ACU & UTS Take On New Zealand In 2025 Netball Trans-Tasman Exchange

Posted 8th December 2025

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The last week of November saw university netball head across the Tasman Sea, as two Australian university teams travelled to New Zealand for a week-long exchange that blended competition, camaraderie, and cultural exploration. The event, a first of its kind, offered student-athletes a chance to compete internationally while forging connections beyond national campuses.

The exchange came about after UniSport Australia (UniSport) and University & Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) were in discussion about a formal Trans-Tasman university netball competition. Whilst there was not enough time to establish an official competition for the year, the concept gained a lot of interest, and leading teams from UniSport Nationals expressed their eagerness to travel to New Zealand anyway to participate in friendly competition, wanting to give their student-athletes an international opportunity.

Representing Australia were Australian Catholic University (ACU) and University of Technology Sydney (UTS), who took on Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the University of Auckland (UoA). They were hosted by AUT, and over the week-long visit the four teams faced off in a series of high-energy games and were immersed in a range of cultural and social activities.

Beyond providing access to high-level coaching and training, it gave ACU and UTS students the chance to travel internationally and gain experiences that extend beyond the court. The week in Auckland also offered opportunities to explore some of the region’s most iconic locations, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to an already memorable experience.

Reflecting on the trip, ACU Sport Officer James Little spoke about the meaningful relationships that developed across the universities. “The most valuable outcome has been the strong and lasting connections formed between university staff and students across both countries. We have been deeply moved by the kindness and generosity shown in welcoming us into their accommodation and sport facilities” he said.

UTS Team Manager Paige Green also highlighted the importance of the tour for both the student-athletes and the UTS netball program. “Being part of the inaugural Trans-Tasman Netball Tour has been an incredibly rewarding experience and a proud moment for our program at UTS. This week has showcased just how impactful international opportunities can be for our student-athletes, not only in their sporting development, but in the way they connect with new environments, new people, and new challenges” she shared.

Following this, UTS Team Captain Georgia Lafford expressed her gratitude for the hospitality they received. “We extend our sincere thanks to AUT and UoA for their warm hospitality throughout our stay. Their support has been exceptional, and we are especially grateful for the opportunity to train at their impressive new HIWA Centre” she said, adding that she was proud of her team’s efforts as they grew with every game and demonstrated what it truly means to represent UTS with pride.

AUT Sport Manager and Team Manager, Quinlin Bosson-Thompson, who organised the hosting on campus, noted that the tournament demonstrated the strength of netball talent across Oceania and emphasised the important role international opportunities play in enriching students’ university experience, adding that continued exchanges of this kind would be highly valuable in the future.

By combining international competition with cultural exchange and personal development, the 2025 Trans-Tasman event provided a model for how universities can support student-athletes while strengthening ties between institutions, demonstrating the benefits of investing in programs that encourage international engagement and student growth. In a landscape where university sport continues to expand in significance, competitions like this show that opportunities for student-athletes can go far beyond national leagues.