2024 Blues and Golds winners
Congratulations to the 2024 Blues and Golds Awards winners.
Supreme Gold Awards
Service Excellence Person of the Year 2024
Samantha Dryden
Samantha Dryden
Sam has earned a reputation as a sustainability champion at The University. During her time at LU she positively impacted students, University whanau, local community, and the natural environment through her mahi. She’s achieved this through her roles as LUSA’s Sustainability Representative and President of Lincoln Environmental Sustainability Society (LESS) along with her work in SAGE, Sustainability Fund Steering Group and the Ecological Society. Her leadership in Sustainability Week was particularly notable, where she led a working group to organise activities and foster discussions about sustainability on campus. Beyond campus, Sam has initiated high-level discussions with political leaders, including MP Penny Simmonds and the Minister of Environment, to drive positive environmental change.
Group Voluntary Contribution of the Year
Volunteer student buddies in the Kaiwhakarite Tauira programme
Kaiwhakarite Tauira | Student Buddy Programme
This award goes to 6 remarkable students: Kailash Vasant Bhatt, Cameron Holmes, Swetha Kumaran, Dharmik Patel, Thi Tam Huong Pham, Anupam Pandey, and Sahiti Peddisetti. As volunteer student buddies in the Kaiwhakarite Tauira programme, they have generously given their time to support the campus community throughout the year. Through a variety of events and social occasions, they’ve ensured that everyone feels welcomed and included.
The Kaiwhakarite Tauira have taken up this volunteer role to manaaki our students to feel comfortable here at LU and support them on their learning journeys. They make a real difference at the grassroots level on our campus, leaning into the Māori values and living and breathing them in such a way that the students and staff they engage with feel truly valued.
Supreme Blue Awards
Sports Person of the Year
Charlie Morrison
Charlie Morrison
Charlie has been a standout in New Zealand hockey this past year, being a member of the Black Sticks as they competed at the Olympic qualifiers in Oman and eventually went on to qualify and compete at the Paris Olympics. He also excelled with the New Zealand under-21 team, being named FIH Player of the Tournament and New Zealand Under-21 Hockey Player of the Year. Locally, Charlie is a member of the Canterbury Cavaliers, helping to bring the team to victory in the New Zealand NHC Tier 1 tournament in Palmerston North.
Sports Team of the Year
Lincoln University Women’s Basketball Team
Lincoln University Women’s Basketball Team
In 2024, the Lincoln University women’s basketball team had an incredible season, winning two national championships. They took first place at the UTSNZ 3x3 basketball nationals in Rolleston and at the UTSNZ 5x5 basketball nationals in Lower Hutt. They also placed 5th in Oceania at the FISU 3x3 basketball continental qualifying tournament. This success builds on their dominance over the past four years, winning the 3x3 competition four times in a row and last year’s 5x5 championship by technicality. The team has also qualified for back-to-back FISU World University 3x3 tournaments. To date, they’ve won six out of the eight total 3x3 national tournaments and four out of the seven 5x5 tournaments held in New Zealand.
Members: Kate Herman, Madeleine Timms, Hana Lacey-Rameka, Madison Lansdown-Cunningham, Emma Loffhagen, Taiana Day, Charlee Templeton, and Pippa Hawke.
Sam Watkins (5x5 Head Coach), Joshua Thompson (5x5 Assistant Coach, 3x3 Head Coach), and Moses Bygate-Smith (Team Manager/Performance Coach).
Gold Award winners
Carys actively works to increase diversity and inclusion, serving as the President of SPACE. They’re also a passionate advocate for ecological diversity and its importance through her role as Co-President of the LU Soil Society. In her roles, she has actively worked to create opportunities for students to expand their knowledge in life sciences and explore career paths, notably through collaborations with societies like AGLS. As SPACE President in 2024, she successfully organised key events such as the Pride Walk, SPACE Ball, and Pride Month, all while fostering an inclusive environment at the University.
Carys was also part of a group of eight students that raised over $7,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand by bravely shaving her head and donating to charity. In her spare time, when she isn’t shaping the university community or excelling in her studies, Carys volunteers at the South Island Wildlife Hospital, helping native wildlife recover and return to the wild.
Claire Donelley is the dedicated Chairperson of the Lincoln University Young Farmers Club, a group with over 130 members from across all year levels. Claire selflessly devotes more than 15 hours each week to ensuring the smooth running of the club, providing members with enriching opportunities to grow, engage, and connect with the agricultural sector.
