The Pā, the landmark new building at the heart of the University of Waikato’s Hamilton campus, has been opened today by Kīngi Tūheitia. It is the most significant capital development in the University’s 59-year history.

University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neil Quigley, says The Pā reinforces the University’s distinctiveness being unique in concept, functionality and architectural design: there is nothing else like it nationally or internationally.

‘The Pā’ is a reference to the integrated and connected facilities within the complex that are designed with the campus community in mind.

“It is a symbol of the aspirations of the University that honours our history and our commitment to a campus experience that delivers functionality, social interaction, hospitality and culture,” says Professor Quigley.

The Pā is a safe-haven for students and it will be a unique campus destination for the University, for Kirikiriroa Hamilton, Waikato and the world.

At the heart of The Pā, is the University’s new wharenui, Ko Te Tangata, the name of which is carried over from the University’s motto. Developed for the University by the late Professor Te Wharehuia Milroy in the 1990s, the motto is now elevated as the name of the new wharenui and revitalised with a depth of meaning that ties together the artworks and cultural narrative of the space.

The opening ceremonies were guided by leaders of the Kīngitanga and Waikato-Tainui, and attended by University students and staff, and representatives from iwi, community and business organisations.

The $85 million development, constructed by Hawkins, began in 2019 and will be the year-round home of campus life for students.

Hawkins’ Executive General Manager Craig Treloar says; “The structure of The Pā, with its significant cultural narrative and complex geometry, made this project a unique and rewarding challenge. Nothing in the design of the building is typical, every feature is bespoke, which has meant the Hawkins team has had the opportunity to continuously learn throughout the construction period. We are all so pleased with the result, and I’m extremely proud of our team for delivering this impressive building to such a high standard.”

Within The Pā is a student hub featuring social and learning spaces, a large stage to cater for University and community events including graduation, a food court and a dedicated space for tauira Māori. The complex includes a new lift tower to improve connectivity and mobility in the heart of the campus, and wayfinding across its 65ha grounds.

University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neil Quigley, says The Pā reinforces the University’s distinctiveness being unique in concept, functionality and architectural design: there is nothing else like it nationally or internationally.

‘The Pā’ is a reference to the integrated and connected facilities within the complex that are designed with the campus community in mind.

“It is a symbol of the aspirations of the University that honours our history and our commitment to a campus experience that delivers functionality, social interaction, hospitality and culture,” says Professor Quigley.

The Pā is a safe-haven for students and it will be a unique campus destination for the University, for Kirikiriroa Hamilton, Waikato and the world.

At the heart of The Pā, is the University’s new wharenui, Ko Te Tangata, the name of which is carried over from the University’s motto. Developed for the University by the late Professor Te Wharehuia Milroy in the 1990s, the motto is now elevated as the name of the new wharenui and revitalised with a depth of meaning that ties together the artworks and cultural narrative of the space.

The opening ceremonies were guided by leaders of the Kīngitanga and Waikato-Tainui, and attended by University students and staff, and representatives from iwi, community and business organisations.

The $85 million development, constructed by Hawkins, began in 2019 and will be the year-round home of campus life for students.

Hawkins’ Executive General Manager Craig Treloar says; “The structure of The Pā, with its significant cultural narrative and complex geometry, made this project a unique and rewarding challenge. Nothing in the design of the building is typical, every feature is bespoke, which has meant the Hawkins team has had the opportunity to continuously learn throughout the construction period. We are all so pleased with the result, and I’m extremely proud of our team for delivering this impressive building to such a high standard.”

Within The Pā is a student hub featuring social and learning spaces, a large stage to cater for University and community events including graduation, a food court and a dedicated space for tauira Māori. The complex includes a new lift tower to improve connectivity and mobility in the heart of the campus, and wayfinding across its 65ha grounds.

The University acknowledges its partners in this project:

Te Tari o Te Kiingitanga: For support and guidance throughout the project, including the deployment of the artistic teams – carvers under the guidance of Renata Te Wiata, and weavers under the guidance of Puhi Ariki, Nga wai hono i te po Paki, James Schuster (ONZM) and Cathy Schuster.

Construction: Hawkins

Design: Architectus, Jasmax, designTRIBE with Wraight + Associates

Project management: Colliers Project Leaders Greenstone Group

Structures and building services: Beca

Facade engineering: Mott MacDonald

Planning: Boffa Miskell

Acoustic engineering: Marshall Day

Vertical transportation: Stephenson and Turner

Commissioning engineers: Pacific commissioning

Traffic design: CKL