At the University of Waikato, we see firsthand how education, research and innovation can strengthen communities, support economic growth and create opportunities for future generations. That is why our Tauranga campus is committed to becoming a city-integrated university, where education, research and civic engagement intersect with industry, iwi, schools and community organisations.
This direction is about much more than simply investing in infrastructure for campus growth or even growing student numbers. It is about investing in our people.
Tauranga as an integrated university city
In June, the University of Waikato and Tauranga City Council signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at developing Tauranga into a city with an integrated university presence.
The agreement reflects our intent to create a study environment that is culturally vibrant, globally connected, and aligned with international opportunities and challenges – one that will deliver sustainable growth to our campus and city.
As an internationally ranked University, we see significant opportunities to position Tauranga as a city with global relevance and reach, attracting domestic and international students, researchers and partners.
Student growth is a key part of this vision, and the agreement formalises Council’s commitment to contribute up to $2.4 million to support us in delivering education and increased student presence at the University’s Tauranga campus through student accommodation.
Connecting research with business for real impact
Our new innovation hub for Tauranga’s city centre is on track to open its doors at 143 Durham Street this year. Through our partnership with the region’s economic development agency, Priority One, this will connect businesses and communities with our researchers and the wider regional innovation ecosystem. We’re drawing on the successes of a similar model at our Hamilton campus, Hiko Hub, to develop the innovation hub and deliver positive impacts for Tauranga’s unique business ecosystem.
Meeting the health needs of our communities
The Bay of Plenty will also play an important role in the delivery of the University of Waikato’s New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine when it opens in 2028.
As a graduate-entry programme, students will complete their first year at the University of Waikato Hamilton campus before embarking on the three-year clinical placement programme in one of five regions – including the Bay of Plenty.
Tauranga Hospital will host medical students in a shared arrangement with University of Auckland students. Waikato University students will then continue their training through clinical placements in the western Bay of Plenty or Rotorua. Community Clinical Learning Centres will support this training and strengthen connections between students, healthcare providers and regional and rural communities.
These strategic milestones show the real momentum that we are experiencing in 2026. We are committed to investing in the people of the Bay of Plenty, to deliver outcomes that we will all benefit from for generations to come.
