Wharerata

Massey Venues – catering and events , Ngā whare hui - manaakitanga, pāpono

We offer a range of venues on our campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington for conferences, meetings, weddings and memorable events.

Who we are

Massey Venues is a commercial arm of Massey University. Based on our three campuses, we offer beautiful and unique venues for conferences and other corporate events, weddings, sports events and much more.

What we do

Massey Venues offers the following services and facilities:

  • bookable venue hire of 500 spaces in Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington
  • catering services including on-campus delivery service, corporate catering menus, plated dining and buffets, bar and beverage service
  • audio visual and IT services
  • online delegate registration
  • conference management services
  • accommodation
  • individually designed packages for your event.

Find out more about Massey Venues' services

Auckland venues

The modern Auckland/Ōtehā campus is located on the North Shore, within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

Sir Neil Waters Building

Named after the University’s second Vice-Chancellor (1983-1995). The Sir Neil Waters building underwent an extensive extension completed in late 2019 bringing new energy to the event facilities.

Currently consisting of three large lecture theatres with capacities of 100, 200, and 300 guests respectively. The extension adds an additional six breakout spaces with capacities between 40-100 guests all adjacent to a central foyer space designed for registrations, catering and large dinners.

Learn more about Sir Neil Waters

The Atrium

The Atrium features a purpose-built, underground, proscenium arch theatre. It is rigged with stage lighting and a hydraulic stage that can be raised to suit different configurations.

Located above the theatre and in the centre of the building is the Round Room. A unique event space that can accommodate up to 150 guests cocktail style and is perfect for dinners, pre-event drinks and award ceremonies.

Learn more about the Atrium

Massey Business School

Massey Business School Building features a 310 person capacity auditorium with in-built audio-visual equipment.

Adjacent to the auditorium is a 75 person capacity flexible event space with bar facilities, balcony area, data projector and versatile furniture options.

Learn more about Massey Business School

The Quadrangle

The Quadrangle contains two 140-seat tiered lecture theatres and a large boardroom. Additionally, there are six seminar rooms available ranging from 28 to 63 incapacity including one located on the third floor looking out over the adjoining hills and farmland.

Learn more about the Quadrangle

Palmerston North

Massey University's original Manawatū campus is in a park-like setting, close to the city.

Wharerata

Conveniently located on Massey’s Manawatū Campus, this tranquil homestead and gardens provides a private and picturesque backdrop for any event. The idyllic setting and outstanding indoor-outdoor flow makes Wharerata the venue of choice when hosting conferences, weddings, garden parties, gala dinners and family celebrations.

Learn more about Wharerata

Sport and Event Centre

Every year businesses from all sectors choose the Sport and Event Centre for its high-performance environment. Whether you require space for a meeting, team-building session, conference, or fully catered function, the SEC can host your corporate event. Accommodation is also available.

Learn more about the Sport and Event Centre

Wellington

The Wellington campus is located within easy walking distance of the central city.

Dominion Museum Building

The New Zealand Dominion Museum Building was completed in 1936 and originally housed the National Museum and the National Art Gallery. The building is now part of the Wellington Campus and houses a number of unique spaces perfect for events including the Great Hall – one of Wellington’s premier ballrooms.

Learn more about the Dominion Museum Building

Tussock

Tussock offers a complete range of in-house catering services, tailored menus, venues for hire and professional planning assistance. The key to great events is organisation, quality service and great food and Tussock is here to help you deliver on all of these.

Learn more about Tussock

Te Ara Hihiko

The world’s first multi-storey post-tensioned timber frame building is home to the College of Creative Arts on the Wellington Campus. The building features large open spaces, high tech lecture rooms, registration and catering areas. A large lecture theatre with retractable seating allows for events to create their own unique space.

Learn more about Te Ara Hihiko

Our team

Frances Healy

Manager Commercial Services, Palmerston North

Frances Healy has a background in numbers and banking. She came to Wharerata over 19 years ago when she picked up some after-hours work to earn a bit of extra money. Frances never left and eventually worked her way up the hospitality ladder. Her background and experience with managing events at Wharerata and Sport & Rugby Institute is phenomenal. Frances can move with ease from a premium wedding event, to looking after the Australian Hockey Team. With all the high-quality food and beverage she sees each day, nothing beats a good burger in her books.

Cory Anderson

Manager Commercial Services, Wellington

Cory Anderson has worked in hospitality for most of his working life. He worked the café, bar, and restaurant scene before progressing into events management. He brings a wealth of experience to Massey Venues in Wellington having worked on major events like the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Grand Prix and the Avalon Air show all across NZ, Australia, and the UK. Cory has trained as a pilot which gives you an idea of his ability to balance attention to detail and getting the job done. In his downtime, he is partial to craft beer in particular Hazy IPAs.

Denise Scott

Head Chef, Wellington

Head Chef Denise Scott is a qualified chef with 40+ years’ experience. She has lived and worked in Australia where she loved working in amongst the super cool Aussie Characters, some of them famous. Denise joined us following a stint with a high-end catering company in Wellington and has been integral to the new modern food vibe we have in Tussock Café. Denise is constantly on the lookout for exciting new food trends, but at home she simply prefers to relax with a block of Cadburys chocolate albeit washed down with a very good glass of Chardonnay.

Glenn London

Food & Beverage Manager, Palmerston North

Glenn London brings a wealth of experience to Massey Venues with a strong background in commercial business and event management. He worked for top NZ retail brands before going on to manage his own signature events company for six years in Wellington. Glenn cut his teeth in the hospitality industry many years ago at Wharerata Functions Centre and has fond memories of hosting weddings and special occasion events in our stunning heritage buildings. We feel very fortunate that he has returned with his knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm. Glenn loves cheese, and more cheese with a glass of Sauvignon.

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Food Trucks can apply to trade on campus

You can apply for a Food Truck Permit to trade on a Massey University campus in Auckland, Manawatū or Wellington. You may apply for a permit for 12 months (annual), 3 months (quarterly) or for a single use.

Get in touch

Massey Venues – catering and events

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