Claire oversees events like the LYF Speed Shear, Tussel, and Bark-Up, and plays a key role in organising trips, including two weekend and two day-long excursions, as well as the annual Lincoln vs. Massey exchange. Additionally, she collaborates with NZYF to organise personal development days for club members, embodying the spirit of giving back. Claire’s leadership has inspired many to get involved with the Young Farmers Club, helping others grow their leadership skills and passion for agriculture.
Emily has made remarkable contributions to the University over the past year. She’s played a key role in event planning, educational activities, and LU-specific initiatives like the history project. Emily’s dedicated herself to disability education - raising awareness on disability etiquette, promoting disabled creators, creating content about Otis her service dog, and speaking at a Civil Defence workshop on disability and service dogs in emergencies. Her involvement extends to the Disability Reference Group, the NDSA conference, and being a general disability consultant for The University. Emily has further supported the Re-Ori support expo and Iconic club events and was interviewed for the LU library’s 150th anniversary project.
Grace has been a driving force behind Te Awhioraki and the contribution to a bicultural campus at LU. She is an outstanding representation of someone who upholds the values of Te Awhioraki and The University. Her efforts in Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori also indicated her dedication to kaupapa Māori. Grace makes accessing te reo Māori and activities supporting our bi-cultural campus accessible to all with her hard mahi, welcoming presence and inclusive approach.
Heidi has dedicated herself to fostering student interest in the environment and biodiversity through her roles as Co-President of the Ecological Society and Co-President of the Soil Society. She has been instrumental in biodiversity surveys, LU Sustainability Week and local plantings such as the Te Aka Karakariki green dot initiatives planting over 2000 plants. Heidi has also led ecological field trips, including farewelling the godwits and exploring Riccarton Bush to allow students to engage with unique ecological flora and fauna. One of the most impactful events she recently helped organise was the Conservation Ecology Career Fair, which connected over 130 students with industry professionals with volunteer and career pathways. Beyond the university, Heidi was one of 8 students who raised over $7,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ by shaving her head and regularly volunteering at the South Island Wildlife Hospital, helping native wildlife recover and return to the wild.
Otis has been the best boy supporting his handler. He helps her get to class, and when he is off duty he educates and gives cuddles to LU students. He has been significant in supporting the disability education and visibility of The University. He is also a stylish canine when the occasion calls for it and he showed his pride during the LU pride parade, rocking a rainbow tutu.
Ruby serves as the Co-Chair of the Waimakariri Youth Council, where she has been a strong advocate for youth voices since 2020. She has played a pivotal role in youth leadership development, organising a series of leadership breakfast workshops in 2024, entirely in a voluntary capacity. Ruby’s commitment to youth advocacy and leadership is exemplary, and her dedication continues to impact her community.
Sam has earned a reputation as a sustainability champion at The University. During her time at LU she positively impacted students, University whanau, local community, and the natural environment through her mahi. She’s achieved this through her roles as LUSA’s Sustainability Representative and President of Lincoln Environmental Sustainability Society (LESS) along with her work in SAGE, Sustainability Fund Steering Group and the Ecological Society. Her leadership in Sustainability Week was particularly notable, where she led a working group to organise activities and foster discussions about sustainability on campus. Beyond campus, Sam has initiated high-level discussions with political leaders, including MP Penny Simmonds and the Minister of Environment, to drive positive environmental change.
Zara has made an incredible impact in both sexual violence prevention and rainbow advocacy on campus. Through her roles as President of Thursday’s in Black and an executive member of SPACE, she has shown a deep commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces at LU. Zara’s leadership extended to her role as LUSA’s Rainbow EDI and Wellbeing officer, and her involvement in the wider community as an RA, Co-President of LUNA, and a performer in the Halswell Drama Group, where her latest production raised funds for LGBTTQIA+ youth charities. Zara is greatly invested in the Lincoln community and has consistently gone above and beyond in her volunteer work.
Blue Award winners
Abigail has made great contributions to Canterbury Cricket, being a member of the Canterbury Magicians in the 2023 to 2024 cricket season, and is contacted to stay on for the 2024-2025 season.
In March of this year, Ben was selected for the Crusader U20’s Rugby Team who went on to win the Super Rugby U20 competition in Taupō. His performance in this competition caught the attention of the NZ U20 selectors and soon after, Ben was selected to represent New Zealand in the U20 Rugby Championship in Australia. Ben further travelled to South Africa in July to represent New Zealand in the U20 World Cup Championship.
Cara was selected to participate in a New Zealand under 21 hockey camp earlier this year and has recently been selected to represent the New Zealand women’s under 21 hockey team in their upcoming Japan tour. Cara has also been a member of the Canterbury Barracudas women’s hockey team which won the New Zealand NHC Tier 2 tournament. She is also a member of the Marist premier women’s hockey team which won the Canterbury Premier League final this year.
