Former Tauranga secondary school students are among the winners of the prestigious Blue award.

In October, the Wallace Corporation University of Waikato Blues Awards will celebrate 61 high-achieving students who excel in sports and the creative and performing arts.

Mariah Ririnui is one of the recipients of The Blue.

The Blue recognises national excellence through to world champions. The awards are one of the University of Waikato's strongest traditions, dating back to 1971.

Among the Blues winners are nine former Tauranga secondary school students, seven of whom are also Sir Edmund Hillary scholars: Adam Ling (Blue for rowing), Lucy Olphert (equestrian), Luke Coxhead (hockey), Mariah Ririnui (athletics), Tony Goodin (cricket), Zoe Stevenson (rowing), June Dams (music – voice), Charlotte Ketel (music – cello) and Amelia Taylor (music – violin).

Forty-three University of Waikato students will be recognised for their sporting achievements this year, alongside 18 students who have made considerable contributions to the creative and performing arts.

Awards will also be given to the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, M?ori Person of the Year, Creative and Performing Arts Person of the Year, and Creative and Performing Art Group of the Year. There will also be awards recognising long service, service of the year, club, sports team and sports coach of the year.

The Wallace Corporation University of Waikato Blues takes place on October 4 at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts from 6.30pm.