Clubs Awards 2021

Winner

University of Auckland Volleyball Club

 University of Auckland Volleyball Club has had their most successful year in their 8-year history. They’ve had members compete at the Auckland Central Volleyball League, volunteered at the National Volleyball League with the YMCA, successfully ran the University UNIM8s competition while upskilling their members to gain at least a Local Referee qualification and brought in external coaches to respond to gaps in member development. Beyond their dedication to success on the court, the executive has focused on bringing order and structure to the club itself, setting themselves well for the future. The team has proven themselves as a club who can help students make friends, keep active and develop for higher levels of competition. 

Winner

Te Rōpū Taiao, School of Environment Students Association

 Ropu Taiao Environment Association, RTEA, have hit the ground running with their executive covering the academic and social aspects of being part of the School of Environment. They executive are working to ensure there is student representation on academic decision-making bodies, have taken over the JR Shield competition, a series of sports events between the 4 majors within the school, organised field trips and hosted a raft of social events both in person and online.

Runner Up

University of Auckland Women in Business

 As a new club, Women in Business has experienced incredible growth with 350 paid members in 12 months, increased their annual sponsorship from $1500 in 2020 to $12,000 in 2021 and have around 90% of their registrations for events convert into actual attendance! With an advisory board established to support the executive, this team role models developing and supporting our future female leaders.

Winner

Public Policy Club

Public Policy Club celebrated their 5th anniversary this year with a remarkable year! PPC worked to bring forward policy and worked tirelessly to bring up the discussions that impact the greater community. PPC facilitated many different kōreros on #StopAsianhate, changes to the Aotearoa NZ Histories Curriculum and the state of criminal justice system. They have has also completed two successful competitions, collaborated with other clubs and kept the discussions going on the issues that matter the most in Aotearoa. We’re proud of the efforts to tackle big topics in accessible ways for the benefit of the University community.

Runner Up

Women in Health

The Women in Health Network focuses on empowering young female leaders in health-related disciplines with events such as an all-day workshop for practical tools and simulated interviews. WiHN also provides opportunities for student’s to be introduced to lesser-known professions in the health field such as the Defence Force, created a high school networking programme and mentoring programme in the University. WiHN are a highly professional organisation determination to make change.

Winner

Sustainable Future Collective

Sustainable Future Collective bring contemporary perspective to educate and engage students about environmental redress. Their high-engagement initiatives with the University and community have helped them foster a culture of co-creation whilst building a network of socially conscious changemakers. Their successful Young Sustainability Leaders program connecting students with industry mentors has been awarded the Australasian Green Gown award for Student Engagement. The Sustainable Future Collective undoubtedly provides opportunities for the ‘leaders of tomorrow’ to mature and flourish in response to the sustainability challenges of the coming decades.

Runner Up

Generation Zero

Generation Zero has been advocating for Aotearoa’s climate crisis since its inception and have been collaborating with a range of clubs to share their purpose. Although faced with disruptions from the pandemic this year, GenZero still managed to push through with a new executive team and hosted events to educate their peers on how they can express their voices and opinions to effect change. Their collaborative mind-set and advocating for a better climate on campus is remarkable.

Winner

Kiwi Asian Club

Kiwi Asian Club actively engages in a plethora of events throughout the year, with everything from pancake making event incorporating Korean, Japanese and Chinese cultures, charitable Asian movie night, food quiz and multiple sport events including activities such as Muay Thai and badminton. KAC are an active and vibrant organization that embraces a wide range of cultures to create an engaged and connected community.

Runner Up

Vietnamese Auckland University Students' Association

VAUSA has been active in promoting their Vietnamese culture to the wider University community with high member retention rates and a significant increase of new members this year. They created a sense of home by celebrating the Lunar New Year with traditional cuisine and games. They added an element of surprise by inviting student's families from Vietnam to join remotely and celebrate the new year together. This special touch was particularly important during the pandemic and exemplifies the care the executive has for their members.

Winner

University of Auckland Volleyball Club

University of Auckland Volleyball Club won both Sports Clubs of the Year and Supreme Club of the Year awards.

Runner Up

Auckland University Strength Society

Auckland University Strength Society is dedicated to bringing support and guidance to all their members. AUSS has had 23 members this year compete in regional and national power lifting tournaments with several members placing.  AUSS have worked closely with Auckland Powerlifting Association and the University Recreation Centre to encourage members development in a safe way that grows their skills (and muscles!)

Winner

University of Auckland Poetry Club

 Poetry Club has grown substantially in 2021 with 137 newsletter subscriptions, 219 Facebook members, and 22 paid members. They have kept their members engaged throughout the year by hosting numerous events such as Poetry Workshops, Poetry Competitions, Open Mics, Social Picnics and Poetry Slam run with the Arts Student Organisation. They also undertook a Poetry Project this year to refresh the Symonds Street underpass with stencilled words including Te Reo Maori to help students explore creative poetry. This added vibrancy and creativity to the campus whilst boosting the club’s visibility. Although faced with a setback, they are determined to recreate the project once out of lockdown.

Runner up

KPOP Planet

KPOP had a steady membership growth, despite facing the effects of the pandemic. Creating a family-like culture for their club, they held weekly dinners, karaoke nights and zoom calls to members, supporting them during throughout the difficult lockdown periods. Their focus on well-being and mental health, alongside celebrating and enjoying excellent music, ensured their members felt connected and supported through on campus and online events during the year.