The Blues Awards, first presented in 1902, are the University’s highest sporting awards, presented in partnership with Te Aka Tauira—Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA). This year, the University awarded 47 Blues and 8 Premier Awards.
“The Blues Awards are about taking the time to appreciate the incredible amount of dedication, focus, time, and hard mahi it takes to be a student-athlete,” says Provost Bryony James. “We are proud to recognise every one of these athletes, as well as the clubs, administrators, family members, and friends who help make their successes possible.”
It was a wonderful evening, with a jovial, celebratory air. Applause for the winners was rousing, and sportsmanship was high—we expected nothing less from a room of our finest athletes.
A second Sportswoman of the Year award went to Engineering student, Riana Pho, who represents New Zealand as part of the Vantage Black Sticks women’s hockey team. Riana was part of the team that won the 2025 Oceania Cup in Darwin recently, after a dramatic penalty shootout against Australia.
Sportsman of the Year was awarded to Hugo Plummer, one of Wellington’s rising rugby talents. On top of his Laws and Commerce studies, Hugo is a member of both the Hurricanes and the Wellington Lions. Not only is he a skilled athlete, but he also embodies the values of hard work, leadership, humility, and pride in representing his region.
Pasifika Sportsperson of the Year went to Kayli Tuiraviravi, of Fijian heritage. Kayli is captain of the New Zealand Pasifika Hockey team, showing outstanding leadership both on and off the hockey field.
Māori Sportsperson of the Year went to Logan Curtis who recently represented his Iwi Ngāpuhi and Aotearoa with distinction and pride at the World University Games in Germany. Logan is on the national New Zealand Gymnastics team, currently the only male member of known Māori descent.
The Sporting and Academic Excellence Award went to Victoria Li who shows exemplary commitment to both her studies and Taekwondo. In addition to representing New Zealand recently at the World University Games, she has maintained A’s and A+’s across the board throughout her Chemistry and Statistics degree.
Senga Hickson won Sports Administrator of the Year, as well as an individual Blues Award for Rowing. As President of the Victoria University Rowing Club, Senga has led record membership growth, secured the club’s first corporate sponsorship, and ensured full participation at the NZ University Rowing Championships where the club won multiple medals and the Spirit Award. Her leadership will leave a lasting impact on the club and its members.
Sports Club of the Year was awarded to Victoria University Athletics Club. The club has supported 20 student-athletes through a standout year, with podium finishes at various championships. Balancing elite performance with leadership growth and inclusive initiatives like the Vic Uni Run Club, the Athletics Club is setting the gold standard for community and student engagement.
“Congratulations to all our 2025 Blues Award winners. You embody the spirit of excellence that lies at the heart of Te Herenga Waka,” says Karl Whalen, Head of Sport and Recreation. “We are incredibly proud of all of you.”
Blues Awards
Premier winners
Sportsperson of the year—Dory Kemp (Kayaking)
Sportswoman of the Year (2 x awarded)—Dory Kemp (Kayaking) and Riana Pho (Hockey)
Sportsman of the Year—Hugo Plummer (Rugby)
Māori Sportsperson of the Year—Logan Curtis (Men’s Artistic Gymnastics)
Pasifika Sportsperson of the Year—Kayli Tuiraviravi (Hockey)
Sporting and Academic Excellence Award—Victoria Li (Taekwondo)
Sports Administrator of the Year—Senga Hickson (Rowing)
Sports Club of the Year—Victoria University Athletics Club
Individual
Heidi Baldwin—Rowing
Charles Beale—Rowing
Chantal Brosnan—Underwater Hockey
Sam Clode—Indoor Cricket
Alex Collett—Archery
Micah Conroy—Indoor Cricket
Logan Curtis—Men's Artistic Gymnastics
Max Doherty—Running
Alexi (Lexi) Evett—Taekwondo
Hannah Francis—Cricket and Indoor Cricket
Phoebe Gray—Futsal and Football
Emma Hampson-Tindale—Women's Tumbling Gymnastics
Jayden Hanna—Waterskiing
Senga Hickson—Rowing
Harry Irving—Rugby
Sophie Irving—Rugby
Lucy Jessep—Debating
Kate Johnson—Floorball
Dory Kemp—Kayaking
Foy Kerkin—Indoor Cricket
Lahni Kuklinski—Bodybuilding
Kim Lammers—Rugby
Peter Lang—Debating
Victoria Li—Taekwondo
Callum McKinnon—Croquet
Mitchell McLeod—Rugby
Erana Ngarimu—Netball
Matangihau Nuku—Softball
Poppy O’Brien--Football
Riana Pho—Hockey
Hugo Plummer—Rugby
Maya Postrzygacz—Triathlon
Lorcan Rabbitte—Athletics
Jack Riley—Rugby
Dominic Ropeti—Rugby
Ivana Samani—Rugby
Xanthe Somerville—Rugby
Kayli Tuiraviravi—Hockey
Abby Wheeler—Taekwondo
Sui Yamaguchi Ellin—Kendo
Sports Coaches
Alexi (Lexi) Evett—Taekwondo
Sports Administrators
Emma Hardy—Debating
Senga Hickson—Rowing
Abby Wheeler—Taekwondo
Sports Clubs
Victoria University Athletics Club
Victoria University Rowing Club
Victoria University Taekwondo Club
University Recreation received no submissions for Disabled Sportsperson of the Year, so no award was given for 2025.