The Pā

Welcome to The Pā, the landmark new building at the heart of the University of Waikato campus in Hamilton, New Zealand. This establishment is more than just a building; it represents the university's commitment to creating an integrated and accessible campus experience that fosters social interaction, hospitality, and culture.

The Pā serves as the new center of the Hamilton campus, catering to students, staff, and the wider community. It offers a unique destination for Kirikiriroa Hamilton, Waikato, and the world. This impressive building features a new main entrance to the campus, a student hub with food outlets and social learning spaces, and a new University marae. It greatly enhances the campus's overall capability for hosting university and community events and activities.

Designed as one of the most complex architectural projects in recent New Zealand history, The Pā boasts several landmark design features. The steel framing for the new Council room and offices for senior leadership is now in place, with the curved wall of the Council room serving as a prominent feature at the entrance. You can get a glimpse of the finished complex through the video provided on this page, showcasing key areas of The Pā.

Hawkins, the construction company behind this project, installed the largest 'glulam' beams in the country, weighing 4.2 tonnes and measuring 43 meters long. These beams, made from timber sourced from sustainably harvested plantation forests, form the main roof structure of The Pā.

The construction of The Pā was honored by the visit of Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu, a representative of Waikato-Tainui, who signed a contract for the delivery of cultural installations and artworks for The Pā in collaboration with local carvers and artists.

The name "The Pā" signifies a concentration of strategically located and designed buildings that foster community and location. Situated on a prime location on Hillcrest Road, The Pā serves as a welcoming and vibrant core facility on the Hamilton campus.

The design of The Pā incorporates input from students, staff, and the community, ensuring that it meets the needs and aspirations of its users. The inclusion of a new University wharenui, Ko Te Tangata, in the heart of The Pā, pays homage to the history and culture of the site, while also providing inspiration for the complex's shape and form.

Te Āhurutanga, designed as a central meeting space for students, honors the site's history as a safe haven and cultural center for the University community. It serves as a place for gatherings, events, and celebrations.

The Pā will be utilized for various large-scale events, including student welcomes, performances, conferences, and other celebrations. It creates connections across the Hamilton campus, seamlessly integrating with Te Manawa (The Student Centre), and lecture theatres in S and L Blocks. These connections, along with the new lift system, enhance mobility access in the heart of the campus.

Come and experience the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of The Pā, where community, culture, and education come together in a truly unique setting.