into the record books as the only Southland team to ever win the championship in consecutive years.

Hokonui U13 team about to march out. Photo: Supplied

Under 18 team coaches Renee Morgan and Tracy McDonald said becoming New Zealand Champions again was hard and had been a real emotional journey.

"We became quite hard on ourselves... but in the end, all of these emotions were worth it."

"The support we received from our families was great," they said.

Hokonui's U13 marching team also became both New Zealand and South Island Champions in their age group, after winning both their Technical and Display phases.

Under 13 coach Levana Bartlett said to say she was proud would be an understatement.

"My gorgeous, sassy Hokonui U13 girls marched their hearts out and left it all out on the field yesterday, coming away as champions."

The team from Eastern Southland set to board their plane. Photo: Supplied

"I am truly lucky to call myself their coach," Bartlett said.

Hokonui's historic double victory solidifies their position as marching powerhouses in the Southland region.