Celebrating Excellence in Recreation: Winners of the 2024 UTSNZ Tertiary Recreation Awards

The 2024 UTSNZ Tertiary Recreation Awards showcased the outstanding achievements and innovations of tertiary institutions and individuals dedicated to enhancing student recreation experiences. This year’s awards highlighted initiatives fostering inclusion, community, and innovation while celebrating leadership and service. Here are the nominees and winners in each category:

Campus Impact Award

Winner: Massey University – Wāhine Rise

Nominees:

• Massey University: Wāhine Rise
• AUT: Hākinakina Connect
• Lincoln University: Sports and Healthy Living Initiative
  
  

Wāhine Rise empowers young women 18-24 years at Massey University to prioritise well-being through a range of free activities, from personal training to nutrition workshops. With over 300 participants, the programme has significantly improved participants’ physical and mental health, academic performance, and daily routines. Notably, 87% of participants reported increased physical activity and better sleep, and over 90% indicated improved confidence in managing their well-being. By addressing barriers such as cost and time, Wāhine Rise has cultivated a supportive community that promotes long-term healthy habits and personal growth.

Community Partnership Award

Winner: University of Waikato – parkrun

Nominees:

• University of Waikato: parkrun
• Massey University: Parafed Get Active
• AUT: Round the Bays 2024
  
  

The University of Waikato’s parkrun is a weekly 5km run or walk designed to promote fitness, inclusivity, and community connection. Established in 2020, it remains New Zealand’s only university-based parkrun. To date, it has hosted 174 events, attracted 11,781 finishers, and engaged 330 volunteers. The event continues to grow, with 313 new registrations in 2023 alone, bringing the total registered participants to 1,042. With over 100 attendees each week, parkrun has become a cornerstone of the campus and community, promoting well-being and creating lasting ties between the university and the local population.

Innovation Award

Winner: University of Auckland – National Tertiary Men’s Football Cup

Nominees:

• University of Waikato: WellFit
• University of Auckland: National Tertiary Men’s Football Cup

The National Tertiary Men’s Football Cup event marked the first major public event in the University
of Auckland’s  recently agreed partnership with Eden Park, offering students a professional-level experience at a world-class venue. The event was recognised for its innovation as it not only engaged student-athletes but also reached the wider university community, drawing over 800 attendees and creating a vibrant atmosphere of support. By involving multiple and diverse university departments and offering hands-on roles for students in areas such as physiotherapy and event logistics, the initiative stood out against other nominations because of its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. It was also deemed a great example of how sport can inspire greater participation (beyond just student athletes) and foster meaningful connections across the wider tertiary landscape.

Service to Recreation Award

Winner: Karl Whalen, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington

Karl Whalen was honoured for his 20 years of dedicated service to student sport and recreation at Victoria University, his contributions having helped shape a vibrant, inclusive sporting culture that has significantly enhanced student engagement and retention.

Karl’s impact extends beyond the university, with endorsements from across the sector praising his strategic leadership and advocacy for recreation’s role in student success. He has been instrumental in revitalising programmes, fostering high-performance cultures, and building inclusive spaces that empower students to grow and achieve their full potential.

Under his guidance, numerous initiatives and partnerships have flourished, from scholarships and sports hubs to innovative development programmes that provide holistic support for student-athletes. Even in challenging circumstances, Karl has consistently displayed professionalism, resilience, and an unwavering focus on advancing sport and recreation as a cornerstone of the tertiary experience.

Karl's direct team reports at University Recreation Wellington consistently praised his leadership, describing him as an astute and caring leader, a strong advocate for the tertiary student experience, and a valued figure in the university community. His collaborative approach, clear communication, and unwavering support for their professional growth reflect his strategic and sensitive leadership.

Notably, under this leadership style, Victoria University of Wellington’s national inter-tertiary sports teams earned the prestigious Te Kaitiaki National Tertiary Spirit Award in 2024 for the second time, a testament to the positive culture he has helped fostered both at staff and student level at the university.

In addition, Karl’s commitment to building partnerships, such as those with Wellington College Old Boys Rugby and local athletics clubs, has expanded opportunities for students and strengthened ties within the community. His involvement with national and international bodies, including the UTSNZ Board and FISU Oceania, also adding to his wide-reaching influence.

These awards exemplify the passion and commitment of tertiary institutions and leaders to inspire healthier, more connected communities through recreation. Congratulations to all winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions!