2024 National Tertiary Beach Volleyball Championships Set to Ignite Mt. Maunganui

As the sun-soaked shores of Main Beach, Mt. Maunganui gear up for a volleyball extravaganza, anticipation is building for the 2024 National Tertiary Beach Volleyball Championships. Scheduled to kick off on Friday, January 19, this dynamic event marks the first on the University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) calendar for the year.

In its 5th consecutive year, the competition has a legacy that continues to build.

The tertiary category was added by Volleyball NZ in 2020 recognising the popularity of the sport at school and the drop off post-secondary, with the aim to provide an avenue for tertiary students to keep playing.

The event format has proven popular with students from across New Zealand being eligible, whether studying full-time or part-time. In addition the event  allows students who have finished high school and who are enrolled in tertiary education with classes yet to commence the chance to compete. Teams can also be a mix of players from different tertiary institutions, adding an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the competition.

Legacy also continues to build with notable players etching their names in the sands of Mt Maunganui. Previous victors include the dynamic duo Katie Sadlier and Zara Pocock from the University of Auckland, who claimed the Women's title in 2020. The Men's division has witnessed formidable teams like powerhouse duo and repeat champions, Jack McManaway and Bae Fountain from the University of Waikato.

Last year saw a spectacular showdown, with AUT's Brittany Allison-Carnie and Hauraki securing the Women's title, while the Men's championship was claimed by McManaway and Raitiavatea Herman from the University of Waikato.

This year’s 2024 edition promises to be just as thrilling, featuring eight women's teams and four men's teams from six different universities battling it out in the golden sands of Mt. Maunganui.

There will be some familiar names and many new competitors converging on Tauranga to battle it out for the coveted titles, so spectators can expect some exhilarating beach volleyball action. With powerful serves, high flying spikes, and incredible dives, the championship showcases the exceptional athletic talent within New Zealand's tertiary institutions.

Join us and the athletes on the sand from 8am as the women’s pool matches get underway, followed by the men at 9am.

Read more from Volleyball NZ about all of this week’s beach volleyball action in Mt Maunganui: https://www.volleyballnz.org.nz/news/inter-provincial-beach-championships/ipc-starts-summer-of-beach-action