17/09/2026
The University of Otago, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, has officially opened Wai Ora, its new six-storey health research and education building in Ōtautahi. Ngāi Tūāhuriri gifted the name and the cultural narrative behind the designs throughout the building.
It starts at the entrance, where the paving moves from dark to light: Te Kore and Te Pō through to Te Ao Mārama. Inside, a feature wall shows the separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku. The pou outside stand like Tānemahuta, Takaroa flows around and throughout the building, and Tāwhirimātea climbs the floors towards Ranginui. The artforms honour our traditions of tāniko, tukutuku and whakairo, and blend them with contemporary science through geometry, molecules and cells.
A key feature of the building is the water droplet on the window manifestations, which comes from the name Wai Ora. Two mirrored pieces form a single waka mōkihi, a metaphor for balance, collaboration, reflection, adaptability and innovation. It speaks to the students and their journey, the purpose of their work and the community they do it for.
Massive mihi to Faculty of Medicine Dean Professor Suzanne Pitama, Matapopore, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, the University of Otago, Warren and Mahoney and Leighs Construction for the opportunity to be part of this kaupapa.
Toi Māori team: Hori Te Ariki Mataki, Te Aotahi Rice Edwards and Eli Taueki
