Great news to start the new year for kaimahi and ākonga at our Waitākere campus.
Building 500 is now fully operational and ready for the start of Semester One on 23 February 2026 after an eight-month refit which was completed earlier this month.
Kaimahi based at our Waitākere campus were present for the blessing of Building 500 on 12 January. Our Marae and MAIA team led by Pae Arahi, Matua Hare Paniora, Kaihautu, Hohepa Renata, and Whaea Nina Pelling, conducted a walk-through of the building.
Also present at the blessing were members of the Tāmaki Transition Group including Executive Director, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.
“A large number of people have worked hard and contributed to getting Building 500 completed,” says Head of School, Healthcare & Social Practice, Dr Linda Aumua.
“Staff are gradually moving into their new office spaces and have already had classrooms allocated for our ākonga as we launch into 2026.
According to Assets and Projects Manager, Anirudh Guda, work on Building 500 started in May 2025. This was in response to wear and tear and feedback from staff and students.
“There was extensive work done on Levels 2, 3 and 6 to upgrade the air conditioning units, lighting and bathrooms, and make these spaces fit for purpose,” he said.
Plastering, painting, carpeting work also took place with new furniture brought into the classrooms.
Security has also been improved on these levels with increased CCTV, the IT network being upgraded and the installation of new signage.
Dr Aumua says the refit gives the Waitākere Campus a new lease of life and it already has made a positive impact on all those based there.
“The building accommodates the Master in Applied Practice, Bridgepoint and Language staff and a new virtual reality lab alongside new classrooms. This campus will now hold over a thousand students of which we hope to continue to grow,” she explains.
Awesome news. Great to have staffroom in Buidling 112 at Mt Albert campus get a similar upgrade. I remember the same decor in 1997. .