The University of Waikato

The University of Waikato The official University of Waikato | Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato. Sharing stories and updates from our community.

We can help with general info and guide you to the right support team for study, support or admin queries. From modest beginnings on what was largely farmland, the University of Waikato / Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato has grown to a student population of about 13,000 of whom more than 4800 complete a qualification annually. Today the University employs 2000 academic and support staff, making a signif

icant contribution to the local and national economy. The University of Waikato is committed to delivering a world-class education and research portfolio, providing a full and dynamic university experience, distinctive in character, and pursuing strong international links to advance knowledge. Our motto, 'Ko Te Tangata', which means 'For the People', reflects our philosophy that we are in, of, and for the community.

10/09/2026

As we prepare to mark Kīngitanga Day on 17 September, we look back at how we recognised the day across our Hamilton and Tauranga Moana campuses last year.

Kīngitanga Day is an opportunity for our University community to reflect on and strengthen our relationship with the Kīngitanga, bringing together staff and students in recognition of the significance of the day.

To celebrate the Bird of the Year nominations, our Library team has put together a special display where you can check o...
08/09/2026

To celebrate the Bird of the Year nominations, our Library team has put together a special display where you can check out this year’s party manu-festos and choose your bird.

We may have a little bit of a soft spot for one particular candidate though… This week, we helped deliver Lil’ Puku, the travelling little spotted kiwi, to Tauranga on our Kaimai Shuttle on behalf of RealNZ as he continues his journey south towards Fiordland.

But we’re not biased! The display is there for a bit of fun, so you can check out the candidates and make up your own mind about which manu deserves your vote. 🐦

The official Bird of the Year vote is online, and voting is open until 5pm on Sunday 20 September. Make sure you have your say and help choose Bird of the Year 2026.

⬇️ Cast your official vote via the link in the comments.

And if you’re on campus, head up to Level 4 of the Library and check out the display.

Third-year History students from the University of Waikato recently stepped beyond the classroom to explore Hamilton’s h...
08/09/2026

Third-year History students from the University of Waikato recently stepped beyond the classroom to explore Hamilton’s history at Te Koopuu Maania o Kirikiriroa - Hamilton City Libraries

Students got hands-on with historic photographs, glass plate negatives, early Hamilton City Council records and editions of the Waikato Times, exploring the stories held within the city’s archives.

They also discovered how contemporary tools such as oral history recording, StoryMaps and AI can help bring those histories to new audiences.

The workshop is a reminder that there’s much more to discover at your local library than books. From archives and exhibitions to creative spaces, technology and opportunities to learn, libraries are places where people can connect with knowledge, history and each other.

So if you haven’t explored everything Te Koopuu Maania o Kirikiriroa – Central Library has to offer, it might be time to take another look.

07/09/2026

From the volcanic landscapes of the North Island to the planet we call home, volcanoes have shaped our world in ways we often don’t realise.

New Zealand is a country built by volcanic activity. From the Taupō Volcanic Zone to the volcanic cones of Auckland, these forces have influenced our landscapes, environments and communities.

We often think of volcanoes for their destructive power, but without them, Earth would not be the habitable planet we know today.

For billions of years, volcanoes have connected the Earth’s interior with our atmosphere, helping to cycle elements like carbon and supporting the conditions needed for life.

But, as with many forces of nature, balance is everything. The same elements that help ecosystems thrive can become harmful in high concentrations.

Discover more about the fascinating science behind volcanoes in Professor Emma Nicholson’s Professorial Lecture. Link in comments⬇️

01/09/2026

We often think antibiotics will cure infections. But what happens when they stop working?

Pathmini Madushani’s research explores how gonorrhea is becoming harder to treat, as it adapts to survive antibiotics.

With more than 82 million cases globally each year, this is a growing public health challenge – and one that needs new solutions.

Watch her Three Minute Thesis to learn how research is helping us fight back. ⬇️

Hamilton recently welcomed researchers and industry experts from around the world, with 180 delegates from more than 20 ...
30/08/2026

Hamilton recently welcomed researchers and industry experts from around the world, with 180 delegates from more than 20 countries gathering at the University of Waikato for an international conference on natural refrigerants.

The 17th IIR-Gustav Lorentzen Conference brought together experts working on refrigeration and heat pump technologies and their potential to support a more sustainable future.

We were pleased to host the conference at The Pā, with our Ahuora Centre from the School of Engineering - University of Waikato among the hosts.

It was another great example of the international connections and research taking place right here in Hamilton.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We hope you enjoyed your time on campus and in our city.

30/08/2026

The Waikato Engineering Design Show is back this October.

Join us to see how our engineering students are turning ideas into real-world solutions – from innovative products to structures designed to make a difference here in New Zealand and beyond.

If you have a future engineer at home, this is a great opportunity to explore what studying engineering could look like.

📅 21–22 October 2026
📍 University of Waikato

Link in comments to learn more and register ⬇️

27/08/2026

Every writer has a reason to begin.

This National Poetry Day, we're celebrating the stories behind our Writing Studies community. Hear from students, alumni, and staff as they share what drew them to the programme.

Whether it's a love of poetry, storytelling, or making an impact through words, Writing Studies equips students with skills that last a lifetime.

For more information head to the link in comments ⬇️

26/08/2026

Lake Day is a chance to think about the lakes around us, and what it takes to keep them healthy for the future.

We know much more than we once did about why lakes become degraded, and how we can restore them. But as our climate changes, restoring a lake isn't simply about returning it to the way it was.

In this clip from his professorial lecture, Professor Deniz Özkundakci explores how scientists can use new technology, modelling and forecasting to understand lakes better and make decisions while continuing to learn.

Watch the full lecture - link in comments ⬇️

Meet Monty, the yellow Labrador who has been greeting students at Te Manawa Student Centre for more than a decade.Create...
25/08/2026

Meet Monty, the yellow Labrador who has been greeting students at Te Manawa Student Centre for more than a decade.

Created in 2014 by New Zealand sculptor Hannah Kidd, Monty is a life-sized galvanised iron sculpture who has become a familiar face in the Library. He might not be able to wag his tail, but he certainly gets plenty of attention from students, staff and visitors.

For National Dog Day, we’re giving a shout-out to one of Waikato’s longest-serving campus companions. 🐕

Did you know Monty? Or have you spotted him on your way into Te Manawa?

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University Of Waikato, Hillcrest
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