Latest News

Michelle Daniel, a second-year student at AUT, is set to embark on an exciting journey as she represents University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) and New Zealand in the 2024 FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy. The FISU VLA will see Michelle join young leaders from around the world to promote volunteering and leadership in sport. Read more here.

The National Tertiary 3x3 Championship, held at the Selwyn Sports Centre on 11-12 May, showcased the incredible talent and competitive spirit of New Zealand university 3x3 athletes. Read more about the exciting weekend of action.

Two students from the New Zealand Broadcasting School (Ara Institute of Canterbury), Coby Moratti and Tobias Macintosh, recently showcased their talent and enthusiasm at the UTSNZ National Tertiary Badminton Championships, delving into the world of sports commentary, showcasing their skills and passion for both sports and media. Read more about their positive experience through the learning environment provided by the UTSNZ event.

In Christchurch, the National Tertiary Badminton Championship witnessed a remarkable achievement as the University of Auckland secured their fifth consecutive Badminton championship title. The team's dominance on the court reflected their exceptional skill and determination, marking a significant milestone in their badminton journey. Read more on UoA's win as well as other results in boththe Championship and Cup events here.

The global stage is set and a number of New Zealand's finest athletes are gearing up to make their mark at FISU World University Championship events (WUC), as the first NZ teams are named for 2024. Read more on confirmed team selections here.

This week UTSNZ begins its preparations for the 2025 FISU Summer World University Games (WUG), calling for Expressions of Interest from relevant New Zeland National Sporting Organisations (NSOs). Read more here as UTSNZ prepares for one of the most prestigious multi-sport events in 2025.

As part of a new initiative to ensure on-going pathways for students as they transition between secondary school and tertiary education, Archery NZ in partnership with UTSNZ, has introduced the first-ever Archery NZ Tertiary League, covering the entire nation of Aotearoa in 2024. Click here for more details.

Sharing an insightful and engaging wrap-up of Day 1 of the Aon New Zealand University Rowing Championships, provided by Andy Hay and Rowing Hub. The story encapsulates the essence of the championship through various perspectives, from novice rowers like Charlotte Hyland-Mills to seasoned athletes like Evan Williams, Fred Vavasour, and Daisy Vavasour. To read the full story click here and then follow the link to Rowing NZ’s Rowing Hub.

As the echoes of the Maadi Cup's exhilarating rowing battles fade, the stage is now set for the next wave of rowing excellence at the Aon New Zealand University Rowing Championships, which also opens the UTSNZ National Tertiary Championship event series for 2024. Scheduled for this weekend, on the 29th and 30th of March, this championship stands as the pinnacle event on the university rowing calendar, promising intense competition on the water and vibrant camaraderie off it.Read more here.

The International University Sports Federation (FISU) has appointed a new CEO who will be taking over from Eric Saintrond in January 2025. This appointment marks a significant milestone for FISU and reflects their commitment to advancing university sport worldwide. Read more here.

University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathryn Irving as a co-opted Director to its Board. Kathryn brings over 15 years of extensive experience in sports policy, marketing, and commercialisation, enhancing the Board's capabilities as it continues to drive excellence in university and tertiary sport. Read more about Kathryn and her appointment here.

Are you a tertiary student in New Zealand passionate about sports and looking to make a difference? Here's an exciting opportunity just for you! University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) is now accepting nominations for the 2024 edition of the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy (FVLA). Click here for more information.

University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) is excited to reveal its action-packed events calendar for 2024, promising an array of opportunities for tertiary students nationwide. The calendar is divided into three main categories: the National Tertiary Championship Series, the Challenge Series, and the International Events Programme featuring the prestigious FISU World University Championships (WUC).

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, 2024, this dynamic event marks the first on the University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) calendar for the year. Read more here.

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. Read more on the awards here.

The recent participation of the University of Auckland's football team at the FISU University Football World Cup in Jinjiang, China, not only brought pride to the institution but also served as a transformative experience for both the players and the management team, fostering personal growth and development. Read more about their experience here.

In a historic triumph, the University of Canterbury has emerged as the victors of the 2023 National Tertiary Championship Series, marking a milestone in New Zealand tertiary sport. This resounding victory not only clinched them the coveted championship series title but also secured the prestigious 100-year-old Shield, a symbol of sporting excellence and tradition, previously held by the University of Auckland. Remarkably, this win represents the first time the Shield has changed hands since the inception of the National Tertiary Championship Series in 2016. Read more here.

The National Tertiary Netball Championship, held at the Ākau Tangi Sports Centre on September 23 and 24, was a thrilling showcase of talent, determination and sportsmanship as students from seven universities vied for Netball glory. This year's competition draw also rounded out by the addition of an invitational team from Wellington. Read more on the event here.

The National Tertiary Basketball Championship, held from September 15th to 17th, brought an electrifying atmosphere to Cowles Stadium in Christchurch. The tournament featured the country's top university basketball teams, each vying for supremacy in this highly competitive event. Over three days of intense action, students and spectators alike witnessed thrilling games, outstanding performances, and nail-biting finishes. Read more on this year's Basketball Championships here.

In a world where career readiness is paramount, the role of sport in shaping the lives and futures of tertiary students often goes unnoticed. Beyond the cheers of the crowd and the thrill of competition lies a valuable story— one of how participation in sport can significantly contribute to the vocational skill development of our young people. This year, UTSNZ has chosen to celebrate IDUS 2023 by celebrating the impact of sport on career development. Read more here.

With just one week to go until September 20th, the global community is gearing up to celebrate the International Day of University Sport (IDUS). This annual event, observed worldwide, is more than just a day of sporting activities; it's a celebration of the vital role that sports play in shaping the lives and careers of university students. As we countdown to the 2023 IDUS, University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) is preparing to mark the occasion with a theme that highlights the impact of sport on career development. Read more here.