Marking a milestone

The first students to study at Te Herenga Waka had at least one thing in common with today’s cohort—they also attended lectures at different spots around Wellington city.

Next year marks 125 years since the University was founded, with teaching beginning two years later in 1899. The history books tell us those first lectures took place in rented accommodation in the city while debate raged over where the University should be located.

Kelburn eventually became the site of our first campus, with the Hunter building opening in 1904, but the University continued to weave tendrils into the life of the capital city, going on to establish the Pipitea and Te Aro campuses and, more recently, the Miramar Creative Centre, with the national music centre firmly on the horizon.

Celebrating the many ways in which the University has contributed to our lives, and the social, cultural, and economic life of Wellington and beyond, will be one focus of the 125th festivities. We’ll also be marking a major milestone in the University’s long history of philanthropic giving with the conclusion of our ‘What if …?’ campaign to raise $150 million to support the University’s work in driving transformational change.

The experiences, memories, and contributions of our alumni will be just as big a focus. As well as celebrating what you have gone on to do and contribute, we also want to share your fondest memories of your time here and the people, places, and moments you recall.

Please send your stories, photographs and memorabilia to alumni@vuw.ac.nz or visit our Alumni website to find out more about our 125th celebrations and share your stories.