The project

The Living Pā, the redevelopment of our marae precinct, is about connecting to the past to inform our future.

Over 33 years ago our wharenui (carved house), Te Tumu Herenga Waka, opened.  An incredibly ambitious undertaking, our house was built by staff, students and the wider community as a place of learning and nurturing.

The Living Pā is our opportunity to build on this strong base. On the face of it the Living Pā project is the redevelopment of 42 to 50 Kelburn Parade—the five villas in front of Te Tumu Herenga Waka. However, the project’s vision is much greater than bricks and mortar. It is a proposal to transform the way we realise our culture and values by drawing together mātauranga Māori and sustainability practices.

As a purpose built living lab, the Living Pā will be an incubator for innovation, and a place for multiple communities and disciplines to come together to discuss how we can build a more equitable, fair, and sustainable society.

The redevelopment proposes to meet the internationally recognised Living Building Challenge for sustainable development principles.

Our engagement process allows you to get involved and to be a part of shaping the Living Pā.

Hon. Justice Sir Joe Williams, Living Pā ambassador

The Hon. Justice Sir Joe Williams talks about the transformational potential of the Living Pā and the opportunities when we connect with our past to inform our future.

"The Living Pā will be a game changer not just for Māori and the University but for the very idea of higher education."

Joe Williams

Hon. Justice Sir Joe Williams

Ngāti Pūkenga, Waitaha and Tapuika, Supreme Court Judge and Living Pā ambassador