Conceptualising The Pā
He piringa, he āhurutanga
'The Pā' is a reference to the concept of community and location, signalling a concentration of strategically located and designed buildings that provide for the people within.
The Pā site is on a special part of campus, a prime location on Hillcrest Road, creating a welcoming and vibrant core facility on the Hamilton campus.
Features and design
The design of The Pā incorporated input from students, staff and community, with advisory groups each having opportunities to work with the architects.
Ko Te Tangata: The University Wharenui
He mana, he manaaki
Hei pupuru i te mana o Te Whare Wānanga
A new University wharenui, Ko Te Tangata, is located in the heart of The Pā, providing inspiration for the overarching shape and form of the complex.
The name of the wharenui, Ko Te Tangata, is carried over from the University's motto. With a rich history and origin story of its own, the motto is given new life and meaning in The Pā. Supported by the main University reception, a generous ātea/courtyard and the central campus walkway, the wharenui defines the University’s new face to Hillcrest Road.
Te Āhurutanga: The Student Hub
Hei āhurutanga mō ngā ākonga
Designed as a central meeting space for students Te Āhurutanga honours the history of the site as a student safe-haven and as a cultural centre and gathering site for the University community.
Features of Te Āhurutanga include:
- Plenty of space for socialising, breakouts and meetings, including moveable furniture
- A generous and versatile stage and 15-metre long screen for everyday use as well as University ceremonies including graduation, conferences and community activities
- Food and beverage area catering for a variety of tastes
- Pūtikitiki - a student space for kaupapa, tikanga and te reo Māori
Community and leadership spaces
He wāhi whai pūkenga, he wāhi toi, mō te hapori
The Pā will also be utilised for large events including student welcomes and performances, conferences and other celebrations and activities. The concept and design bring together:
- A main University reception and executive offices
- A refurbished space for Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao: Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies
- Multi-function rooms for teaching and conference activities
- Spacious courtyards, easy walkways and connection points
Improving campus connectivity
Hei tūhonohono i te papa wānanga
The Pā creates connections across the Hamilton campus, closely aligning with Te Manawa (The Student Centre), and lecture theatres in S and L Blocks.
These connections, including a new lift system, improve mobility access in the heart of the campus.
