We’ve done it again, UC whānau!

The University of Canterbury has officially secured the UTSNZ Shield for 2025, marking our third consecutive win in the National Tertiary Championship Series. This incredible achievement is a testament to the strength, depth, and spirit of our student-athletes, coaches, and support crew.

What is the UTSNZ Shield?
The UTSNZ Shield is awarded to the university that performs best across eight national championship events. First introduced in 1923, it’s one of the most prestigious trophies in New Zealand tertiary sport. UC proudly reclaimed it in 2023 during its centenary year, backed it up in 2024, and now in 2025, we’ve made it a three-peat!

Final Standings – Shield Series 2025
UC finished first overall with a commanding 67 points, ahead of Otago (61) and Auckland (59). Here’s how the top eight stacked up:

UC’s Event Highlights – 2025 Results Recap
Across the eight championship events, UC athletes delivered standout performances:

• Rowing – 2nd place at Lake Ruataniwha
• Badminton – 6th place at Auckland Badminton Stadiu
• 3×3 Basketball – 1st in Men’s, 4th in Women’s
• Volleyball – 1st in Men’s, 3rd in Women’s
• Futsal – 1st in Men’s, 5th in Women’s
• Ultimate – 3rd place finish
• Basketball – 1st in Men’s, 4th in Women’s
• Netball – 3rd place at Christchurch Netball Centre

UC also placed 4th in the Spirit Award standings with 34 points, showing that our teams not only compete hard but uphold the values of fair play, respect, and sportsmanship.

A Massive Team Effort
Over 130 UC student-athletes proudly wore the maroon and gold across the series. Their collective effort, grit, and sportsmanship brought the Shield home once again. We also want to acknowledge our incredible volunteer coaches and managers, who’s unwavering support made sure thar our athletes had everything that they needed to be successful.

Looking Ahead to 2026
Planning is already underway for next year’s campaign. If you’re keen to represent UC in 2026, keep an eye out for trial announcements and team registrations early next year. In the meantime, go check out the UTSNZ Flickr page for the photos from every event in 2025.

Let’s be honest- when exams hit, most of us drop everything that isn’t studying. Gym sessions? Gone. Walks? Maybe next month. But here’s the thing: research says that keeping active during exam time isn’t just good for your body – it’s actually really beneficial for your brain.

Want to know more? Keep reading!

Cognitive Benefits of Exercise

Exercise gives your brain a serious boost. It increases blood flow, releases brain-friendly chemicals, and helps build stronger neural connections – all essential for learning and memory. In fact, large-scale research shows that regular physical activity can improve focus, memory, and decision-making skills. These cognitive functions are critical during exams, when focus, problem-solving, and memory retention are in high demand.

Stress Reduction and Emotional Well-being

Exams = stress. But exercise helps your body handle it better.

Studies show that students who stay active during study periods feel less stressed, recover better, and even believe they perform better academically. It doesn’t have to be a full workout – short movement breaks like stretching or walking can make a real difference. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, a quick burst of movement might be just what you need.

It Helps You Stay Resilient

Some research looked at law students prepping for final exams (arguably one of the most stressful academic experiences) and found that those who made time for recovery activities like exercise had better well-being and lower stress. Other studies show that physical activity boosts mindfulness and resilience – two traits that help you stay calm and focused under pressure.

Best Types of Exercise for Exam Stress

Not all workouts are created equal. Research suggests that the most effective types of exercise for improving mental health and quality of life in university students are those that involve moderate to vigorous effort. Think dance, Pilates, resistance training, and team sports. These activities combine movement, social interaction, and skill-building – all of which help reduce stress and lift your mood. So, if exams are getting intense, try joining a dance class, lifting weights, or playing a sport. It’s not just good for your body – it’s a reset for your mind.

Final Thoughts: Move Your Body, Help Your Brain

During exams, your brain is your most valuable asset. Exercise helps keep it functioning at its best. Whether it’s a quick jog, a yoga session, or a dance break, moving your body can help you manage stress, improve focus, and perform better academically.

So next time you’re buried in notes and tempted to skip your workout, remember: your brain needs movement too.

References available below if you’d like to explore the research further.

Donnelly, S., Penny, K., & Kynn, M. (2024). The effectiveness of physical activity interventions in improving higher education students’ mental health: A systematic review. Health promotion international, 39(2), daae027.

Guo, J. (2025). Physical exercise enhances mindfulness and psychological resilience: A chain mediation model. Frontiers in Psychology. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1545370/full

Mandolesi, L., et al. (2018). Effects of physical exercise on cognitive functioning and wellbeing: Biological and psychological benefits. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 509. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00509

Reschke, T., Lobinger, T., & Reschke, K. (2024). Recovery experiences as mediators between stress and well-being during exam preparation. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0306809

Singh, B., et al. (2025). Effectiveness of exercise for improving cognition, memory and executive function: A systematic umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/59/12/866

Teuber, M., Leyhr, D., & Sudeck, G. (2024). Physical activity improves stress load, recovery, and academic performance-related parameters among university students. BMC Public Health. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-18082-z

Wunsch, K., et al. (2021). The tridirectional relationship among physical activity, stress, and academic performance in university students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 739. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/2/739