Paparahi—Faculty 50th anniversary

Join us this Labour Weekend in celebrating 50 years of excellence at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation. This momentous occasion will include a gala dinner for alumni, former and present staff, partners, and supporters of the Faculty. Our 50^th anniversary is a wonderful chance to celebrate together, to take stock, to remember our friends and people and events, and to look to the future.

Our renowned Te Aro campus will come alive with inspiring exhibitions and a symposium showcasing the talent of students, staff and distinguished alumni.

Our gifted name Paparahi literally means ‘foundation’, but it can also mean footprints or a track. ‘Papa’ represents the layers of learning and creative practice that have been built up over time, resulting in ‘rahi,’ a reference to our great store of knowledge and the significance of our collective work.

Programme

On Friday night you are invited to the opening of the exhibition and the start of the weekend’s celebrations, at our Te Aro campus. Enjoy a beverage, the opportunity to catch up with friends, and take in a selection of works from our alumni and current students.

Saturday starts with a pōwhiri mid-morning. Enjoy a casual lunch in any of Te Aro’s cafés and soak up the Cuba Street vibe. Saturday and Sunday afternoons will feature an exciting symposium of alumni from across all disciplines and decades. Be inspired by our alumni as they share their local and global achievements. More details on the symposium programme to follow.

Saturday night is the Gala Dinner at one of Wellington’s most recent jewels in its crown - Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. Come dressed to impress. Current and former staff, alumni, partners, friends and supporters of the faculty are most welcome.

Past and current staff are invited to a Sunday morning brunch at a venue to be confirmed.

Ticketing for the Gala Dinner coming soon...

Make a donation

With Paparahi, we honour 50 years of learning, creativity, and innovation—built on the legacy of those before us. As we celebrate, we look ahead. Together, we can empower the next generation to walk this path, build on our legacy, and shape the future. Through a gift today, you can provide critical support that enables our next generation of graduates to achieve their dreams.

Make a Gift to the Maker's Fund

The cost of materials, attending a conference, or entering competitions are too often prohibitive. Our Maker’s Fund has been created to ensure students can access that ‘little bit extra’ funding which can unlock their potential. From attending a conference, entering creative competitions, collaborating with a fellow student, or purchasing materials they couldn’t otherwise afford, every single gift will make a direct difference to students.

Donate to the Maker's Fund

Help double the number of scholarships

With only 12 dedicated scholarships for students in our Faculty, you can be part of doubling the number of students receiving support today. With the growing cost of living, combined with a demanding full-time course load, students in the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation face increasing challenges. By establishing a dedicated scholarship, you can help them stay focused and succeed.

Get in touch today to discuss how you could make a significant difference to students studying in the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.

Brad Weekly
Development Manager- Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation
brad.weekly@vuw.ac.nz
Ph number: +64 04 886 5637

Honour a Legacy

Help grow the Helen Tippett Award or recognise the impact and legacy of other inspirational members of our community. Consider establishing a scholarship or award in the name of someone who inspired or supported your journey.

Sponsorship

We greatly value our relationships with industry, and invite your organisation to sponsor part or all of a Paparahi event. Please contact Robyn Phipps (Dean) robyn.phipps@vuw.ac.nz or Brad Weekly (Development Manager) brad.weekly@vuw.ac.nz to discuss sponsorship opportunities.