For immediate release
University of Otago Blues and Golds Awards 2014
The highest honours OUSA can bestow to students who have excelled in Sport, Culture, or services to these, the
University of Otago Blues and Golds Awards, were announced at a ceremony last night.
“The Blues and Golds Awards celebrate the participants in a diverse range of extracurricular activities at the
University of Otago,” said Sycamore-Smith. “It’s important we honour and recognise those who excel in their chosen
passion, and the outstanding contribution students and their supporters make to our community.”
“Over forty students, coaches, clubs and societies were acknowledged for their contributions and achievements,” said
OUSA President, Ruby Sycamore-Smith. “These are the best of the best who have made Otago proud.”
“This year’s winners range from regional representatives and national performers to world champions,” said Sycamore
Smith. “It’s amazing the talent and passion that is alive and well at Otago, and we congratulate them all!”
A full list of winners can be found on the following pages.
University of Otago Gold
Anna McBride – Dance
Anna is an integral member of the Otago Dance Association and currently sits on the executive committee. Throughout the
past 12 months Anna has seen great success in her preferred discipline of Tap with numerous top placing’s in local
competitions. Anna exudes passion and commitment for dance, and as a result of this she received a nomination to attend
the PACANZ National Young Performer of the Year to be held in October of this year.
Kylie Price – Music
There is no doubt that many of you will recognise this name. Kylie has made an incredible contribution to the Otago
music community and her talents are constantly being recognised with a string of awards to her name. She performed the
Australian national anthem at last years All Blacks test held in Dunedin, opened for The Hollies on their 2013 tour, was
the 2013 Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year overall winner, had her debut EP Wanderer // Wonderer reach #1 on the
iTunes country charts, and was recently named finalist in the NZ National Country Music Awards for Female Country
Artist.
OUSA Club of the Year
Otago Students Spearfishing and Hunting Club
The Spearfishing and Hunting Club have put a large emphasis on collaboration between clubs with everyone pushing to be
the best they can be. In April of this year they hosted a BBQ along with the Otago Dance Association providing a medium
for interaction and enjoyment. This club has only been running for two years, and the amount of work they have put in to
grow the club and provide a supportive and fun environment is truly outstanding.
OUSA Society of the Year
Otago University Indian Students' Association
This group has had great success with their recent cultural night selling out both of their evenings at the start of
September. Their presence is constantly growing and they are reaching out and becoming a real force in the cultural
arena at Otago. These results have only come from hard work, determination and hours upon hours at the recreation
centre.
OUSA Coach of the Year
Kayak Racing
The knowledge and passion Brendan has for Kayaking is second to none. He is a founding member of the OUSA Kayak Racing
Club, and the time he sacrifices is invaluable to the club. Brendan is a great coach, and members have certainly
benefited from his guidance in 2014 as they’ve attained great achievements.
University of Otago Maori Sportsperson of the Year
Jordan Housiaux - Canoe Polo
Jordan has made a name for herself as a gifted Canoe Polo player. She is clinical on the water, making life difficult
for any opposition. She not only possesses the physical skills to compete on the world stage but is also a strong
leader. She had the honour of captaining the NZ women’s under 21 side to a bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships
in Poland. She has since been a part of the New Zealand Women’s team who came 2nd at the Oceania Championships in
Christchurch, 4th at the World Games, as well as a National Championship title. She has recently been selected as a
member of the New Zealand Paddle Ferns who are currently attending the World Canoe Polo Championships looking to better
their previous 4th place.
University of Otago Sportswoman of the Year
Jordan Housiaux - Canoe Polo
(as above)
University of Otago Sportsman of the Year
Andrew Potter – Rowing
Andrew has had an incredibly successful year on the water. Representing New Zealand at the under 21 Trans-Tasman rowing
series in 2013 and representing the University of Otago, Andrew again tasted gold in the 5km, 2km and was the winner of
the best of three races in the St Petersburg State University test series. Following on from these performances Andrew
was named in the Southern Regional Performance centre for the 2013-2014 summer season in the Under 21 Trans-Tasman
Rowing Series with re-selection into the New Zealand under 21 team for 2014. His achievements have been impressive and
we are proud to have him as a student at Otago University.
University of Otago Blue Awards Recipients
University of Otago Blue
Ben Anderson - Athletics
Tori Peeters - Athletics
Anita Snowdon - Basketball
Grace Love - Basketball
Jordan Aria Housiaux - Canoe Polo
Olivia Hall - Debating
Henry Flood - Football
Bridget Thayer - Netball
Andrew Potter - Rowing
Charlotte McIntyre - Rowing
Morgan Shepherd - Rowing
Ruby Alice Wilson Tew - Rowing
Nadia de Koster - Tae Kwon Do
University of Otago Graduates' Association Outstanding Contribution to Sport
Andrew Lee - Basketball
John Brinsley-Pirie - Debating
Paul Hunt - Debating
Calvin Berg - Football
Thomas Telford - Squash
Dean Jenkins - Tae Kwon Do
OUSA Coach of the Year Finalist
Brendan O'Neill - Kayak Racing
Joan Merrilees - Athletics
Rahul Das - Rugby Union
Dean Jenkins - Tae Kwon Do
OUSA Coach of the Year
Brendan O'Neill - Kayak Racing
University of Otago Maori Sportsperson of the Year
Jordan Aria Housiaux - Canoe Polo
University of Otago Sportswoman of the Year
Jordan Aria Housiaux - Canoe Polo
University of Otago Sportsman of the Year
Andrew Potter - Rowing
OUSA Club of the Year Finalist
Otago Students Spearfishing and Hunting Club
Otago University Debating Society
Otago University Men's Basketball Club
Otago University Rowing Club
Otago University Snow Sports Club
Otago University Squash Club
OUSA Club of the Year
Otago Students Spearfishing and Hunting Club
University of Otago Gold Awards Recipients
University of Otago Gold
Anna Rachael McBride - Dance
Kylie Price - Music
University of Otago Graduates' Association Outstanding Contribution to Arts and Culture Caroline Shie Siaw Mei - Brunei Culture
Abe Gray - Cannabis Law Reform
Katarina Schwarz - Dance / Debating
Alec Dawson - Generation Zero
Devika Patel - International Culture
Nicole Kwan Shao Wen - Otago Malaysian Students’ Assn
Andrew Tait - Politics
Rachel Su Theng Goh - Singapore Culture
Tharini Ishihara Nanayakkara - Sri Lankan Students’ Assn
OUSA Society of the Year Finalist - Otago University Indian Students' Association
OUSA Society of the Year Finalist - Fiji Club
OUSA Society of the Year Finalist - Otago Malaysian Students' Association
OUSA Society of the Year Finalist - Sri Lankan Students' Association
OUSA Society of the Year
Otago University Indian Students' Association
ENDS