This year, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University Blues Awards will award 161 Blues during the virtual event, with 12 student athletes receiving a Blue in multiple sports. The longstanding tradition of the Blues honours student athletes with the highest sporting accolade in Aotearoa New Zealand’s tertiary system.
On the night, five award winners will be announced, as all finalists are considered by the Blues Selection Committee to identify the top athletes. Four major awards will be presented, with one overall winner receiving the coveted Supreme Award.
Returning to co-host the event alongside Dr Bevan Erueti is pole vaulter and alumna Eliza McCartney, who recently competed at the Games in Paris. Having been a Blues recipient herself, Eliza says the event is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the hard mahi put in by student athletes to excel in both their athletic and academic pursuits.
“It’s a real feeling of recognition, and coming from your university is something quite different. We are recognised in the sporting world, but to be acknowledged in an academic world for our achievements both on and off campus is truly special. It means a lot to have that different area of support. I’ve always loved it and really appreciate the fact that student athletes are valued and recognised.”
While separate from the Blues, the event will also announce two inaugural sports awards: the Massey University Tertiary Sportswoman of the Year and the Massey University Tertiary Sportsman of the Year. These awards recognise students who have represented the university at a University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) sanctioned event during the calendar year. Nominees and award winners are selected based on their achievements in UTSNZ events, including selection into a tournament team or a New Zealand Universities team, their tournament performances and team leadership or contribution.
Sport Advancement Coordinator Chris Sharrock says that these new awards are long overdue and recognise the dedication and passion the UTSNZ athletes put in on top of their other commitments.
“The UTSNZ series consistently showcases the remarkable talent of our student athletes, who, in addition to their academic and sporting responsibilities, dedicate extra time and energy to represent Massey in these competitions. It’s fantastic to have these new awards to acknowledge and honour their hard work and passion, as well as to highlight inter-tertiary sport.”
Massey University Tertiary Sportsman of the Year Award nominees:
Caleb Aiono – Volleyball
Zion Anderson – Basketball (5-aside)
Matt Foss – 3x3 Basketball
Liam Judd – Basketball (5-aside)
Tim Justice – Futsal
Massey University Tertiary Sportswoman of the Year Award nominees:
Zalika Clarke – Netball
Sophie Egnot-Johnson – Rowing
Emily Gillion – Futsal
Milla Green – Futsal
Sophia Higgs – Volleyball
Event details:
Time: 6pm
Date: Thursday 17 October
Hosts: Dr Bevan Erueti and Eliza McCartney
To attend the Blues Awards, register here.
Everyone watching will have the opportunity to win one of three Massey prize packs by joining in on the night or by tagging Massey in their watch parties on socials, so be sure to tune in!
Finalists:
CAMPUS SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR 2024 FINALISTS
Sam Coles – Rugby
Fergus Eadie – Surf Life Saving
Scott Gray – Canoe Polo
Chisora Hada – Archery
Te Rangatira Waitokia – Rugby
CAMPUS SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR 2024 FINALISTS
Moana Courtenay – Rugby
Brenna Greene – Taekwon-Do
Phoenix Reid – Artistic Roller Skating
Molly Scuffil-McCabe – Rugby
Alyssa Shepherd – Canoe Polo
Zoe Sosich – Touch
Isabella Wassilieff – Archery
Ashling Welch – Clay Target Shooting
Georgia Wheeler – Canoe Polo
DISTANCE SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR 2024 FINALISTS
Kazuma Kobori – Golf
Ben Lam – Rugby
Ben Lister – Cricket
Matt Macdonald – Rowing
Sam Sutton – Football
Phillip Wilson – Rowing
Nic Woods – Hockey
DISTANCE SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR 2024 FINALISTS
Erika Fairweather – Swimming
Tyla King – Rugby Sevens and Rugby League
Eliza McCartney – Athletics
River Mutton – Extreme Whitewater Kayaking
Anna Taylor – Para Cycling
Davina Waddy – Rowing
Maddi Wesche – Athletics
SUPREME AWARD 2024
The Supreme Award winner is announced on the evening and is selected from the winners of all the major awards for 2024.
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