Inaugural UTSNZ National Tertiary Recreation Awards Celebrate Achievements in Student Well-Being and Innovation

University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) proudly announces the successful launch of the inaugural UTSNZ New Zealand Tertiary Recreation Awards. This new initiative, conducted in collaboration with the New Zealand Tertiary Recreation Conference, celebrates outstanding contributions to student well-being and innovative approaches within the tertiary recreation sector.

Set against the backdrop of the annual New Zealand Tertiary Recreation Conference, hosted this year by Lincoln University from November 29th to December 1st, the awards recognise the efforts and achievements of tertiary institutions in fostering student well-being through diverse recreation, sport and fitness activities.

"We are thrilled to inaugurate the UTSNZ New Zealand Tertiary Recreation Awards, a platform designed to celebrate and acknowledge the remarkable work of our members," stated Sarah Anderson, UTSNZ Executive Director. "These awards celebrate and showcase initiatives that inspire and enable student well-being, recognising the significant impact of recreation, sport and fitness activities on tertiary education."

The awards feature four categories, each highlighting distinct aspects of student well-being and innovation within the tertiary sector:

1. Campus Impact Award: Recognising initiatives that significantly enhance student well-being within the campus community through diverse recreational activities.

2. Innovation Award: Honouring innovative programmes targeting non-participating students, encouraging broader engagement in recreation.

3. Community Partnership Award: Acknowledging initiatives creatively connecting tertiary institutions with their communities, engaging students, staff, and faculty.

4. Service to Recreation Award: Celebrating an individual's contribution to student recreation services or experiences within a tertiary institution.

The inaugural 2023 winners and finalists in each category have demonstrated exceptional commitment and innovation in student well-being and recreation initiatives.

Winners (and finalists in each category) were:

Campus Impact Award:

Winner - University of Auckland – Actively Well: A holistic programme supporting student well-being, impacting over 800 students through personalised sessions and inclusive workshops.

Fellow Finalists – University of Auckland – Wellbeing Online and University of Waikato – WellFit.

Community Partnership Award:

Winner - Lincoln University Community Care Programme: A longstanding collaboration benefiting older adults in the community, emphasising exercise classes and fostering social interaction.

Fellow Finalists - The University of Canterbury - Recreation and Sport Internship Programme and the University of Auckland and Akarana Marine Sports Charitable Trust – Pathways to Sea Programme.

Innovation Award:

Winner - University of Auckland – Women in Sport (Esports): Empowering women in sport and esports, encouraging female participation and leadership roles.

Fellow Finalists - AUT - FISU Oceania 3x3 World University Cup Qualifying Tournament and the University of Waikato - Waikato Wahine Movement.

Service to Recreation Award:

Bruce Meyer: Manager of AUT Recreation, Sport Development & Athlete Support, for his inspirational leadership, inclusivity, and transformative impact on student experiences.

The establishment of the UTSNZ New Zealand Tertiary Recreation Awards mark a milestone in recognising and celebrating the exceptional efforts and innovations driving student well-being and engagement within the tertiary sector. This inaugural event signifies the commitment of UTSNZ and tertiary institutions to prioritising student well-being and fostering inclusive, innovative recreational environments.