UTSNZ NZ Tertiary Recreation Awards

Now in their fourth year, the UTSNZ New Zealand Tertiary Recreation Awards celebrate the people, programmes and partnerships making a difference across tertiary recreation and sport.

The 2026 awards will once again feature four categories: the Campus Impact Award, Innovation Award, Community Partnership Award, and Service to Recreation Award. Together, they provide an opportunity to recognise outstanding contributions, share successful approaches and inspire others across the sector.

We encourage you to reflect on the great work happening within your university community and put forward a nomination. Whether it’s a fresh approach to student engagement, a successful community partnership or someone whose dedication deserves recognition, these awards are an opportunity to share your story and celebrate the impact of your work.

Covering sport, fitness and health-related initiatives, this year’s award categories are:

  • Campus Impact Award - Recognising a recreation initiative that has positively impacted the well-being of the tertiary student community.
  • Innovation Award - Celebrating a new program or initiative specifically designed to engage non-participating students in recreation.
  • Community Partnership Award - Honouring a recreation initiative that addresses a specific need within the tertiary institution or wider community, creatively connecting campus and community while engaging students, staff, and/or faculty.
  • Service to Recreation Award - Recognising the outstanding contributions of an individual who has significantly enhanced tertiary recreation services or the student recreation experience.

Applications Open - 19 Oct 2026

Applications Close - 20 Nov 2026, 5pm

Campus Impact Award

Recognising a recreation initiative which has had a positive impact on the well-being of the tertiary student community. 

Click here for more details on the Award Criteria and Apply here.


Innovation Award

Recognising a new programme or initiative, specifically targeted at engaging non-participating students in recreation.

Click here for more details on the Award Criteria and Apply here.


Community Partnership Award

Recognising a recreation initiative that meets an identified need within the tertiary institution and/or community; creatively connects campus and community, and engages students, staff, and/or faculty.

Click here for more details on the Award Criteria and Apply here.


Service to Recreation Award

Recognising the contribution made by an individual to tertiary recreation, irrespective of duration, that will have significantly and positively enhanced tertiary recreation services and/or the student recreation experience.

Click here for more details on the Award Criteria and Apply here.