Charlie has been a standout in New Zealand hockey this past year, being a member of the Black Sticks as they competed at the Olympic qualifiers in Oman and eventually went on to qualify and compete at the Paris Olympics. He also excelled with the New Zealand under-21 team, being named FIH Player of the Tournament and New Zealand Under-21 Hockey Player of the Year. Locally, Charlie is a member of the Canterbury Cavaliers, helping to bring the team to victory in the New Zealand NHC Tier 1 tournament in Palmerston North.
Ella is a standout member of the New Zealand Karate Team. She competed with the NZ Senior Women's Kumite Team at the 2024 Oceania Championships, where they secured second place, and she also won bronze in the women’s +68kg Kumite. At the 2024 Australian Open, Ella earned gold in the U21 +68kg Kumite and bronze in the 3rd +68kg category. Her impressive year continued with silver in the +65kg Kumite and Female Kumite Open at the New Zealand Open, adding to her numerous medals from the New Zealand Cup and National Championships.
Fynn is an Ultra Endurance athlete who, in January, completed the Revenant Event, a 200km Ultra Marathon in Otago, placing 1st equal. He became the 5th competitor ever to finish the race and the youngest athlete to compete. In April, Fynn competed in the Adventure Racing World Series in the United States, finishing 3rd. Most recently, he raced in the Wulong Mountain Quest in China, where his team placed 8th.
Gus was selected to participate in a New Zealand under 21 hockey camp earlier this year and has recently been selected to represent New Zealand in the team as they compete in the Soltan of Johor Cup in Malaysia. He is also a member of the Canterbury Cavaliers men’s hockey team which took out the New Zealand NHC Tier 1 tournament in Palmerston North.
Earlier this year, Hannah was selected to participate in a New Zealand under-21 hockey camp and has since been chosen to represent the New Zealand women’s under-21 team on their upcoming tour in Japan. Hannah has also competed as a member of the Manawatu women’s hockey team in the New Zealand NHC Tier 1 tournament.
Hannah has had an outstanding season as a member of the Hurricanes Poua Women’s Rugby team in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition. Her stellar performance earned her a contract with the Black Ferns, where she has continued to excel and cement her position as a key game driver in the black ferns jersey.
Hamish was a member of the New Zealand Universities Men's 8 Team who won gold in the 1000m sprint and the 5km race at the Trans-Tasmin University Test Series. He’s an active member of the Dunstan Arm and Lincoln University Rowing Club, placing in several club championships and being awarded 2024 Dunstan Club Member of the Year.
Harriet was selected for the New Zealand Universities Women's Rugby Team, which will travel to Australia to play a test match against the Queensland Reds Women's team. Harriet also made her debut for the Canterbury Women's Rugby team, competing in the Farah Palmer Cup.
Henry competed with the Avon rowing team, winning gold in both the Men’s Four and Men’s Eight at the national championships. He also competed with the team at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta, where they placed 5th.
Jarred has been a member of the Casey Cavaliers, a semi-professional men's basketball team based in Melbourne that competes in the NBL1. He has been selected to represent Nelson in the 2024 National Men's Tupu League competition. Jarred has also been a valued member of the Lincoln University 3x3 and 5x5 men’s basketball teams, with the 5x5 team recently placing 2nd at the UTSNZ 5x5 nationals in Lower Hutt.
Josh was selected in the New Zealand Universities Rugby team for 2024. He was also a member of the Lincoln University U21 Lambs team that won the Colts Trophy Final this year.
Junior was selected for the New Zealand Universities Rugby team, playing against Japan earlier this year. He is also a valued member of the Canterbury U19 Rugby Squad, who took out the 2024 South Island Tournament.
Kate was selected for the New Zealand national under-23 women’s 3x3 basketball team, where they went undefeated at the World Cup qualifiers in Malaysia, eventually competing at the under-23 World Cup in Mongolia. She’s also a key member of the Lincoln University 3x3 and 5x5 women’s basketball teams, which won both the UTSNZ 3x3 nationals in Rolleston and the UTSNZ 5x5 nationals in Lower Hutt earlier this year. After securing first place at the 3x3 nationals, Kate and her team qualified for the FISU Oceania 3x3 continental tournament, where they placed 5th. On top of these achievements, Kate earned a spot on the all-star four tournament team for the UTSNZ 3x3 nationals.
