"To foster and develop opportunities for University Students to participate in sport and physical recreation at all levels."

Working closely with its member Students’ Associations and national sporting organisations, USNZ provides national, regional and international inter-university sporting competitions. This include the annual NZ Uni Games, NZ Uni Snow Games, prestigious NZU Blues Awards, various sports in National University Championship and assisting with regional tertiary sporting challenges.

USNZ is the sole sanctioning body for New Zealand teams attending FISU (International University Sports Federation) events including the World University Games, the World University Winter Games and World University Championships. USNZ is also responsible for co-ordinating New Zealand Universities (NZU) representative teams in Trans-Tasman competitions and other international competitions.