New Zealand crews have continued to light up the Paris Olympics rowing course.
Of the five crews in action at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium on Sunday, four progressed directly to semifinals or finals, while two won their heats and two posted the fastest times of the day.
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Both of New Zealand's coxless four boats are through to Thursday's finals, while the women's lightweight doubles sculls and men's pair moved onto semifinals on Wednesday and Thursday.
The men's four of Ollie MacLean, Logan Ullrich, Tom Murray and Matt Macdonald convincingly won their heat and post the fastest time of the day, as did the women's lightweight double of Shannon Cox and Jackie Kiddle.
The women's four of Jackie Gowler, Phoebe Spoors, Davina Waddy and Kerri Williams finished second in their heat to move through to the final, while the men's pair of Daniel Williamson and Phil Wilson were also second in their heat in a time of 6 minutes 32.44 seconds.
The women’s pair of Katie Haines and Alana Sherman will have to go through the repechage route on Monday to progress after crossing fifth in their heat.
Williamson and Wilson were involved in a four-way photo finish that resulted in the world champions Switzerland being placed fourth and having to go into the repechage.
Though the New Zealanders were a relatively new combination, they have settled quickly.
“We made a great start and just trusted our rhythm in the middle stages,” said Williamson. “When it’s so close over the last 50 metres you just keep your eyes still and pull hard.”
Waddy said the women's four were stoked to finally get their Olympics under way after such a long build-up.
“We loved the atmosphere, the boat is going good and today we executed what we wanted. The good thing is what we think we’ve got a bit more to give.”