Monday 14 October 2019 9:52pm
Sports Man of the Year Matthew Clough and Māori Sports Person of the Year Lucy Matehaere. Photo: Sharron Bennett.
The achievements of Otago’s sporting, cultural and community best were celebrated the University of Otago and OUSA Blues and Golds Awards last Wednesday night.
The University of Otago Blues, which focus on the sporting side of life at Otago, have been awarded since 1908. Meanwhile, the University of Otago Golds, which focus on the cultural side of life at Otago, have been awarded since 2002. Fifty six awards were given out on the night.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne told the recipients their admirable commitment to success in extracurricular activity was an investment in their futures.
"Large-scale longitudinal research has now clearly shown that one of the best predictors of success following graduation is participation in high level extracurricular activity."
“As the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago I make it my business to try to find out what the key to success is at University. One obvious key to success is a relentless focus on academic success but the truth is that academic success on its own is not enough.
“Large-scale longitudinal research has now clearly shown that one of the best predictors of success following graduation is participation in high level extracurricular activity.”
During the ceremony more than forty students, coaches, clubs and societies were acknowledged for their achievements and contributions to both the University and the wider community.
OUSA President James Heath says the awards are a way of celebrating and acknowledging students who have achieved in their field at the highest level.
“Receiving a Blue or Gold award is the highest award the Otago University Students’ Association and the University of Otago can present to students who have excelled in their areas.”
Lucy Matehaere – University of Otago Māori Sports Person of the Year
Lucy is highly accomplished in two sporting disciplines. In sprint kayaking she has had many achievements in 2018/2019. She won silver in the Open Women’s K2 500m at 2019 Sprint Kayaking Nationals. She was also selected into the New Zealand under-21 team to compete at the Asia Pacific Championships, where she gained gold in the K4 200m, bronze in the K1 200m, bronze in the K2 200m and silver in the K4 500m. Lucy raced with world champion Lisa Carrington last year and gained gold in the K4 500m and K4 200m in December last year. Lucy has also recently been selected for the Pathway to Podium squad. In surf lifesaving Lucy is also blazing a trail. Lucy gained silver in the ski race at the TSB New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships earlier this year. She was then selected into the New Zealand Development Squad.
Matthew Clough – University of Otago Sports Man of the Year
Matthew is an accomplished multisport athlete. He is the current world champion from the ITU World Cross Triathlon Under-20 Championship, which was held in Spain in May. Among his many sporting achievements he has also placed first in the Under-25 Men at the Xterra Motatapu, and qualified for the Xterra World Championships in Hawaii, where he placed ninth in 2018. He placed third in the Under-25 Men at Xterra Rotorua this year, as well as third in the Under-20 Men at the New Zealand Cross Triathlon Championships.
Megan-Li Smith – University of Otago Sports Woman of the Year
Megan-Li is the current junior under 47kg powerlifting champion after winning the gold at the World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sweden. She won gold in her squat, bronze in her bench press and gold in her deadlift, taking an overall gold and making her one of seven New Zealanders to ever win gold at the world championships. Megan also broke the world junior deadlift record after lifting 147kg.
Lucy Aitken and Annie Grimes – Outstanding Member of the Dunedin Community
Lucy and Annie were the leaders of a team of student volunteers who tirelessly raised money for the support of family violence during the Te Whare Pounamu Dunedin Women’s Refuge annual appeal month. They arranged street day appeals, bake sales, fashion sales, a charity auction, a quiz, music gigs and a sponsored gym initiative. The appeal raised over $32,000. The pair demonstrated dedication, leadership, energy and enthusiasm in their efforts.
Hannah Morgan – Outstanding Member of the University Community
Hannah is dedicated to raising awareness around mental health. Hannah runs a solo mental health and wellbeing campaign, called Swim Strait for Life, which aims to bring awareness to the importance of building and maintaining positive wellbeing in the University community and in the wider New Zealand society. She swam the Foveaux Strait on 12 February to fundraise for the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation and OUSA. She raised more than $30,000. Since her swim she continues to work with OUSA and student-led mental health initiative Silverline to bring awareness to the importance of positive wellbeing in New Zealand.
Otago Students’ Spear Fishing and Hunting Club – OUSA Sports Club of the Year
The Otago Students’ Spear Fishing and Hunting Club has grown dramatically over the past few years, successfully running events for its members and the wider community. Some of their events include barbecues and potlucks, club dives, beach clean-ups, and a large fundraiser – The Great Otago Charitable Fish Auction, which raised more than $3,000 for the Otago Rescue Helicopter and the Wildlife Hospital.
They competed in a number of events such as the South Island Spear Fishing Championships, where two members placed second. The club pride themselves in gear hire and safely tour guiding members in Dunedin’s finest diving spots.
Muslim Students’ Association – OUSA Society of the Year
This year the Muslim Students’ Association has showcased its strong community. The Association continues to provide successful events for University students. These include the Campus Vigil, Dunedin Vigil, Hijab Day, Relay for Life, Mosque Open Day, Eid Celebrations, Marae visits, interfaith quiz nights and Ramadhan trivia and challenges. The Association’s executive committee have shown great leadership, not only to their members, but to the University and wider Dunedin communities.
Indian Students’ Association – OUSA Cultural Society of the Year
The Indian Students’ Association have been great leaders within the University community this year. The Association fundraised for the Christchurch Attacks by volunteering within the Dunedin Muslim Community to provide care packages and volunteering with Muslim students from Dunedin high schools. It also donated their profits from its annual cultural showcase. The Association gained sponsorship and donations of non-perishable food for the AlHuda Mosque. It was involved in the International Food Festival, hosted the Holi Festival of Colours and a number of other International Committee Events.