Blues Awards
Celebrate this year’s Blues Award winners and learn how these honours recognise excellence in sport, the arts, and service across our Waikato community.
Nominations for 2026 are now open
Blues Awards 2026
The annual University of Waikato Blues Awards (Blues) are one of Waikato University’s strongest traditions, recognising our students' highest sporting and artistic achievements.
There are awards for individual and team achievements, emerging talent, and for service to sports or the arts.
- Read through the judging and eligibility criteria (opens in a new tab).
- For any questions, email the Events Team at events@waikato.ac.nz
Nominations will be open from 30 June to 2 August 2026.
Honouring achievement: the Blues Awards tradition
The Blues celebrate the commitment and achievements of students and acknowledge their contribution to the University of Waikato.
The awards also recognise students and non-students who play a valuable role in University sport and the creative and performing arts scene, either through coaching or administrating.
Blues Awards recognise national excellence through to world champions. They are a symbol of commitment and dedication that students are proud to receive, display, and even add to their resumés.
2026 Major Blues Awards
Katelyn Vaha'akolo
Sportswoman of the Year
Rugby
Ben Bidois
Sportsman of the Year
Athletics
Sarah Mileham
Creative and Performing Arts Person of the Year
Music - Vocalist
Mollie King
Emerging Talent Sport
Olympic Weightlifting
Te Amokura Te Rauna-Lamont, Imogen Weir, Kayla Manuirirangi, Carly Ohia, Aria Cowley, Arikinoa Shortland, Wilson Rarere, Jasmine McCleery, Kaylee Smiler, Suraiya Rewi, Krystal Leger-Walker, Oliver Dunn
Sports Team of the Year
University Womens 5x5 Basketball
Meretene Davis
Pou Ahurea | Māori Person of the Year
Music - Vocalist
Kyla Te Wano Greensill
Outstanding Contribution to Enhancing Performance Award
Volleyball
Rebecca Gabel
Long Service Award
Netball
Creative Blues Awards
| Award winner | Area of excellence |
|---|---|
| Meretene Davis | Music - Voice |
| Faamanu Fonoti-Fuimaono | Music - Voice |
| Charlie Garcia Gill | Music - Percussion |
| Tomairangi Henare | Music - Voice |
| Tiana Hunter | Music - Voice |
| Emma Jones | Music - Voice |
| Natassja Kelly Medina | Music - Voice |
| Sarah Mileham | Music - Voice |
| Millie Trusttum | Music - Voice |
| Tahla Ward | Music - Voice |
| Indiana Williamson | Music - Strings |
Sports Blues Awards
| Award winner | Area of excellence |
|---|---|
| Ellesse Andrews | Cycling |
| Jayandu Aththanayake | Karate |
| Gene Baggott | Water Polo |
| Annelies Banks | Lacrosse |
| Bastiaan Banks | Lacrosse |
| Charles Beale | Rowing |
| Luke Berquist | Rowing |
| Ben Bidois | Athletics |
| Luke Blackwood | Cycling |
| Bryony Botha | Cycling |
| Devon Briggs | Cycling |
| Finn Cogan | Cycling |
| Nick Collier | Kayak Cross & Canoe Slalom |
| Kahlia Cullwick | Canoeing |
| Jack Greenough | BMX Racing |
| Lily Greenough | Cycling |
| Nicole Hollands | Hockey & Lacrosse |
| Tyler Jahnke | Powerlifting |
| Olivia King | Cycling |
| Ella Leighton | Hockey |
| Jack Lepper | Surf Lifesaving |
| Jameson McConnochie | Rowing |
| Millie Jane Mcilraith | Shooting |
| Thomas Nogaj | Power Lifting |
| Tess Pateman | Canoe Slalom & Kayak Cross |
| Michaela Pocock | Surf Lifesaving |
| Grace Purdie | Equestrian |
| Sasha Robinson | Rowing |
| Sarah Tetzlaff | Speed Climbing |
| Katelyn Vaha'akolo | Rugby |
| Natasha Wakelin | Cricket |
| Olive Watherston | Rugby |
| Haki (Jack) Wiseman | Rugby |
| Ally Wollaston | Cycling |
Past Blues winners
See Blues winners from previous years, from