The original Victoria College was established on 22 December 1897, and teaching began two years later, with 115 students enrolled in the first year. The University now has over 3,000 staff and over 22,000 students, and has grown into a large network of campuses, research centres, and institutes.
The anniversary will be marked through a year-long programme of events and activities that will celebrate the University’s strong connection to Aotearoa’s capital city, the successes of its University community, and the many ways in which the University has contributed to the social, cultural and economic life of Wellington and beyond over the past 125 years.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford says the anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge everyone who has helped develop the University into a world-leading capital city university
“We are proud of the achievements of our alumni, staff, and students. Our people have made meaningful contributions to both the University itself and the communities they engage with in the Wellington region, Aotearoa, and the wider world.
“The 125th anniversary is a chance to celebrate these contributions and to reflect on our newfound iho or essence as a global-civic university with our marae at our heart.”
One of the key ways in which Te Herenga Waka’s rich history will be celebrated is through the stories of its people and campuses. Alumni, staff, students, and friends of the University are invited to share their fondest memories of the University.
Installations will also be created that describe the histories of Te Herenga Waka’s three main campuses—Kelburn, Pipitea and Te Aro—and the people, moments, and milestones that form their unique stories. The anniversary crest will also be seen across all University campuses.
The stories of the University’s community and information about the events being held to celebrate the anniversary will become available on the 125 website over the course of the year. Everyone is welcome to join in with celebrations of 125 years of Wellington’s university: wgtn.ac.nz/125-years