The University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus has become a part of the city’s redevelopment, contributing education, research and community activity in the heart of the CBD. Since opening six years ago, the campus has grown steadily and is now a recognised part of Tauranga’s development story.
Today, the campus is home to around 1,250 full-time equivalent students and growing. Enrolments have risen year on year post-Covid-19, with both domestic and international students choosing to study in Tauranga. Their presence enriches the campus community and contributes to the economy by supporting local businesses, hospitality and accommodation. This growth shows the campus is embedded in the city centre and connected to the wider region, while also linking Tauranga to global networks of learning and research.
The University of Waikato Tauranga campus open day
As Tauranga’s CBD continues to transform, the University is contributing to a more active, lived-in city centre. Students and staff are part of the daily rhythm, adding energy to the urban environment and supporting new investment. Planned additional student accommodation and expanded education facilities will add momentum, placing more learners in the city as it evolves.
The academic offering in Tauranga is also expanding. In 2026 the University will introduce the Master of Management (Marketing), providing a postgraduate pathway in an area critical to business growth and innovation. The Bachelor of Health will also launch in Tauranga, giving students the science background for entry into the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine, scheduled to open in 2028.
Looking ahead, the Master of Social Work Practice and Master of Construction Management are planned for 2027, alongside the Master of Engineering Practice – Civil in 2028. These and other programmes in development, will prepare graduates for advanced practice across education, health, social services and industry, addressing the region’s pressing need for skilled professionals and aligning student aspirations with workforce needs.
Professor Alister Jones, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Waikato
Alongside programme growth, new facilities are strengthening the campus’s role as a regional asset. A new engineering lab offers spaces for applied learning and research, while supporting collaboration with local industry partners. Planning is also advancing for the New Zealand Institute for Marine Futures at Sulphur Point, a nationally significant facility that will expand Tauranga’s role in marine science, innovation and public engagement. These projects support the region’s innovation capacity and strengthen connections between education, industry and economic development.
The University of Waikato’s presence in Tauranga has always been built on partnership with hapū and iwi, local government, industry and the wider community. These relationships have created a campus that contributes to the CBD’s future as a forward-looking centre.
As Tauranga continues to grow, so too will the University. The campus is set to expand in size and scope, providing tertiary education and partnerships that will support the Bay’s development for decades.
Businesses seeking research collaborations, student placements or professional pathways are invited to connect with the University, while prospective students are also invited to explore the growing range of study options in Tauranga.
