Campus Master Plan—A vision to 2034

Campus Master Plan sets a 10-year vision for the University’s places and spaces through to 2034.

That vision is for more cohesive and connected campus environments that allow the University to better support our student community, foster collaboration, and strengthen our ties with Wellington’s industries and diverse communities.

The University has more than 160 buildings over three campuses and satellite sites. It has allocated nearly $500 million over the next 10 years for developing its campuses, renewing existing facilities, and providing new ones. But many buildings are ageing. Services require maintenance. Expectations for fire protection and seismic performance have strengthened over the years. Investment needs and opportunities must be carefully prioritised.

This second iteration of the Campus Master Plan retains eight focus areas that help guide investment decisions.

Focus areas in brief

Our capital city campuses

Kelburn Campus is our front door to the city and historic heart with world-class learning and recreation facilities. Pipitea and Te Aro campuses are integrated into Wellington’s political, business, creative, and design sectors.

Spaces and places

We will design spaces for face-to-face encounters and improve access to quality research spaces that support collaboration. Renewal of buildings is favoured over new development wherever possible.

Vibrant campus areas

Each of our campuses will foster a distinctive, lively, and inclusive experience drawing on its unique interplay with the Wellington community. Investment priorities include Te Aro Campus, the second phase of the National Music Centre, and opportunities for student accommodation.

Student accommodation

Our halls of residence are home to over 2,800 students. Our goal is to provide a range of quality, affordable, safe, and supportive living environments that meet the needs of students, contributing to their academic success and overall wellbeing.

Resilience

A property portfolio that exceeds 67% of the New Building Standard is a priority, and this work is well advanced. Transitioning away from natural gas heating is a critical challenge now in its planning stage. We are also increasing our capability to deal with emergencies.

Sustainability

We will use our campuses as a learning tool and put sustainability principles that we teach and research into new builds and refurbishments, as we have done so successfully with Ngā Mokopuna. Efforts to reduce energy consumption and conserve water are well underway, and we will continue encouraging waste minimisation.

Planning for the future

Planning for the future involves understanding what we need to:

  • create quality research spaces
  • build with high-quality designs and materials
  • improve sustainability and access to facilities
  • leverage smart technologies.

Distinctive identity

We are committed to upholding our distinctive identity. Our marae and wharenui, Te Tumu Herenga a Waka, is at our heart. Ngā Mokopuna introduces a new dimension to the University’s distinctive identity by uniting mātauranga Māori with sustainable practices. The iconic Hunter Building is synonymous with our roots in Kelburn. Similarly, the historic Government Building in Pipitea encapsulates the University’s close ties to Wellington’s policy makers, government, and judicial sectors.