It’s on in our city centre!

Tauranga City Council and University of Waikato have reinforced their long-standing partnership with a new Strategic Partnership Agreement aimed at developing Tauranga into a city with an integrated university presence.

Described as “a place where people come to learn, innovate, collaborate and belong”, the agreement sets an intention between Council and the University to grow the city centre through education, research and industry connections aligned to the region’s needs and opportunities. 

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the agreement reflects Council’s ambition to grow Tauranga as a city with a thriving, integrated university presence.

“This partnership is an important step in shaping Tauranga as a city where students can learn and build their futures,” Mayor Mahé says.

Mayor Mahé says the partnership delivers long-term benefits for the city.

“Investing in education is investing in Tauranga’s future workforce and productivity. This agreement helps ensure we attract and retain talented young people while supporting the growth of our local economy.”

University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley says the agreement acknowledges the strength of the unique growth position that both the University and city are currently in.

“The University has a strategic vision to create a city-integrated study environment that is culturally vibrant, globally connected, and aligned with international opportunities and challenges – one that will deliver sustainable growth to our campus and city. As an internationally ranked University, we will help to position Tauranga as a city with global relevance and reach, attracting domestic and international students, researchers and partners,” says Professor Quigley.

Increasing the student population has been identified as a key outcome to drive city growth, and the agreement formalises Council’s commitment to contribute up to $2.4 million to support the University to deliver further education programmes and increase student presence at the University’s Tauranga campus. This includes the development of student accommodation within the city centre.

University of Waikato Director of Tauranga Campus Development and Operations Joseph Macfarlane says the University’s place within the city centre has supported the revitalisation of Tauranga city centre.

“Since opening in 2019, the University has established a growing presence in the city, with the campus playing an increasingly important role as a connector between people, learning, place and community.  This partnership reflects a shared commitment to Tauranga as an integrated university city where education, research, civic life, community and industry are closely linked. 

“Beyond the economic contribution generated by students and staff, a strong university presence helps grow local talent, connect employers with ideas and capability, and support business and city activation. Our 2025 student numbers were the highest on record, and current indicators show this growth is continuing in 2026. This gives us a strong foundation to build on together,” says Mr Macfarlane.

The partnership aligns with Council’s broader goals of enabling sustainable growth, supporting the local economy, and creating a vibrant city centre for residents, businesses and students alike.

Analysis by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research undertaken in 2022 shows that university activity – including student spending – makes a measurable contribution to regional economies. In Tauranga, this contribution has been estimated at around $28 million per year in direct activity associated with the University’s student presence in the region.

The University is also working alongside economic development agency Priority One to strengthen connections between industry, research and education, and to support innovation and workforce development across the Bay of Plenty.

“Tauranga as an integrated university city is an exciting prospect, and this agreement represents an important step towards making that a reality,” says Priority One Chief Executive Dave Courtney.

“A thriving university contributes far more than education outcomes. It helps attract talent, supports research and innovation, encourages investment, and strengthens a city's competitiveness. As one of New Zealand's fastest-growing regions, the Western Bay of Plenty needs a strong tertiary sector to support our future workforce and economic ambitions.”