September 2022

Congratulations to Waipapa Taumata Rau and Massey University!

The 2022 National Tertiary Championship Series drew to a close at the weekend after one of the most competitive series. Waipapa Taumata Rau (the University of Auckland) clinched the shield while Massey University claimed the spirit award.

The business-end of the competitive year, saw the overall lead of the shield standings swapping between the University of Canterbury and Auckland on multiple occasions, with Canterbury heading into the final event, netball, with a two point lead.

However, it was the University of Auckland that clinched the overall championship series title after claiming gold at the National Tertiary Netball Championships in Wellington, finishing the year four points clear of the University of Canterbury.

Awarded to the university that has displayed the best sportsmanship and captured the spirit of the national tertiary events over the course of the year, Massey University won the Te Kaitaki after consistently demonstrating their sporting mana with teams and participants upholding the values of kotahitanga, manaakitanga and rangatiratanga both on and off the field.

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Rowing Rivalry!

After being postponed in March, the Aon NZ University Rowing Championships took place on the Whanganui river.

Otago University Rowing Club were the UTSNZ Rowing Champions for 2022 and winners of the mighty Ashes trophy.

The University of Canterbury (pictured on the left) took out the prestigious Hebberley shield, winning the men's eight.

Check out the photos from the competition here!

Hear from Otago's Rowing Club Captain, Estelle

Estelle Bilbe held the responsibility of Otago University Rowing Captain this year. She explained, "it was extremely enjoyable to be the mediator between all the staff members and athletes involved." Estelle described that "Otago University has a very cool program where there's room to be really competitive and also room to be social, with both supported equally."

At the recent UTSNZ rowing competition, Otago claimed the prestigious Tamaki Cup after winning the championship eight. Estelle described that the "boat just came together, and it was amazing to collectively achieve such a significant milestone." Otago was up against rivals Canterbury and Waikato, who had plenty of current New Zealand representatives. Estelle mentioned that winning the race "showcased to the younger crew members that anything is possible with a high work ethic."

Estelle highlighted that the UTSNZ event "was a cool experience where she could make special bonds with teammates as they travelled across the country." She emphasised the need for Otago to continue its relationship with UTSNZ. She explained that "sport is such an important avenue to prioritise for students, so anything to deter someone from participating in sports is pretty significant." Estelle also mentioned that the university has "some pretty prestigious sports scholarships, and the consequences for putting a roadblock to one's success nationally and internationally could be detrimental to Otago."