Photo caption: On site at Tupuārangi: (from (left) Southbase CEO Quin Henderson, Tumu Whakarae | Vice-Chanceller Professor Cheryl de la Rey, and Kaihautū Matua Pūmanawa Tangata | Executive Director - People, Culture and Campus Life Paul O’Flaherty.
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha| University of Canterbury (UC) yesterday marked a new phase in the Tupuārangi project, which is on track to welcome its first group of 283 first-year students in 2026. Special guests at the site visit included UC Tumu Whakarae | Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey, Southbase CEO Quin Henderson, the UC project team and members of the Southbase design and build team, who gathered on-site to celebrate this exciting project.
Construction began in 2024 with enablement works and then commencement of the structural frame. The new phase involves the building’s façade, which is now underway, bringing the new student hall closer to reality. Scheduled to open in 2026, Tupuārangi offers purpose-designed living spaces in response to the demand for student accommodation at UC and as part of UC’s commitment to the regional economy.
“Our enrolments continue to grow year on year, and with that, we’ve seen an increase in the need for residential accommodation,” Professor De la Rey says. “Tupuārangi will offer a vibrant new space designed to foster connection, wellbeing, and a sense of community among our students.”
This investment not only supports UC’s growth and its commitment to student success but also plays a key role in the University’s long-term economic sustainability. With the addition of Tupuārangi, UC will increase its student accommodation capacity to 3,081 rooms, up from the current 2,798, providing more opportunities for students to thrive in a supportive and caring environment.
Nestled in the heart of Ōtautahi, UC offers a unique and enriching student experience, providing students with a blend of academic excellence, opportunities for personal growth, and the conveniences of a modern city. With its world-class facilities and a community-oriented campus, UC is a place where students can explore, connect, and contribute to a better world.
Read more about Tupuārangi.
