The Pā recognised on global stage at World Architecture Festival
The Pā has received a highly commended in the higher education and research category at the 2024 World Architecture Festival.
The Pā
The Pā, the landmark building at the heart of the University's Hamilton campus is now open. Its development reflects the University's commitment to an integrated and accessible campus that includes social interaction, hospitality and culture.
The Pā is the new centre for students, staff and the wider community, strengthening our ability to engage with and deliver community events and activities.
Booking The Pā
The Pā has a range of bookable spaces and facilities for the University, and wider community, to enjoy. It offers multifunctional spaces for conferences and events with spaces for both large scale and smaller more intimate occasions.
Te Āhurutanga: The Student Hub
Designed as a central meeting space Te Āhurutanga honours the history of the site as a student safe-haven, cultural centre and gathering site for the University community. Te Āhurutanga can accommodate up to 600 people theatre style, or 350 banquet style.
Features of Te Āhurutanga include
- Seating for up to 600 people theatre style, or 350 people banquet style, with space for socialising, breakouts, and meetings, including moveable furniture.
- A generous, versatile stage featuring a 15-metre long screen.
- Adjoining multi-function rooms catering for between 50 to 150 people, equipped with conferencing facilities suitable for seminars, break-out spaces, workshops, and smaller formal occasions.
- Food and beverage catering for a variety of tastes.
Te Kōpūroa - multi-function rooms and commercial kitchen
The ground floor of The Pā incorporates two multifunction teaching rooms which can be used individually or together. The space can be configured for teaching and lecture delivery as well as for smaller general events for between 30 to 90 people.
Features of Te Kōpūroa
- Two rooms that can operate as a dining room for between 30-90 people when used in conjunction with the new commercial grade kitchen.
- 7 large multimedia screens and projector for video conferencing and presentations.
Ko Te Tangata: The University Wharenui
The University wharenui, Ko Te Tangata, is centred in the heart of The Pā, giving shape and form to the complex. The name of the wharenui, Ko Te Tangata, is carried over from the University's motto, and means ‘For The People’.
Ko Te Tangata is available for special bookings and can accommodate large scale events for up to 1000 people and accommodate up to 90 people for sleeping and noho marae.
Features of Ko Te Tangata
- When combined the ātea, mahau and wharenui can seat up to 1000 people for large scale events.
- The ātea is designed to fit a range of marquee sizes, up to 700m2.
- For noho marae and sleeping, the wharenui is designed to accommodate 90 people.
- Four large screens and state of the art multimedia and audio facilities also cater for different event uses.
Map and parking
Parking is available at Gate 1 and Gate 10. View the campus map for specific locations.
The Canopy
The Canopy is the University’s staff club, café and bar located on the first floor of The Pā and overlooking Te Āhurutanga.
The Canopy is a licensed venue available to staff and guests for casual visits and private bookings or functions. The Canopy is available for booking outside of normal operating hours.
Operating hours
Monday – Wednesday: 9am-4pm
Thursday – Friday: 9am-6pm
