For sixty years, one of New Zealand’s premier seats of learning has been at the forefront of education. However, there’s much more to come, as University of Waikato deputy vice-chancellor, Professor Alister Jones, explains.
Since its formation in 1964, the University of Waikato has had a pioneering spirit, seeing challenges as opportunities and asking big questions about key issues we face.
This year, the university has been celebrating its 60th anniversary as well as five years at its award-winning campus on Durham Street, Tauranga. As we look towards 2025 and beyond, there is a clear focus to build on the success we’ve achieved over the years to deliver further growth and development in the Bay of Plenty. Our progress is led by a strategic focus on adapting to the evolving needs of the community, nation and the world.
This begins with building on the world-class study options offered at our Tauranga campus.
This year, Waikato placed within the QS Rankings’ top 235 universities in the world – our continued climb up the rankings is recognition of a research-intensive environment and the global impact our research has produced. We plan to leverage this success by establishing a distinctive learning programme for our Tauranga campus, attracting domestic and international students.
We will capitalise on our Bay of Plenty location by maximising access to industry – such as technology, horticulture and aquaculture – within the region, providing high calibre study options and showcasing Tauranga’s outstanding lifestyle.
Building on our reputation for leading climate change research, we have developed the Marine Science for Conservation short course for the international market in 2025. This will entice students from across the globe to our region, exposing them to the high standard of our teaching and highlighting the excellent quality of life in Tauranga.
As part of our commitment to develop local talent and contribute to the growth of business and community leadership, our Master of Business Administration (MBA) re-launches in Tauranga next year.
We’ve enhanced our connections to industry through guest speakers, who are local leaders, complementing world-class teaching from our academic staff. Collaborating with experts – including Priority One CEO, Nigel Tutt, and Craigs Investment Partners’ head of people and performance, Angie Smith – students will benefit from real-world insight while building their industry connections.
Working alongside industry, we have a reputation for undertaking research with global impact. Right now, in labs, field stations and offices across Tauranga, our academics are working on cutting-edge research.
At our Durham Street campus, Dr Ririwai Fox has received funding to advance the understanding of Māori cultural embeddedness and how Indigenous people are immersed in their culture. In our engineering labs, Professor Ian Hawes is working on a world first sampler for Antarctic sea ice to understand its role as a critical habitat for marine life.
At our Coastal Marine Field Station, Professor Kura Paul-Burke is leading restoration of marine life in Ōhiwa Harbour by bringing together mātauranga Māori, western science and local kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
As our reputation for critical research in the region increases, our campus will continue to grow, and we have strategic plans to ensure we invest in its expansion. In 2025, we will open Durham Mews, new student accommodation located next to our campus, bringing even more young people into the city centre and contributing to the vibrancy of the Tauranga CBD.
Fostering engagement and strategic partnerships within the region is another critical focus for the university team, so we are proud to sponsor the Priority One event DayBreak – Festival of Innovation, taking place in April.
The event will feature a discussion by Professor Chris Battershill and Dr Marie Magnusson on the ways marine science is securing the future for (and from) the ocean. We’re also linking with our community through our new Bay Venues partnership and look forward to being the naming rights’ sponsor of its new sport recreation facility opening in 2025.
As our marine research and education facility development advances, we will work alongside mana whenua and iwi in research and community engagement focused on the wellbeing of the moana, environment and coastal communities for future generations.
Our campus is also contributing to the revitalisation of Tauranga as a unique event venue. Next year, we will host international conferences, business networking opportunities and student events, such as our Open Day and careers expos, drawing visitors from all walks of life to the city.
We are proud to be embedded within the Bay of Plenty community and sharing our prosperity and knowledge for the advancement of its people.
Whether you’re looking to further your knowledge and career, host an outstanding event or provide your children with a world-class education, the University of Waikato is ready to connect and make a difference. Here’s to the future.
