University of Otago wins Te Kaitiaki for the first time

The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has won Te Kaitiaki, the National Tertiary Championship Series’ overall Spirit Award, for the first time. The title was decided at the final championship of 2026, where the University of Otago netballers placed second in the Spirit rankings and helped lift their university past Massey in the season-long standings.

It was the final result in a campaign built across eight sports. The University of Otago won the event Spirit Award at badminton and finished second in the Spirit rankings at volleyball. Its teams placed third at both futsal and ultimate, with rowing adding a fourth-place result. Those performances kept the university in contention throughout the year, setting up a decisive final weekend at netball.

The University of Otago’s netballers finished seventh in the sporting competition but were recognised by fellow participants for the way they contributed to the event. Their second-place Spirit result was enough to secure the overall Spirit title for the University of Otago. It is a fitting illustration of an award that celebrates more than the scoreboard.

Massey University finished runner-up after leading the Spirit standings into the final event. The
defending Te Kaitiaki champions had won the Spirit rankings at basketball and placed second at both badminton and 3x3. The University of Otago’s strong netball result was enough to overtake Massey at the end of a close season-long contest.

Participants vote on Spirit at each championship, considering the contribution of athletes, coaches and team officials. The award is guided by three pou: kotahitanga, creating unity and pride; manaakitanga, showing care and respect for others; and rangatiratanga, demonstrating leadership through actions. Winning Te Kaitiaki means the University of Otago’s teams were recognised by the people who competed alongside them across the series.

That recognition carries particular weight given the network behind the university’s teams. Students, clubs, coaches, volunteers, regional sporting organisations and the wider Dunedin and Otago community all help make representation at national events possible. Across eight championships, those teams made an impression on their peers as well as contributing to a strong sporting campaign.

UTSNZ introduced Te Kaitiaki in 2021. Carved by Hawke’s Bay artist Paddy Cooper from red beech burr wood, the tiki represents a kaitiaki: a guardian or caretaker. The award’s holder takes on the responsibility of protecting and promoting the spirit of the National Tertiary Championships until the next champion is named.

The University of Otago also finished runner-up for the Championship Shield, behind the University of Auckland. It is the university’s second consecutive Shield runner-up finish, following third place in 2024. Te Kaitiaki adds a historic first national Spirit title to that sustained record of sporting performance.

Congratulations to the University of Otago’s athletes, coaches, managers and everyone who helped its teams take part in 2026.