University of Canterbury Win 2024 National Tertiary Championship Series; Victoria University of Wellington Awarded Te Kaitiaki Spirit Award

The 2024 National Tertiary Championship Series concluded with resounding success as the University of Canterbury (UC) emerged as the overall champions, securing their place at the top of New Zealand’s premier tertiary sporting competition for the second year running.

Throughout the year, UC athletes showcased their determination, teamwork, and sporting talent across the eight sports within the UTSNZ championship series, culminating in their well-deserved title as the 2024 National Tertiary Champions, and backing up their impressive double title win in 2023.

Similar to last year, the race for the overall National Tertiary Championship shield came down to the eighth and final National Tertiary Championship event, with just two contenders left in the running. The University of Canterbury surged to the top of the standings after impressive results in basketball last weekend, overtaking previous leaders, the University of Auckland (UOA). Holding a five-point lead over UOA, UC entered the final event, the National Tertiary Netball Championships, needing to secure a fifth-place finish or higher to guarantee the championship title. Meanwhile, UOA had to finish five places higher than UC to reclaim the shield which they had previously had a firm hold over from 2016-2022.

And respond they did. UC Netball kept their cool under pressure, finishing with a podium 3rd place at the final Championship event of the season. Their performance capped off another impressive year for UC, which saw them claim national titles in men’s 3x3 and 5x5 basketball, as well as ultimate, securing runner-up spots in the men’s and women’s futsal and men’s volleyball, as well as placing 3rd in both badminton and netball. Their depth in talent across multiple sports pushing them past their rivals in what has been anther exciting and competitive series.

“This shield win represents the dedication, hard work, and passion that our athletes have put in throughout the year, and we are all very happy to have it return to Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, University of Canterbury for another year" confirms Josiah Leigh, UC Sports Co-ordinator.

In addition to Canterbury's success, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) has been awarded the prestigious Te Kaitiaki – National Tertiary Spirit Champion Award.

Te Kaitiaki recognises the tertiary institution that best captures the spirit of national championship events, based on votes from participants across all UTSNZ National Tertiary Championships. The award is based on three key pillars – Kotahitanga (unity), Manaakitanga (care and generosity) and Rangatiratanga (leadership) - that reflect the overall spirit of the competition.

VUW is no stranger to this honour, having been the inaugural winners in 2021, showing that the values underpinning the award are well ingrained in their student-athlete culture and VUW’s sporting environment. Their sportsmanship and positive attitude were so strong they secured the award with an event to spare.

“Competing at the highest level in every championship is a priority for us at Te Herenga Waka, but even more so, we value respectful competition and making sure our staff and players truly enjoy the experience. Winning Te Kaitiaki for the second time, shows that the values of Kotahitanga, Manaakitanga and Rangatiratanga are respected and upheld by our athletes and teams” says Conor O’Fee, Sports and Clubs Manager, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.

First year Te Herenga Waka student representative Te Akau Epiha (3x3, Basketball and Netball) reflects; “Representing Te Herenga Waka on the national sports stage is an incredible opportunity. It’s not just about playing our best - it’s about creating connections and building relationships with students from our team and also other institutions. Playing and representing the Uni at the multiple tertiary championships has made my first year unforgettable.”

With these two overall national tertiary titles and major awards now decided that concludes the 2024 National Tertiary Championship Series marking another thrilling year of national inter-tertiary competition.

Final Standings - National Tertiary Championship Shield / Te Kaitiaki - Spirit Award

View all National Tetiary Championship and Spirit Results here.