University of Waikato, Tauranga

Opened in 2019, the Tauranga campus was built with the support of our funders, the Tauranga City Council, the Bay Of Plenty Regional Council and the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust, along with our tertiary partners, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

The state-of-the-art campus was designed with the collaboration of university advisers, Tauranga Moana iwi and local architecture practice, Jasmax. The result is a modern building that boasts a cultural narrative built into its frame and woven into its fabric. This cultural narrative, captured by local award-winning artists in stunning artworks that adorn the interior and exterior, brings a cultural identity and heritage to the building, while at the same time celebrating the University of Waikato’s relationships across the Bay of Plenty and beyond.

The campus is located on Durham St in the heart of the Tauranga CBD, with parking buildings, cafes and hotels within easy walking distance.

Conferences

Conference spaces at the University of Waikato, Tauranga campus can accommodate 10-200 delegates, including a large, multi-purpose hospitality space, Lecture Theatre and Teaching Rooms, with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, and a commercial kitchen.

Te Manawaroa – Noho Centre (multi-purpose hospitality space)

The name, Te Manawaroa, references resilience and fortitude, which are regarded as hallmarks of the staff and students of the University of Waikato. It also recognises the history and endurance of local iwi and hapu as the mana whenua of Tauranga moana, while acknowledging the longstanding and permanent commitment the university has made to Tauranga and the Bay Of Plenty. Te Manawaroa has been designed and blessed by our Kaumatua as a versatile space - for teaching, learning, meeting, socialising and sleeping over (university groups only).

To this end, it supports themes of community, inclusiveness and diversity, which are reflected in the university’s motto, ko te tangata.

Wharekauhau – Lecture Theatre

Our modern Lecture Theatre seats 195 people, with dual data projector screens and surround sound audio system. Every second row of seating is on wheels which provides flexibility in small group work. Adjacent to the Lecture Theatre there is a generous break out space which can be used for hospitality purposes.

Ngā Akomanga – Teaching Rooms

We have a number of state-of-the-art Teaching Rooms available for conferences or meetings. These vary in seating capacity from 30 to 72. All rooms feature data projector screens and whiteboards. Most rooms have movable chairs and desks to allow for flexibility in configuration.

Café Ultimo

Café Ultimo is a commercial café situated on the Ground Level and offers a comfortable environment in which to enjoy coffee/tea, snacks and meals.

Commercial Kitchen

Our kitchen is available to hire as part of a Conference booking. Caterers are expected to undertake a kitchen induction on-site on an arranged date before the event.

Catering

Catering orders for Monday to Friday during business hours must be directed to Café Ultimo on the Ground Level of the campus. Please contact them directly – [email protected] OR 07 2181463

For catering orders for afterhours events, please speak with our Events Manager.