Excellence Celebrated at the 3rd Annual UTSNZ NZ Tertiary Recreation Awards

Outstanding achievements in student wellbeing, leadership, innovation and community engagement were celebrated last week at the 3rd annual UTSNZ New Zealand Tertiary Recreation Awards, held as part of the NZ Tertiary Recreation Conference hosted in 2025 by Massey University, Palmerston North from 18–20 November.

These awards recognise the initiatives, partnerships, innovations, and individuals shaping the future of tertiary recreation in Aotearoa.

2025 Award Winners Announced

Campus Impact Award

The Campus Impact Award recognises initiatives that have had a significant, meaningful, and positive impact on student wellbeing. Key criteria include strong evidence of understanding the student population, partnership and collaboration, a strategic approach to inclusion and equity, and clear, measurable outcomes demonstrating positive change.

Winner: Hiwa – University of Auckland Recreation Centre Redevelopment - University of Auckland

Hiwa is a transformational eight-storey recreation and wellness centre at the heart of the University of Auckland’s City Campus. Co-designed with thousands of students and guided by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Hiwa blends innovation, cultural identity, and a student-first philosophy into a world-class facility.

In less than a year, Hiwa has already exceeded 2030 participation targets, welcoming more than 814,000 visits and enrolling 16,000 active members, 95% of whom are students. The scale, depth, and speed of Hiwa’s impact is unmatched, with the sheer volume of first-year engagement creating an unparalleled and measurable shift in student wellbeing and campus life.

Innovation Award

The Innovation Award recognises new and inventive initiatives specifically designed to engage non-participating or under-represented student groups in recreation. Criteria include strong evidence of need, student involvement in design, delivery of “something different” beyond traditional recreation, and measurable impact on participation and engagement.

Winner: Te Whare Whakakaha - University of Waikato

Te Whare Whakakaha is a women’s-only strength and training space within UniRec, built as part of a wider commitment to inclusion, safety, and hauora for wāhine students. Developed in response to extensive consultation and guided by the Waikato Wāhine Movement, the initiative blends purposeful facility design with empowering programmes such as Women’s Learn 2 Lift.

Participation has doubled within a single trimester, and student feedback (satisfaction ratings rising to 93.7% for safety and 92.2% for atmosphere ) demonstrates major gains in confidence using gym equipment, increased enjoyment, and a stronger sense of safety and comfort in the space.

 Community Partnership Award

This award recognises tertiary - community partnerships that demonstrate strong collaboration, creativity, and shared value. Judging considers how the partnership was developed and maintained, how both parties benefit, and the tangible outcomes for students, communities, and partner organisations.

Winner: Sports Leaders Programme - University of Auckland

The Sports Leaders Programme is a collaborative partnership between the University of Auckland’s Sport & Recreation team, faculty student associations, and the University’s Co-Curricular Recognition team. Together, they recruit and train around 25 Sports Leaders each year to drive engagement, leadership, and participation within the Interfaculty Sport Championship.

Since its beginnings in 2016, the Championship has grown from 8 sports to 16, and from around 500 participants to more than 4,000 students annually. Sports Leaders act as liaisons, event organisers, and culture builders within their faculties, with many receiving formal recognition through the Co-Curricular and Distinguished Graduate programmes. This partnership has created a thriving network of student leaders whose work strengthens belonging, wellbeing, and the sporting culture of the University community.

Service to Recreation Award

The Service to Recreation Award honours individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to tertiary recreation through leadership, commitment, and service. It recognises people whose work has strengthened the student recreation experience, uplifted their teams and communities, and demonstrated sustained dedication to advancing recreation within their institution and across the sector.

Winner: Sean Smith - University of Auckland

Sean Smith has made an exceptional and long-standing contribution to recreation at the University of Auckland. A key leader throughout the 10-year redevelopment of the University Recreation Centre, now Hiwa, Sean provided steady guidance, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment during every phase of this transformative project.

Sean is widely admired for his leadership style: calm, authentic, and deeply people centred. He is known for lifting those around him, empowering staff to explore new ideas, and fostering a strong, future-focused team culture. Beyond his institution, Sean generously shares knowledge and insights with colleagues across the country, contributing to national discussions on recreation, wellbeing, and student experience. His influence extends well beyond the facility itself, reflecting the true spirit of service recognised by this award.

UTSNZ congratulates all winners, finalists, and applicants for their valued contributions to tertiary recreation. Their leadership, innovation, and commitment continue to strengthen wellbeing, belonging, and student success across Aotearoa.