The University of Waikato’s brand-new student hub building, The Pā, has won gold in the education category at the Property Industry Awards for 2024.
The landmark new building at the heart of the Hamilton campus was awarded Excellence and Best in Category in the Colliers Project Leaders Education category of the Property Awards in Auckland.
The Pā, which opened in July last year, is the largest capital project in the University’s 60-year history. Built on a previously developed (or brownfield) site on the campus and incorporating the University’s original building, A Block, it’s an iconic mass timber building incorporating a new University wharenui and marae complex, student hub and home of the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies and the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. The multi-purpose space provides a practical and symbolic heart to the campus weaving together social interaction, formal functionality and cultural connection.
It was one of 18 nominees in the category and among 141 entries nationwide.
Chief judge Andrew Evans says it was a “standout entry”, not only because of its innovative design but its ability to bring the entire community together.
The flexible space can transform effortlessly to accommodate conferences and graduation ceremonies with up to 800 seated guests or to host performances, cultural events and corporate functions.
The complex was constructed by Hawkins and architecturally designed by Jasmax and Architectus, with the cultural artworks developed by carvers and weavers commissioned by Waikato-Tainui and The Office of The Kīngitanga.
The University’s Director of Property Development and Infrastructure, Tony Kavanagh, says this is a fantastic achievement for all involved. Feedback from external parties has been outstanding for a truly magnificent building.
The project also involved Beca, Mott MacDonald, Rider Levett Bucknall, Colliers Project Leaders and Boffa Miskell.
The Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards celebrate outstanding property projects, developments, or substantive refurbishments across New Zealand.
