Otago’s netball team celebrate winning Te Kaitiaki.
University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka students have been celebrated for their sportsmanship, leadership and unity at this year’s University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand National Tertiary Championships.
Tertiary students from around the country compete in seven sports throughout the year to win the Championship Shield, during which they also cast votes for the spirit award – Te Kaitiaki.
Otago was voted by other teams as this year’s Te Kaitiaki winner, recognised for best capturing the spirit of the Championships.
Otago’s Tertiary Sport Support Coordinator Angela Button says it was a proud moment.
“Our teams were competitive across all sports and were still voted the spirit award winner by our fellow universities,” she says.
“That's proof that performance and fair play go hand in hand, and it reflects the culture we value at Otago: striving to be our best while treating our opponents, officials and each other with respect.
“None of it happens without our coaches and managers, who carried that philosophy into every training session and every game. Our students embodied the three pou of Te Kaitiaki: kotahitanga, manaakitanga and rangatiratanga.
“They backed each other, cared for those around them and led by example, all while competing hard. Congratulations to everyone who wore the Otago colours this year, on and off the field."
As well as success with Te Kaitiaki, Otago also finished second in the Championship Shield, just eight points behind the winner.
This was due to strong performances throughout the year, particularly in rowing – where Otago won the championship for the sixth consecutive year – and futsal.
Otago also competed in badminton, basketball (5x5 and 3x3), volleyball, ultimate, and netball.
In futsal, Oban Hawkins was named Tournament MVP and Hayden Cooper won the men’s Golden Glove.
Basketballers Patrick Freeman, Alexa Duff and Tia Pavihi were named in Tournament Teams, and ultimate player Oli Pitts was named Tournament MVP.
UTSNZ Executive Director Sarah Anderson says winning Te Kaitiaki for the first time is a wonderful achievement for Otago, particularly because that recognition comes from fellow participants across the Championship series.
“Finishing runner-up for the Championship Shield for a second consecutive year also shows the strength and consistency of the University’s teams across many different sports.
“So many students, clubs, coaches, volunteers and community partners help make university representation possible in Otago. These results are a credit to all of them.”
