Te Pā Tauira officially opened

Te Pā Tauira – Otago Polytechnic Student Village was officially opened by the Hon Dr David Clark today, 1 June. 

The Minister of Health and MP for Dunedin North, who unveiled a brass plaque at the entrance, was joined by numerous dignitaries, including Otakou kaumātua Edward Ellison, Dunedin City Councillor Aaron Hawkins (representing Mayor Dave Cull), Otago Polytechnic Council Chair Kathy Grant and Otago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker.

Other officials included Rob DiQual, CEO Campus Living Villages, which manages the complex. Campus Living Villages is a leader in purpose-built student accommodation, with more than 45,000 beds under management globally.

Just a short walk from campus and Dunedin’s city centre, the $22 million, 231-bed furnished residential village offers fully-catered single rooms (dorms), self-catered studios (standard or deluxe) and four-bedroom apartments. 

Constructed with the environment firmly in mind, Te Pā Tauira uses sustainable materials throughout, including laminated timber within its unique structural frame. 

Its innovative design, construction processes and building materials have been recognised with several award nominations, including in multiple categories in the 2018 Property Council New Zealand Awards and the 2018 NZ Wood-Resene Timber Design Awards.

Te Pā Tauira, which was officially blessed earlier this year by Kai Tahu representative Tahu Potiki, opened its doors to students in February.

The name Te Pā Tauira was gifted by Ōtākou Rūnaka in 2017, along with each of the names for the five floors – Hawea, Rapuwai, Waitaha, Māmoe and Tahu (these are names of the southern tribes who have migrated to the South Island over centuries).

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