Latest News

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.

The 2023 New Zealand Tertiary Ultimate Championships were held in Wellington over the weekend of 2-3 September with much of New Zealand's most talented young ultimate players out in force representing their tertiary institutions. Click here for final results.

The finals of the 2023 National Tertiary Futsal Championships were played at Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North on Sunday 27th of August, bringing four action-packed days of futsal to a close. Click here for more information, including final rankings and individual accolades awarded.

Climbing NZ is calling for expressions of interest from New Zealand tertiary students who are interested in competing at the World University Sport Climbing Championship, 9 - 12 September in Koper, Slovenia. The World University Sport Climbing Championship, an international event organised for tertiary student athletes, is held under the auspices of the International University Sports Federation (FISU). Click here for more information.

The Waipapa Taumata Rau - University of Auckland men's Football team to represent New Zealand and the Oceania region at the upcoming 2023 FISU University World Cup Football has been announced. The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place from October 21 to 31, 2023, in Jinjiang, China. Click here for more details and a full Team List.

As anticipation builds for the Alpine Classic in September, university cheerleading clubs from across New Zealand are stepping up their game, each bringing their unique spirit and dedication to the forefront. The upcoming event promises a thrilling showcase of athleticism, camaraderie, and boundless enthusiasm, as teams vie for top honours in this exciting competition.

A highlight of the university futsal calendar is right around the corner with the National Tertiary Futsal Championships 2023 kicking off on Thursday 24th August at Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North. Featuring some of the finest futsal Aotearoa has to offer, this year's competition promises four days of action, with the title of 2023 National Tertiary Futsal Champions on offer to the victors. Games will take place from August 24th - 27th, with the finals held on Sunday 27th August. Click on the link below for more.

From 16 to 27 July 2025, top student athletes from all over the world will come together at the Rhine and Ruhr. After Duisburg in 1989, the FISU World University Games will be held in Germany for the second time. For the first time, the Rhine-Ruhr region will host the event: the five host cities – Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr – will be home to the world's elite in university sport for twelve days. Read the latest Press Release statement from the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Organising Committee here.

Tegan Walmsley, a name that resonates throughout the New Zealand student lacrosse community, is a shining example of passion, dedication, and sport leadership both on and off the field. Her journey into the world of lacrosse began in 2015 when she took her first steps onto the field at Te Awamutu College. Instantly falling in love with the sport, she honed her skills over the years, making a significant impact as both a player and a volunteer. Read more about Tegan's journey and achievements in the sport of Lacrosse here.

With international hosts confirmed and planning well underway for the FISU World University Championship (WUC) Programme in 2024, anticipation is high as invitations for participating nations begin to be distributed. The FISU World University Championship events, held every two years, bring together talented student athletes from university and tertiary institutions worldwide to compete in various sports. Read more on the 2024 programme of events here.

The 2023 FISU Oceania Continental Qualifying Tournament (QT) came to an exhilarating close on July 22nd in Auckland. Proudly hosted by AUT, the two-day event featured male and female university teams from across the Oceania region competing for a coveted spot at the FISU 3×3 University World Cup, set to take place in October 2023. Read more on the final results here.

AUT made the most of the opportunity to host the 2023 National Tertiary Volleyball Championship, winning the women’s grand final over their local rivals from the University of Auckland. In the men's tournament, the University of Waikato triumphed over the University of Auckland to win in 4 sets and claim gold.