23 October 2025 Blues and Golds Awards celebrates student sport and service

Each year students, whānau, friends and mentors gather on campus for an evening of celebration and fun. They enjoy live music, insightful panel discussions, and a three-course dinner.

The university has been awarding Blues to celebrate sporting excellence since the 1940s. Many New Zealand sporting greats have received Blues Awards, including All Black Jack Goodhue; Black Stick Olivia Merry and Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge.

In recent years Lincoln students have worked selflessly to give back to their community. The university recognised the need to celebrate these students, which led to the introduction of the Golds Awards for cultural and service excellence.

The event was MC’d by Future Leader Scholarship student Krugar Griffith, who welcomed the crowd, then passed to Acting Vice Chancellor Damian Lodge.

“I continue to be impressed by the drive of our students and their commitment to strive, to serve, to lead and to excel,” Damian said.

“This evening is my favourite on the university calendar because it shines a light on the talent, discipline, and generosity that defines our student experience.”

“The Blues Awards honour students who have represented at the very highest levels of their sport,” he said. “Your grit, sacrifice and passion inspire us all.”

“Our Gold Awards recognise students who give of themselves for cultural excellence or service to others – from advocacy to environmental leadership, from mentoring school kids to championing wellbeing initiatives on campus.

“You have built belonging, lifted our people up, and often made a difference without any expectation of reward. We honour you for embodying the Lincoln way.

“I am incredibly proud that Lincoln University continues to nurture students who not only excel in their chosen fields but who also show character, humility, and service to others.”

Twelve students were awarded Gold Awards and 46 given Blues Awards.

There were also the Supreme Awards, given to those who stood a step above the rest with exceptional dedication. Each year two individuals and two groups are awarded this top award.

Cam Holmes was our Supreme Gold winner for Service Excellence Person of the Year. Cam has consistently given his own time and effort to a variety of causes during his four years at Lincoln. He has served on the executive of the LU Student Volunteer Army and Christchurch City Young Farmers, and has contributed extensively to the Methven Football Club as secretary, committee member, and coach.

The Supreme Gold for Group Voluntary Contribution of the Year went to an outstanding team of students who provided hands-on support to rural communities hit by severe flooding around Tasman. Organised by student volunteer club Handy Landy’s, the group worked to clear fence lines, clean homes, fix yards and more.

The Supreme Blue for Sports Person of the Year went to Fynn Mitchell, an adventure racer who came sixth at the Adventure Racing World Champs in Ecuador and second in the Magnificent World Series Race. He also won the 2025 Coast to Coast men’s tandem.

Our Men’s Under 23A Basketball Team was awarded the Supreme Blue for Sports Team of the Year. They won the U23 CBA Championship this year, and their players have seen huge success in other basketball events, such as the UTSNZ 3x3 and 5x5 teams.

The guest speakers for the night were Lincoln University researchers Professor Susie Wood and Dr Hafsa Ahmed.

Susie is co-director of our Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management and has won awards for her contributions to freshwater research. She’s represented New Zealand in multiple sports, including yachting, cycling, duathlon and triathlon. Hafsa is a renowned researcher, educator and community volunteer. She was appointed a Member of the Order of New Zealand for her services to ethnic communities and women.

The pair embody the Blues and Golds spirit. They were asked about their journey to success, and how they balance their personal life with work. Susie admitted she’s still working on it.

She spoke to the award winners directly. “You’re a group of incredibly dedicated and passionate people. We don’t always have a balanced life, it’s just the nature of things. We’ve got our national championships, or our exams, so we’re super focused and perhaps a little unbalanced during that period.

“I think it’s important to have non-negotiables in your day. For me that would normally be a bike ride or a run, it’s time to reset. That’s really important for me to make good decisions.”

Hafsa had a similar system. Dedicating time for rest and exercise were essential to keeping her head clear and making sure she could perform at her best. “You have to build in time to having those non-negotiables so that you’re able to reach your optimal performance,” she said.

Congratulations again to all our Blues and Golds winners, you are a true asset to your community and we are proud to have you at Lincoln University.

See the full list of winners.