Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor

Welcome to the University of Waikato for A semester 2012 and what promises to be a busy few months.  For some of you it will be your first experience of living away from home and I urge you to work hard and embrace new opportunities. 

This website will give you a good overview of the University of Waikato’s research, education and the services we provide for our students.

Returning students will notice that the new Student Centre is functioning smoothly. Staff and students have been extremely patient and adaptable during construction and while the finishing touches are still being added, I’m thrilled this building has quickly become the heart of the University.  It’s much more than a library – it’s a ‘go to’ place for computer facilities, for study and group meetings, student services and social encounters.

Our location, origins and partnership with Māori, plus our unique regional and cultural resources are key aspects of our identity. Each year in May we celebrate Kīngitanga Day which marks our special relationship with Tainui.

May is also graduation month – where our students have their qualifications conferred and their hard work is acknowledged.  The ceremonies are formal and special and it is always a delight to see proud students (with their equally proud families) celebrating this learning milestone and embarking on new futures.

The University of Waikato’s motto is Ko Te Tangata – For the People, and we are very much involved in our Waikato and Bay of Plenty communities.  We are a major partner at Fieldays – the biggest agricultural show in Australasia - and every year in June our students and staff are at the event, showing our latest advances and innovation in scientific and agricultural research. 

The University will soon celebrate its first 50 years. In that time we’ve grown to provide a wide portfolio of excellent qualifications delivered on a campus that we rightfully boast is the most attractive in New Zealand. But we know we can never stand still, so we continue to innovate and improve our facilities and update our technology.

I am proud to lead a University that provides a dynamic learning environment for our diverse student population and having chosen to study here, encourage you to make the most of your years with us.

Professor Roy Crawford

Vice-Chancellor