Qualification for the Tokyo Olympics is looming large for the New Zealand rowing team

The squad head to Poland next week for the second World Cup regatta of the year.

One half of the women's pair, Kerri Gowler, says qualification always makes the season an interesting one.

She says this year they're putting their best foot forward, while next year they'll look to step up.

The womens pair need to finish in the top eleven at the World Championships to qualify their boat for Tokyo.

In contrast both eights crews need to finish in the top five.