Ben Sears’ rise to Black Cap success started in 2021 where he was named Sportsperson and Sportsman of the Year for the first time at the University Blues Awards. This year he made his test debut for New Zealand against Australia in Christchurch, where he took a match haul of five wickets—as well as winning the Plunket Shield with the Wellington Firebirds and earning his first central contract to play for New Zealand. While working toward his Bachelor of Laws, Ben’s outstanding achievements have earned him both the Sportsperson and Sportsman of the Year for 2024.
Sportswoman of the Year went to Bachelor of Science student Georgia Plimmer, with her success on the cricket field steadily rising since her White Ferns debut in 2022. She’s played 46 matches for the White Ferns and contributed to the Wellington Blaze’s successful Super Smash 2023–24 campaign, where the team emerged as champions.
The Blues Awards, first presented in 1902, are the University’s highest sporting awards, presented in in partnership with Te Aka Tauira—Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA). This year, the University awarded more awards than ever before, with 49 Individual Blues and 11 Premier Awards.
“The Blues Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional talent and dedication of our student athletes,” says Provost Professor Bryony James. “Their achievements both on and off the field exemplify the spirit of excellence that the University strives to foster. Each awardee has demonstrated remarkable perseverance and commitment. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions to sports and our university community.”
Sophie Irving (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Rārua, and Ngāti Tama) was honoured as the Māori Sportsperson of the Year, for rugby, rugby league, and surf lifesaving. Her rugby team placed first at the Māori Rugby League Tournament in the Haka category. Sophie also travelled with Moananui-a-kiwa rugby league team to Japan earlier this year.
Valini Vaka, a Tongan student who also volunteers with the Pasifika team at the University, was awarded the Pasifika Sportsperson of the Year. “She’s been a great leader and ambassador for young Pasifika students as vice-captain of Wellington Pride rugby team. It’s important to acknowledge that sport and academic success go hand-in-hand,” says Associate Professor Hon. Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika).
Corran Hanning celebrates a second year as Disabled Sportsperson of the Year. Corran was recognised for his gold and bronze medals in national throwing events and was named the winner of the 2024 Athletics New Zealand Ultimate Thrower competition.
George D’urban-Burgess was named Sports Coach of the Year, for his role as head coach of the North Harbour U18 Boys touch rugby team. His success led to his selection as coach of the New Zealand U18 Mixed team for the 2025 Youth Asia Pacific Touch Championships. George’s dedication and coaching excellence have earned him this award for the second consecutive year.
The Old Boys’ University Rugby Football Club were named Sports Club of the Year for a standout year, with the women’s team reaching the Izzy Ford Cup final. The Premier Men’s team won the Swindale Shield and Jubilee Cup, while the Premier Reserve team claimed the Harper Lock Shield and Ed Chaney Cup. Several members earned prestigious honours, including Lions, Pride, and NZ Universities selections.
"Congratulations to all our 2024 Blues Awards recipients! The hard work and dedication each of you have demonstrated hasn’t gone unrecognised, we are incredibly proud of every one of you,” says Karl Whalen, Associate Director, Sport and Recreation.
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Blues Awards 2024:
Premier Blues Awards
Sportsperson of the Year—Ben Sears (Cricket)
Sportsman of the Year—Ben Sears (Cricket)
Sportswoman of the Year—Georgia Plimmer (Cricket)
Māori Sportsperson of the Year—Sophie Irving (Rugby, Rugby League, and Surf Lifesaving)
Pasifika Sportsperson of the Year—Valini Vaka (Rugby)
Disabled Sportsperson of the Year—Corran Hanning (Athletics)
Sporting and Academic Excellence Award (2x awarded)—Dory Kemp (Canoe Sprint and Marathon—Kayak) and Marie Green (Football)
Sports Club of the Year—Old Boys’ University RFC (Rugby)
Sports Coach of the Year—George D’Urban-Burgess (Touch Rugby)
Sports Administrator of the Year (2x awarded)—Matthew Davies (Victoria University Lacrosse Club) and Lucy Jessep (Victoria University Debating Society)
Blues Awards
Individuals
Josh Amyes—Swimming
Ruby Baker—Hockey
Heidi Baldwin—Rowing
CharlesBeale—Rowing
Jessica Bullen—Croquet
Zhen Hong (Zac) Chai—Kendo
Sam Clode—Cricket
Logan Curtis—Men’s Artistic Gymnastics
George D'Urban-Burgess—Touch Rugby
Maia Flint—Running
Liam Govind—Handball
Marie Green—Football
Antonia Hamilton—Cricket
Emma Hampson-Tindale—Gymnastics
Corran Hanning—Athletics
Harry Ireland—Handball
Harrison Irving—Rugby
Sophie Irving—Rugby, Rugby League, and Surf Lifesaving
Lucy Jessep—Debating
Dory Kemp—Canoe Sprint and Marathon (Kayak)
Harry Lamont—Futsal
Peter Lang—Debating
Olive Lynch-Gerrard—Futsal
Mitchell McLeod—Rugby
Natalie Olson—Futsal
Riana Pho—Hockey
Georgia Plimmer—Cricket
Sammi Preval—Futsal
Lorcan Rabbitte—Cross Country and Athletics
Jack Riley—Rugby
Ben Sears—Cricket
Eloise Sharpe—Underwater Hockey
Stanley Solomon—Rugby
Penelope Taulafo—Hockey
Wynter Tickle—Épée Fencing
Mackenzie Tuffin—Rowing
Kayli Tuiraviravi—Hockey
Valini Vaka—Rugby
Sports Clubs
Old Boys’ University RFC
RC Basketball
Victoria University Athletics Club
Victoria University Debating Society
Victoria University Lacrosse Club
Victoria University Rowing Club
Sports Coaches
GeorgeD'Urban-Burgess— Touch Rugby
Cameron Miller—Diving
Sports Administrators
Matthew Davies—Victoria University Lacrosse Club
Lucy Jessep—Victoria University Debating Society
Theo Sutorius—RC Basketball