Katie was a valued member of the Avon rowing team who won gold in the Women’s Club Coxed 8, Coxless Pairs and Coxless Four at the NZ Rowing championships.
Katie is a valued Lacrosse player at a national level. She was a member of the NZ under 20s Lacross Team who placed 3rd in the Southern Cross Tournament in Melbourne, and most notably competed in the 2024 U20 world cup in Hong Kong.
Lachie was selected to represent the New Zealand Universities Rugby team who played Japan back in May this year. He is also a valued member of the Lincoln University Rams Rugby Team.
Maddy was selected for the New Zealand national under-23 women’s 3x3 basketball team, where they went undefeated at the World Cup qualifiers in Malaysia, eventually competing at the under-23 World Cup in Mongolia. She’s also a key member of the Lincoln University 3x3 and 5x5 women’s basketball teams, which won both the UTSNZ 3x3 nationals in Rolleston and the UTSNZ 5x5 nationals in Lower Hutt earlier this year. After securing first place at the 3x3 nationals, Kate and her team qualified for the FISU Oceania 3x3 continental tournament, where they placed 5th.
Matt has represented New Zealand in the U19 team who competed in the 2024 U19 Cricket world cup, Bowling a 5/21 versus Afghanistan which is the 3rd best figures in NZ U19 History. Matt was also called in to the Central Stags team in the 23-24 season and has gained a contract with the Canterbury Kings for the 24-25 cricket season.
Matthew was a member of the New Zealand U19 rowing 8 who competed at the U19 World Championships regatta in St Catharines, Canada. Matt also won silver for the premier men’s 8 and Gold for the senior mens 8 and senior coxless Pair at the 2024 national rowing championships.
Molly is a talented cricket player who has been a member of the Otago Sparks during the 2023/2024 Season. With her contributions, the team became the seasons champions, winning the Hally Burton Johnston shield.
Moss has been a valued member of the Canterbury Cavaliers men's hockey team, which won the New Zealand NHC Tier 1 tournament in Palmerston North. He also holds a domestic contract with New Zealand Hockey and plays for the High School Old Boys- the Burnside premier men’s hockey team- which won the Canterbury Premier League title this year.
Natasha is a member of the New Zealand U23 Canoe Racing team, competing at the ICF Canoe Sprint Junior & U23 World Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. At the national champs, she claimed gold in the U23 500m K1, 1000m K1, and the Senior Mixed Relay 100m, along with bronze in the U23 200m K1, Open 200m K4, Senior Mixed 500m K2, and Open 500m K4. Natasha also excelled at the 2024 Asia Pacific Sprint Cup, winning several medals. She also competed in the Surf Lifesaving Nationals, winning the U19 Female Ski Relay, U19 Female Taplin Relay, and coming second in U19 Female Ski, and U19 Female Double Ski.
Natalie is a talented sportswoman in Clay Target Shooting. Natalie has been selected to represent New Zealand at the Junior World Championship in Peru 2024, both as an individual and part of the Junior Mixed Pair team. She claimed first in Ladies Ball Trap, first in Ladies Minis, and tied for fourth in the Ladies NZ Mackintosh team at the DTL Nationals. Competing postally against eight countries, the NZ Ladies Mackintosh team placed second overall. Natalie also shone at the Oceania Championships, finishing third in the Ladies Championship Final and placing fourth in the overall Ladies Championship.
Oliver has been a valued addition to the NZ U23s Rowing squad. Oliver was the cox for the U23 women’s Coxed four who won gold at the 2024 U23 World Championship Regatta in St Catharines, Canada. He’s also earned the 2024 National Champion title for the Men’s Club 8.
Rico was selected for the New Zealand Universities rugby team to play against Japan earlier this year. He has also been named as a development player for the Counties Manukau NPC team and has proven himself a valuable member of the Rams Premier Squad throughout the season.
Robbie is a valued player in Canterbury and National level cricket, most notably being a member of the NZ U19s team who competed at the 2024 Under 19 Cricket world cup in South Africa.
Simon has played for the Manawatu Jets, a semi-professional team competing in the New Zealand National Basketball League. He has also been a valued player for the Lincoln University 5x5 men’s basketball team, which placed 2nd at the UTSNZ 5x5 nationals in Lower Hutt. Simon’s efforts also earned him a spot on the all-star five tournament team.
Taiana was named in the NZ U21s netball Team who did a Fiji tour. She was also a member of the Mainland NNL Netball Team along with the Lincoln University netball team who clinched the title at the Premier Christchurch Netball Competition for 2024. Taiana was also a member of the UTSNZ Winning Lincoln University Basketball Team.