New Champions Crowned as Waikato and Canterbury Dominate in Porirua

The 2025 National Tertiary Volleyball Championships were contested at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua over the weekend of 5–6 July, bringing together the leading men’s and women’s university volleyball teams from across New Zealand. The event showcased a high standard of competition, outstanding individual performances, and the strong spirit of tertiary sport.

Women’s Competition

The University of Waikato secured the national title in the women’s division for the first time since 2018, defeating last year’s champions the University of Auckland in the final. Waikato’s success was underpinned by the leadership and attacking presence of Georgia Brell, who was subsequently named Finals MVP. The University of Canterbury claimed third place, with AUT finishing just outside the medals in fourth.

Final Placings – Women

1. University of Waikato
2. University of Auckland
3. University of Canterbury
4. AUT
5. University of Otago
6. Massey University
7. Victoria University of Wellington
8. Wellington Invitational

Men’s Competition

The University of Canterbury dominated the men’s tournament, only dropping one set all weekend. They prevailed over Victoria University of Wellington in the championship match winning comfortably in 3 sets. Nathan Smith of Canterbury was awarded Finals MVP in recognition of his decisive performance. The University of Waikato secured third place to cap a hugely successful weekend for the university, while AUT placed fourth, replicating their women’s result.

Final Placings – Men

1. University of Canterbury
2. Victoria University of Wellington
3. University of Waikato
4. AUT
5. University of Auckland
6. University of Otago
7. Massey University
8. Lincoln University

The Spirit Award was presented to the Lincoln University men’s team who made their first appearance in the event’s history. You can read about their journey to build this team from the ground up here.

Congratulations to all of the event’s awards winners for an outstanding weekend of volleyball in Porirua. You can re-watch all of the action that played out on court 1 over on UTSNZ TV.