Te Huataki Waiora School of Health
With more focus being placed on how we live in our world, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health provides an innovative platform for bringing together expertise from across the University and our community to explore new ideas and ways of looking at issues and challenges that affect how we live, work and play.
Our Māori name is symbolic of the philosophical intent of the School and the focus of our collective endeavours. ‘Waiora’ is synonymous with ‘Hauora’ and a holistic concept of wellbeing, it also has synergies with Wai-kato, the name of the region, the University, and the mana whenua, the local iwi (the people of these lands).
‘Huataki’ is multi-faceted. It reflects our desire to introduce (taki) ways of working that bring together a significant number (hua) of other faculties in the University and our partners in the community, to achieve (whai ‘hua’) our collective goals in teaching and research in this school. ‘Huataki’ is also a less well-known word for ‘raising, uplifting, preparing performance’, in particular in the theory and ritual preparation of the performers wherein the physical performance is protected, assisted and supported by the metaphysical (including the theoretical bases underpinning the work of the academy). As Associate Professor Tom Roa outlines, ‘Huataki’ were performed before warriors went into battle to uplift them in their physical feats.
Start your career with an undergraduate qualification
With a programme of study that focuses on being dynamic, multi-disciplinary and challenging, we aim to provide clear career paths and employment opportunities. Strong collaborative partnerships with organisations such as SportNZ, local district health boards and iwi groups, NZ Recreation Association, Sport Waikato, and High Performance Sport NZ provide both academic staff and our students with exciting opportunities to live and work with the latest theories and practices.
The Bachelor of Health (BHealth) is focused on the changing future of health in Aotearoa New Zealand and has two majors, Poutū-mārō Biomedical Sciences or Poutū-manahau Population Health.
The Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance (BHSHP) is a flexible, three-year degree that has majors in Community Health, Human Performance Science and Sport Development and Coaching.
The new Bachelor of Nursing has a specific focus on equity, well being and Māori and Pacific health with opportunities to specialise in mental health and addictions on graduation.
Take it to the Next Level with a Masters
Extend your knowledge and support your skills with a Masters in Health, Sport and Human Performance. As a research based qualification, a Masters allows you select an area of specialisation and gives you access to world class active researchers and facilities.
The ultimate in flexible degrees, it can work the way you need it to. If you need it to fit it round work, have seasonal or competition commitments, live somewhere else or want to get right into it, we can support you to do so.
Research that Makes a Difference
Our team of internationally recognised research-informed academic staff bring cutting-edge knowledge, theories and applications to their interactions with students, and work hard to ensure that real life and study go hand in hand.
Complimenting this, our PhD students push the boundaries of current thinking and show how the things we do daily can contribute to the wellbeing and enjoyment and performance of individuals, communities and societies.
We Kickstart Amazing Careers
World-Class Facilities and Deep Industry Partnerships
Our research would not be possible without access to some fantastic facilities and organisations. Here are just a few that we work with.
- Adams Centre
- Avantidrome
- District Health Boards
- Brian Perry Charitable Trust
- Sport Waikato
- Chiefs
- Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic
- Midlands Hockey
Our Latest News
Read all School news

A passion for sports science: Dr Shannon O’Donnell
While the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are playing out half a world away, a group of University of Waikato researchers are watching on with eager interest.
6 August 2021

The hot science cooling down our athletes at the Tokyo Olympics
When Stephen Fenemor was a boy, growing up in Motueka at the top of the South Island, he dreamed of representing his country.
28 July 2021

Tokyo Olympics: new action sports reframing participation and equality
Yesterday three teenage skateboarders stood on the podium at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to receive their medals.
27 July 2021

Celebrating Waikato University’s Olympic connections
The University of Waikato is well-represented at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which runs from Friday 23 July to Sunday 8 August 2021.
23 July 2021

Enhancing decades of clinical experience with a health degree
Bachelor of Health student Karen Turanga (Ngāi Tahu) has embarked on tertiary study to complement 30 years of clinical experience in dentistry.
23 July 2021

Why the way we talk about Olympian Laurel Hubbard has real consequences for all transgender people
When Laurel Hubbard was announced as the first out transgender woman athlete to compete in an individual sport at an Olympic Games, controversy wasn’t far behind. One prominent commentator even called it a “disaster for women’s sport”.
30 June 2021

The debate over transgender athletes’ rights is testing the current limits of science and the law
The petition presented to parliament last week calling for trans women to be excluded from women’s sport is simply the latest round in a difficult and volatile global debate.
16 June 2021

A different style of coaching pays off for Morgan
According to wakeboarding champion and University of Waikato alumna Morgan Haakma, a great coach can make all the difference.
10 June 2021

University of Waikato researchers win funds to help fight superbugs
University of Waikato scientists have today received a boost in the battle against antimicrobial-resistant germs.
31 May 2021

Inspiring others is motivation enough for Kristie
By studying what she was interested in, Kristie Baillie developed a genuine interest in people and helping them be the best they can be.
21 May 2021

New app keeps students on their toes at National Biomechanics Day
Tauranga secondary school students gained an appreciation of biomechanics, along with a challenging calf workout, when they tested out the Calf Raise App at the University of Waikato National Biomechanics Day event.
29 April 2021

Health offerings at Waikato receive a boost thanks to Braemar Charitable Trust
Students studying health at the University of Waikato will be able to apply for several new scholarships from this year, thanks to significant support from Braemar Charitable Trust.
18 March 2021

Waikato University research identifies crucial role of primary care in improving outcomes for cancer patients
The findings of two University of Waikato health research projects have identified the critical role of primary care in improving outcomes for New Zealanders with cancer.
5 March 2021

Extreme commitment in and out of the water
Former Hillary scholar and Olympics hopeful Helena Gasson knows all about setting targets and achieving them, even when huge obstacles stand in her way.
11 November 2020

Rugby players ate well, trained less over lockdown
University of Waikato researchers have found rugby players’ eating habits generally improved during the Covid-19 lockdown, but their motivation to train suffered.
11 November 2020
Contact Us
[email protected]
Phone 0800 WAIKATO
Levels 6 & 7
TT Building
Gate 4
Hillcrest Road
Hamilton