Kaimahi from across Tāmaki gathered at the Mt Albert campus on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, for a karakia blessing formally marking the reopening of Building 48.
The occasion signalled a new chapter for the School of Architecture, which has been based in temporary spaces at Te Puna, Buildings 108 and 182, since renovations began in July 2025.
With the completion of the renovations project, kaimahi (staff) and ākonga (learners) are set to return to a revitalised learning environment in time for the start of Semester One on Monday, 23 February.
The blessing was led by our Kaumātua Hare Paniora and Vince Hapi, supported by Kaihautū, Harawira Pearless, Rikona Andrews, and Taurahere Marae, Papa Hohepa Renata. Together, they cleared and dedicated the renewed space, preparing it to once again welcome students.
Under clear skies and with a strong turnout from across the institution—including those closely involved in the refurbishment—the morning was marked by connection, gratitude and shared purpose. It was a moment grounded in manaakitanga (respect, generosity, care and hospitality).
Reflecting on the history of the building, its past occupants and its significance, Matua Harawira drew on the concept of Kōtiri Kūmara—the traditional Māori practice of replanting kūmara—to describe the kaupapa of the reopening: “a reimplanting of mātauranga Māori from a state of pause to one of regeneration,” he remarked.
Matua Hare spoke of his appreciation at seeing the building refreshed and ready for the return of our learners. Framing the journey as part of the Waka Hourua, he acknowledged the collective effort behind the project and the shared path forward.
Head of the School of Architecture, Professor Peter McPherson, described the return as a homecoming.
“Being able to connect the spaces through the space we are in now is really what this school is about,” he said. “This is where we share and interact. Students can see what others are doing—across levels and disciplines—and that visibility is critical to their learning. Having a building that supports that way of working is essential. I’m excited to see it humming and thriving with our ākonga back in it next week.”
Professor McPherson also paid tribute to the design and construction teams—Jen Pack, Peter and the team at LT McGuinness—for delivering a building “better than how they found it.”
He also acknowledged Project Manager Tim Waddell for driving the project to completion on schedule, and thanked Kenny Leong and his team for managing the relocation of staff and equipment, and their smooth return to Building 48 this month.
With its doors reopened and its purpose renewed, Building 48 stands ready to once again foster creativity, collaboration and architectural thinking at the heart of Unitec.
