Intercollege Events Round-Up: A Strong Start for Salmond

Tuesday 17th March 2026

It’s been an exciting start to the intercollege calendar, with Salmond students getting involved across a range of events and achieving some fantastic results along the way.

First up was Ki o Rahi, where many students had the opportunity to learn and play a new game. Salmond entered two teams who embraced the challenge and represented the college with enthusiasm. Our competitive team set themselves the goal of not finishing last and exceeded expectations by securing an impressive 7^th place. Meanwhile, our social team also performed strongly, finishing 4th after a closely contested 3rd/4th playoff.

Our Quiz Night teams then showcased their knowledge against strong competition from across the halls, with a total of 44 teams competing. Salmond achieved an outstanding result, taking home 1st and 3rd place. Congratulations to Salmond Sexy Beasts for their winning performance, and to Salmond Senpais for their 3rd place finish. Highlights included impressive knowledge in the Aotearoa round, plenty of energy fuelled by Te Rangihiroa wedges, and a memorable (and slightly concerning) display of niche expertise. Special mention to Michael, who knew exactly whose lips were in the picture!

The Touch Festival brought energy and excitement to a Sunday morning, with Salmond fielding teams in the men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions. The men faced tough competition, while the women delivered an outstanding performance to earn 2nd place and some well-deserved bragging rights. The mixed team had an eventful day, learning plenty along the way, and secured a strong 3rd place finish.

Looking ahead, our 6-week competitions are now underway, with strong participation, and our residents showing a sense of community and connection across:

• Badminton – 11 teams

• Netball – 4 teams

• Futsal – 2 teams

We’re looking forward to seeing how these competitions unfold and celebrating more successes in the weeks to come.

Up the Mond!

Life at Salmond College: Four Weeks In and Already Full of Stories.

Monday 16th March 2026

Life at Salmond College: Four Weeks In and Already Full of Stories

Move-in day already feels like a distant memory, yet it has only been four weeks since residents first arrived at Salmond College. In that short time we have packed an incredible amount into our days and evenings, balancing the excitement of settling into classes with social events and opportunities to connect as a community.

The start of the year is always a special moment as we welcome new residents and their whānau to Salmond. One of the highlights of the opening week was our Mihi Whakatau, where we formally welcomed residents to the college and to the year ahead. It was a meaningful occasion that set the tone for the supportive and inclusive community we hope to continue building throughout 2026.

O Week Highlights

Monday saw the college head out together for a walk to Baldwin Street, where the brave (and slightly crazy!) took on the challenge of racing up the steepest street in the world. The reward? Bragging rights and a place in Salmond legend.

Congratulations to our Baldwin Street champions:

Women
1st – Grace Brydges
2nd – Chanel Gao
3rd – Jess Baverstock

Men
1st – Jaxon Hogg
2nd – Lukas Wallis
3rd – James Hay

Later that evening we hosted the first of our hall only parties, where residents came dressed as something beginning with the first letter of their name. From creative costumes to plenty of laughter, it proved to be a great way for residents to meet new people, build friendships, and start learning names. 

Tuesday’s Intercollege Sports Day unfortunately fell to the wet weather that had been forecasted. However, with a quick turnaround we were able to offer a range of alternative activities including bowling, ice skating, mini golf, and laser tag. The change of plans turned into a fantastic day out across the city and ensured the fun continued despite the rain.

Wednesday brought another hall-only event, this time with a cowboy and cowgirl theme. With “Bucky” the mechanical bull in residence, residents had the chance to test their bull-riding skills. There were plenty of laughs, some impressive rides, and a lot of enthusiastic spectators cheering from the sidelines.

Our top bull riders were:

Women
1st – Emily Cooney
2nd – Aria Ameka
3rd – Isla Stewart

Men
1st – Lucas Beck
2nd – Eli Palmer
3rd – Aston Redgewell

Thursday afternoon shifted the focus from socialising to giving back to the community. Our volunteering afternoon saw nearly 70 residents sign up for a range of opportunities. From pest control initiatives around campus, to helping the community orchard with riparian planting, to baking for the Dunedin Night Shelter and children’s organisations across the city, it was fantastic to see residents eager to contribute their time and energy to the wider Dunedin community.

Later that evening was the much-anticipated Toga Night. Residents swapped a can of food for a toga sheet, and through this initiative we were able to donate more than 200 cans of food to the Dunedin Night Shelter. While some residents braved the cold to attend the event, others chose to stay in and enjoy a more relaxed evening back at the college making slime together.

By Saturday, the weather had finally cleared just in time for our first Salmond Garden Party. Residents gathered outside to enjoy the sunshine and some fantastic live music from our very own talented performers. A huge shout-out goes to Noah, Lucas, Hunni, Nia, Molly, and Jay for sharing their music and helping create such a great atmosphere. For some residents the evening continued with their first experience of the famous student section, “The Zoo,” at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Looking Ahead

Four weeks in, it is already clear that Salmond College is buzzing with energy. With friendships forming, classes underway, and a strong sense of community developing, it has been wonderful to see residents settling into university life.

We are excited to see what the rest of the year will bring.

Salmond Ball 2025

Saturday 10th May 2025

A brilliant evening of pure joy. The Pre-Ball was at the 'Mond, followed by the main event at Errick's, a perfect venue. The outfits, the music, the dancing, the food, the fun - it was a brilliant evening for the Salmond community, and a night all will remember. The photos here are a sample of the fun.

Salmond Annual Dinner

Friday 4th April 2025

A privilege to hear Salmond Resident Judy Bifuko, share of her story at the Annual Dinner. Thanks also to the senior staff and kaiawhina for serving the dinner alongside the food services team, in a show of care for the residents.

Relay for Life

Sunday 30th March 2025

Tahnks to the team who made the relay happen in 2025. A great night for the team of 35 who walked and ran the laps, and later those who shaved for a cure. And also the Kaiawhina who took a few sponges for a good cause.  Legends.