The "Blues and Golds Awards" recognise and celebrate the highest degree of sporting, cultural, community and arts achievements among University of Otago Students.

First awarded in 1908, The University of Otago Blues continue to be highly prized as a recognition of outstanding student sporting achievement. Otago was the first New Zealand university to adopt the traditional English university Blues system, which began at Oxford and Cambridge universities with the awarding of a “Blue” to rowers and then, later, to other sportspeople. Since 1908, we have added additional awards to not only celebrate sport, but also arts, culture and service.

Often going noticed or flying under the radar - it's a real privilege to shine a light on the amazing pool of talent and contributions we have on campus.

Key Documents

The University of Otago Blues and Golds Policy

The University of Otago Blues and Golds Awards Criteria

The University of Otago Blues and Golds Awards Panel Terms of Reference

2024 Timeline

• June 14th - Nominations Open
• July 14th - Nominations Close
• Early August – Panel Meeting
• Late September - Awards Ceremony

University of Otago Blues

The Blues Awards for sporting excellence are a long standing tradition that have been awarded at the University of Otago since 1908 – these are the greatest accolade that can be awarded to those University of Otago students that excel in their chosen sporting field.

University of Otago Sportsperson of the Year

The University of Otago Sportsperson of the Year Award and the University of Otago Highly Commended Sportsperson of the Year Awards recognise the high performance, service and example in their chosen field, including expressing the ideals of true sportsmanship.

University of Otago Māori Sportsperson of the Year

This Taonga, first awarded in 2000, recognises the most outstanding Māori Sportsperson at the University of Otago. This person best represents Māori through their performances in top-level sport.

University of Otago Golds

The Golds Awards are the highest accolade that the University of Otago can bestow on those University of Otago students involved in the cultural sphere. They reward excellence and exceptional achievement in the chosen artistic or cultural field. OUSA has awarded Golds Awards since 2002.

University of Otago Outstanding Contribution to Arts and Culture

Honours an individual who exemplify dedication in their chosen field, embodying the values of true commitment and service to the arts and culture community. Nominees must present compelling evidence of their exceptional contributions and the substantial positive impact of their work.

OUSA Society of the Year

Recognising excellence in the management, administration and promotion of any OUSA Affiliated Club or Society. Providing positive community awareness and engagement.

OUSA Cultural Society of Year

Recognises excellence in the management, administration and promotion of any OUSA Affiliated Cultural Club or Society. Providing positive community awareness and engagement. This award is for International Cultural Clubs only.

OUSA Sports Club of the Year

Recognising excellence in the management, administration and promotion from an OUSA Affiliated Sports Club. Providing positive community awareness and engagement.

OUSA Silver Service

OUSA awards a Silver Service Award to University of Otago students and members of its affiliated Clubs to recognise the exceptional contributions made by these people. This may involve Administration, Coaching, Managing, Officiating and other important contributions.

OUSA Coach of the Year

This award was introduced in 2013, to recognise the significant input and achievements of coaches in the community. This Award is available to any coach coaching an OUSA Affiliated Club or any University of Otago student coaching anywhere in the country.

Outstanding Member of the University of Otago Community

This award highlights a student who has been an integral part of the University of Otago community and deserves recognition. For example, a student who has shown impressive leadership skills to benefit the student body or has been an exceptional volunteer at university or OUSA events.

Outstanding Member of the Dunedin Community

Recognising a student with an altruistic spirit who has significantly contributed to the wider local community during their time in Dunedin. A student who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in either a community project, volunteer work, participating in environmental conservation efforts, mentoring youth, or in their support for local charities and non-profit organizations.

Questions? Contact our Clubs Development Officer