It is the first time the tournament games have been livestreamed on such a large scale, from a central production hub based at the university.
The students are working under the experienced guidance of an external producer to process up to 30 games, including netball, football, rugby, climbing, golf, wrestling and basketball, from secondary school competitions in Auckland, Hamilton, Taupo, Wellington, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Dunedin and Invercargill.
University of Otago digital strategy and partnering head Rasha Abu Safieh said students from computer science and other technology programmes were recruited to work for eight days in the fully equipped master control room, with 10 dual monitor workstations, high-speed internet and technical expertise on hand.
"They are managing multiple simultaneous video feeds and co-ordinating complex technical operations under pressure.
"Key skills include receiving and synchronising live feeds, connecting remote commentators and adjusting audio levels in real time.
"They’re also inserting digital assets including advertising and logos across multiple streams.
"Each intern manages up to four fields of play simultaneously, developing exceptional multitasking and technical co-ordination abilities."
He said it was New Zealand’s most ambitious sports broadcasting project and aligned with the university’s dedication to technological innovation and te reo Māori revitalisation.
University of Otago software engineering master’s student Bakhombisile Dlamini, 22, said working in the environment was not how he imagined it.
"It requires a lot of focus. Tiny mistakes could ruin a whole production.
"Timing is key — everything has to be micro-managed to make sure that everything’s precise.
"It’s been a very enlightening experience and a very interesting opportunity. I can see myself going into this career."
The project is led by the New Zealand Sport Collective (NZSC), and collective projects co-ordinator Caroline Kolver said broadcasting the secondary school sport had a huge positive impact for communities.
"Many of the participants enjoy reviewing the footage for their own analysis.
"For nearly all these events, the schools competing will be a long way from family and friends.
"So for those who can’t afford the time or cost of attending events, this is a free way for them to enjoy supporting and watching their teams," she said.
