It is called Taiawa Wellington Tech Hub—the name Taiawa is a combination of two words, tai (ocean) and awa (river), which aims to reflect the collaborative elements of entities from different sources combining together to operate in a shared space, supporting innovative ideas and creating a space for creative interconnections.

Taiawa is the name of a type of pipi found at low tide just below the surface of a sandy harbour flat—the act of collecting pipi as a communal, intergenerational activity signifies the collaboration that will take place in the tech hub, and the interaction between companies, staff and students. The name was endorsed by Kura Moeahu, Rangatira of Te Āti Awa and Taranaki.

As of October 1, there will be 12 inspiring Wellington-based businesses based in Taiawa, all focused on utilising technology to address the grand challenges facing society and making the world a better place. This venture presents enormous potential benefits for the University and the wider Wellington economy, as well as those innovative and future-focused companies who are basing themselves at Taiawa.

Finalising the name is a very exciting and important development—it represents the culmination of a huge amount of work that has gone on behind the scenes by staff from the University, WellingtonNZ and the Wellington City Council.

A webpage has been set up, and signage will be installed in the space shortly—feel free to arrange a visit to Level 5 of Rutherford House to see Taiawa in action!