Auckland and Otago Dominate the National Tertiary Futsal Championships

The University of Auckland and the University of Otago have been crowned champions following three days of action at the 2026 National Tertiary Futsal Championships at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre in Christchurch. Eight men's teams and six women's teams competed from 9–11 August, bringing together more than 160 student-athletes.

The University of Auckland continued its remarkable dominance of the women's competition, claiming its fourth consecutive National Tertiary Futsal Championship. Auckland defeated the University of Otago in the women's grand final 3-1, with the University of Canterbury taking third place over Victoria University of Wellington.

Auckland's Jordana Bremner was named Women's MVP following her outstanding tournament, while teammate Sydney Sparks claimed the Golden Boot. Victoria University of Wellington goalkeeper Phoebe Gray was awarded the Golden Gloves.

The men's competition produced the same finalists but a different champion, with the University of Otago overcoming the University of Auckland in the grand final. In a tense showdown of the tournament’s two best teams, it was Otago who made the most of their chances to grind out a 2-0 victory.

The University of Canterbury finished third in the men's competition, defeating Massey University in the third-place playoff.

Otago's Oban Hawkins was named Men's MVP, while University of Waikato's George Dixon was awarded the tournament’s Golden Boot. Otago goalkeeper Hayden Cooper was recognised with the Golden Gloves.

Lincoln University's men's team was also recognised with the Spirit Award for its contribution to the atmosphere and spirit of the championships throughout the weekend.

The results have also reshaped the race for the 2026 UTSNZ Shield. After five events, the University of Auckland sits at the top of the standings with 51 points, four points clear of the University of Otago on 47. The University of Canterbury remains in third on 42 points, followed by the University of Waikato on 34 and AUT on 29.

With three events still to come in the National Tertiary Championship Series, the Shield race remains firmly alive, with Auckland, Otago and Canterbury establishing themselves as the leading contenders heading into the final stretch of the year.

The Spirit standings are similarly competitive as Massey University leads on 31 points, just two points ahead of the University of Otago on 29. Lincoln University sits third on 25, followed by Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Waikato, both on 23 points.

The National Tertiary Futsal Championships once again showcased the depth of futsal talent within New Zealand's tertiary sector, while providing student-athletes with the opportunity to represent their universities on the national stage.

Congratulations to all teams, athletes, officials, volunteers and organisers who contributed to a successful three days of competition.