University of Waikato - General Information

General Information

Structure and governance

The chief executive of the University of Waikato is the Vice-Chancellor, currently Professor Roy Crawford.

The University is governed by a Council, headed by the University’s Chancellor, who is currently former New Zealand prime minister Rt Hon James B Bolger ONZ.

The University Council works with Te Rōpū Manukura, made up of representatives of the 16 iwi (Māori tribal) authorities in the University’s catchment area. Te Rōpū Manukura is the Kaitiaki (guardian) of the Treaty of Waitangi for the University of Waikato, and acts to ensure that the University works in partnership with iwi to meet tertiary needs and aspirations of Māori communities.

Campuses

The University of Waikato operates from two campuses – in Hamilton and Tauranga. The main Hamilton campus is spread over 64 hectares of landscaped gardens and lakes, and includes extensive sporting and recreational areas. In Tauranga, the University shares campuses with the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic at Windermere Campus and the Bongard Centre in Tauranga's CBD.

The Hamilton campus was originally farmland. Designed by architect John Blake-Kelly in 1964, the open space landscaping contains extensive native plantings, including a fernery, centred around three artificial lakes, created by draining marshy paddocks.

The lakes play a vital role in the University’s stormwater system, but they are shallow, making them susceptible to eutrophication. Each spring harvesting takes place to remove excess water weed and remove pest fish.

• Waikato University Student Centre.

• Inside the Waikato University Student Centre.

• Water feature inside the Waikato University Student Centre.

• Computer lab inside the Waikato University Student Centre.

The social heart of the Hamilton campus is the new Student Centre, which was officially opened in 2011 by Waikato alumnus Governor-General Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae. Designed to incorporate the existing University library, the $30 million building has been awarded five green stars for sustainable design, the first five-star project in the Waikato region.

The Hamilton campus is also home to the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts. Overlooking Knighton Lake, the award-winning building was built through public subscription and opened in 2001. It provides teaching and performance facilities for music, drama, dance and kapa haka as well as exhibition space, and attracts internationally renowned performers and artists.