Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, July 17, 2023
Along with the Matariki celebrations being in full swing, last week also brought a reason for celebration at the University of Waikato campus with the opening ceremony of The Pā, a landmark new building at the heart of the University of Waikato’s Hamilton campus. Inaugurated 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, said, “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.”
Professor Quigley said, “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.”
Opening of the Pā
More than 500 people including university staff and students, were at the opening ceremony, which was 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 began in 2019 and will be the year-round home of campus life for students. 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 65-hectare grounds.
Mayor Paula Southgate said, “This stunning building is a true treasure taonga in the heart of the University. It captures the mana and values of Maori and is a place of connection and celebration for all people.”
A safe haven
The Pā is a safe haven for students and will be a unique campus destination for the University as well as Hamilton City. Professor Quigley said the design and development of The Pā has involved extensive consultation and collaboration with stakeholders and was guided by the University’s specially formed Tikanga Advisory Group.
“We have developed a cultural narrative that links The Pā to the history and heritage of the site and the long-standing connections with the Kīngitanga, Waikato-Tainui and iwi communities throughout the University’s extended catchment. We are incredibly proud of it and look forward to activating the space as a new learning environment for the University.”
It brings together four key projects under one roof structure; a wharenui to the east, a wing for the university executive leadership team, a central student hub, and the refurbished Building A housing the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies.
Wharenui
At the heart of The Pā, is the University’s new wharenui (meeting house), Ko Te Tangata, whose name 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.
Unique structure
The development is one of the more unique commercial projects contractor Hawkins has worked on. Designed by architectural firms Jasmax, Architectus and DesignTribe, the 7000sqm building showcases structural timber in the form of engineered wooden glulam beams.
The beams are the largest in the country and are made with timber from sustainably harvested plantation forests. They give The Pā its unique shape, framing its roofline, or whakaruruhau.
The Pā is now officially open to students, staff and visitors.
Watch the video of the opening here.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
