Massey University Win Gold in Auckland

Massey University has claimed the gold medal at the 2026 National Tertiary Netball Championship, defeating the University of Auckland 39–35 in a thrilling final at AUT's North Campus.

The combined Massey University side produced a composed performance when it mattered most, with the University of Auckland threatening another thrilling comeback after showing its resilience in the semi-final earlier in the day.

The University of Auckland's semifinal against AUT was one of the weekend's most dramatic contests. AUT controlled the match for the first three quarters, maintaining a consistent lead and looking in command heading into the final period. However, the University of Auckland swung momentum in their favour with some huge turnovers, eventually taking the lead with just 40 seconds remaining before holding on to secure its place in the final.

The University of Auckland carried that momentum into the championship decider, again threatening to turn the match around after Massey had established an advantage. This time, however, Massey was able to withstand the pressure and respond by re-establishing their lead, eventually running out 39–35 winners to secure the gold.

AUT finished third to claim the bronze medal, defeating the University of Waikato to reverse the result from the opening match of the tournament. Lincoln University defeated their local rivals the University of Canterbury to finish fifth, while the University of Otago claimed seventh place over Victoria University of Wellington.

The championship also saw seven athletes selected in the 2026 Tournament Team as voted by the coaches throughout the weekend:

• GS: Sophia Lafaili'i (AUT)
• GA: Crystal Maro (University of Auckland)
• WA: Whitney Souness (Victoria University of Wellington)
• C: Chloe Gunn (Massey University)
• WD: Anika Pihema (University of Waikato)
• GD: Samantha Laing (University of Canterbury)
• GK: Hinemaioha Rolleston-Gabel (University of Waikato)

Victoria University of Wellington was recognised with the team spirit medals, as voted by their opposition.

You can check out all of our photos from the weekend over on Flickr, and re-watch all matches on both courts on the UTSNZ YouTube channel.

A huge thanks to AUT for hosting, and to Netball Northern and Netball New Zealand for their support of the event with officials, umpires and volunteers.