First awarded in 1908, the University of Otago Blues have long been regarded as one of the highest honours a student can receive for sporting achievement. Over time, the awards have evolved to celebrate not only sporting excellence, but also outstanding achievement in the arts, culture, leadership, service, and community contribution through the addition of the Golds and other major awards categories.

These awards exist to recognise the incredible things Otago students achieve both on and beyond campus - whether that be representing New Zealand on the world stage, creating award-winning artistic work, leading positive change in the community, supporting student culture, or contributing to the success of clubs, teams, and organisations.

The Blues and Golds Awards celebrate students who have demonstrated excellence at a regional, national, or international level, including through:

• Representative selection
• Competition and championship results
• Festival or exhibition selection
• Publication or performance
• Leadership and service
• Artistic and cultural achievement
• Other outstanding contributions within their chosen field

We know there are many talented and dedicated students doing incredible things that often go unnoticed and the Blues and Golds Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge those achievements.

Click here to read about last years winners and awards evening

Key Documents

• University of Otago Blues and Golds Policy
• University of Otago Blues and Golds Awards Criteria
• University of Otago Blues and Golds Awards Panel Terms of Reference

Nominations

Nominations are open to all eligible current University of Otago students. Students may nominate themselves or be nominated by staff, peers, clubs, organisations, or community members.

Nominations should relate to achievements, contributions, or performances completed during the applicable awards period. For the 2026 Awards, eligible achievements must have taken place between 1 June 2025 and 20 July 2026.

Nomination forms will be linked by category below once nominations officially open. If you know someone doing incredible things - nominate them!

2026 Timeline

• June 1st  – Nominations Open
• July 20th – Nominations Close
• Early August – Panel Meeting
• Late September – Awards Ceremony

Award Categories

University of Otago Blues

Recognises University of Otago students who have achieved excellence within their chosen sporting code through high-level competition, representative honours, or elite sporting achievement.

University of Otago Golds

Recognises University of Otago students who have achieved outstanding success within artistic, creative, and cultural fields through performances, exhibitions, publications, showcases, or other significant achievements.

University of Otago Sportsperson of the Year

Celebrates a student who has achieved exceptional sporting success and demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact within their sport and the wider University community - including expressing the ideals of true sportsmanship.

University of Otago Māori Sportsperson of the Year

Recognises an outstanding Māori athlete who demonstrates excellence in high-level sport while positively representing Māori through achievement, leadership, and contribution.

University of Otago Outstanding Contribution to Arts & Culture

Celebrates a student who has made a meaningful impact on the University’s arts and cultural community through creativity, leadership, advocacy, or contribution beyond their own artistic achievements.

OUSA Society of the Year

Celebrates an OUSA affiliated club or society that has demonstrated outstanding leadership, engagement, creativity, and contribution to student culture and campus life.

OUSA Cultural Society of the Year

Recognises an OUSA affiliated cultural club or society that fosters cultural connection, visibility, inclusiveness, and community within the student population.

OUSA Sports Club of the Year

Recognises an OUSA affiliated sports club that demonstrates excellence in leadership, participation, culture, development, and contribution to student life and the wider University community.

OUSA Silver Service Award

Recognises an individual who has made a significant long-term contribution to their club through leadership, service, dedication, and lasting impact. This award is considered a lifetime achievement recognition.

OUSA Coach of the Year

Recognises a coach who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, development, dedication, and contribution within their sporting code and sporting community.

Outstanding Member of the University of Otago Community

Recognises a student who has made a significant and positive contribution to student life through leadership, volunteering, mentoring, advocacy, or involvement within the University community.

Outstanding Member of the Dunedin Community

Celebrates a student who has made a meaningful contribution to the wider Dunedin community through service, volunteering, leadership, advocacy, or community initiatives.