Canterbury & Massey Claim Major Awards in Championship Series

University of Canterbury Crowned 2025 National Tertiary Championship Series Winners

The curtain has closed on the 2025 National Tertiary Championship Series, with the University of Canterbury (UC) once again lifting the coveted National Tertiary Championship Shield. This year’s victory marks UC’s third consecutive triumph, confirming their status as the benchmark in tertiary sport across Aotearoa.

Canterbury’s success in 2025 was built on consistency and depth across multiple sports. Championship titles were secured in Men’s 3x3 Basketball, Men’s Volleyball, Men’s Futsal, and Men’s Basketball, while strong performances in other codes further underpinned their campaign including silver in Rowing and bronze medals in Ultimate, Women’s Volleyball, and Netball.

As in previous years, the battle for the Shield came down to the wire, with the overall winner decided at the final event of the season, the National Tertiary Netball Championship. The University of Auckland and the University of Otago remained hot on Canterbury’s heels throughout the series, making for one of the tightest races yet. Otago’s efforts were rewarded with a second-place overall finish, their best result since the inception of the championship series format.

“We’re really proud to bring the Overall Championship Shield back to UC for the third year in a row. This achievement was the result of a massive team effort, with every performance across the eight sports contributing to the final points tally. It highlights the commitment and passion our athletes and coaches have put into their respective sports throughout the year. Looking forward to doing it all again in 2026” says Josiah Leigh, University of Canterbury’s Sports Coordinator.

Massey University Awarded Te Kaitiaki – National Tertiary Spirit Champions

Alongside UC’s continued dominance, Massey University has been recognised with the prestigious Te Kaitiaki - National Tertiary Spirit Champion Award.

Te Kaitiaki celebrates the institution that best embodies the spirit of the championships, with votes cast by student-athletes across all events. Based on the three pou of Kotahitanga (unity), Manaakitanga (care and generosity), and Rangatiratanga (leadership), the award reflects not only sporting excellence but also the values that underpin respectful and meaningful competition.

Massey’s athletes and staff stood out throughout 2025 for their positivity, resilience, and inclusiveness - qualities that were noted and acknowledged by their peers. This marks the second time Massey University has claimed Te Kaitiaki, having first secured the award in 2022.

“It is an honour to receive Te Kaitiaki for the second time. This award recognises a year’s worth of opportunities taken by students to put their best foot forward and enabling themselves to balance their studies with physical activity and competitive sporting opportunities while also ensuring their reasons for competing and the way they interact with teammates and opposition continuously align with the three pou (Manaakitanga, Kotahitanga and Rangatiratanga). A unique aspect for us is that not only do our students get the chance to meet and develop connections with opposition at these events, but often they are also meeting Massey teammates from different campuses for the first time as well, so the spirit and camaraderie shown by all is a huge part of what we try to foster within our teams” confirms Chris Sharrock, Massey’s Sport Coordinator.

A Thrilling 2025 Season Concludes

With UC taking home the Shield for the third consecutive year and Massey University being honoured with Te Kaitiaki, the 2025 National Tertiary Championship Series once again highlighted the strength, spirit, and community of tertiary sport in New Zealand.

The competition provided unforgettable moments across eight championship events, showcasing the skill and dedication of student-athletes nationwide.

Final Standings:

National Tertiary Championship Shield

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

Te Kaitiaki - National Tertiary Championship Spirit Award

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

The National Tertiary Championship Series will return in 2026, promising another year of competition, spirit, and celebration of student-athlete achievement – with the full calendar of events to be released soon. In the meantime, UTSNZ extends its thanks to all member institutions, students, coaches and managers, as well as NSO partners and regional hosts for their efforts and contributions throughout the year.