Manawatū campus revitalisation

Find out how your ideas have resulted in change on the Manawatū campus.

Change in action

Our commitment to revitalising Massey's campuses has resulted in the following activities on the Manawatū campus.

Colour on Concourse

Artist Sean Duffell and co standing in front of the new mural on the Science Tower walkway

Artist Sean Duffell (left) and Shaun Kay in front of the Science Tower walkway mural.

We're brightening up Concourse with some rainbow colours, starting with the steps to the Registry building. Splashes of colour will also help bring the refurbished seating to life, while our teams work on filling Concourse planters with new plants.

Mural artist Sean Duffell has helped brighten the walkway under the Science Towers by adding a much-needed burst of colour with his artwork depicting vibrant native plants.   

Find out more about mural artist Sean Duffell

Cycle Studio revamp

The Cycle Studio has been transformed into a vibrant and energising space featuring a brand new air conditioning system for enhanced comfort, sleek modern flooring and fresh paint. The new state of the art lighting system creates a dynamic atmosphere for group workouts.

The Manawatū Cycle Studio.

New lighting enhances the atmosphere in the Cycle Studio at the Massey Sport and Recreation Centre.

Footpath repairs

As part of an ongoing effort to improve safety around campus, we are repairing uneven footpaths across campus, starting with the Colombo Road and Orchard Road footpaths. 

Repaired footpath heading toward the Sport and Rec Centre on the Manawatū campus.

Orchard Road footpath upgrade.

Social Sciences Lecture Block (SSLB) and AgHort Lecture Block foyers

A fresh coat of paint has brightened up the SSLB and AgHort foyers. New soft seating enhances the spaces and provides welcoming and comfortable seating options for staff and students. 

The updated SSLB and Aghort foyer with new seating and striking artwork on the walls.

The updated SSLB and Aghort foyer.

Sport and Event Centre accommodation upgrades

The Sport and Event Centre accommodation underwent a refurbishment at the end of 2024 to modernise facilities, improve comfort and make the venue more attractive for events, short-term stays and conferences. 

Upgrades include new beds, improved bathroom facilities, fresh paint and furnishings in common areas. Some new furniture pieces have been made in-house using upcycled vintage furniture and salvaged totara and redwood logs from our grounds. Lighting and heating systems have been replaced with energy-efficient alternatives, reducing our carbon emissions and enhancing comfort for guests.  

Learn more about Massey's Sport and Event Centre

The upgraded boardroom at Massey's Sport and Event Centre

The upgraded boardroom at the Sport and Event Centre.

Vet Lake weed removal

We engaged a contractor to remove the extensive weed covering the Vet Lake. The weed has been composted and will provide nutrients for trees and plants on campus. 

This is the first of several steps to restore the lake's biodiversity and return it to a healthy state. Many of you wanted to see more support for the biodiversity of our campuses and more scenic green spaces to enjoy. We received multiple comments about restoring this much-loved lunch spot with its resident ducks and eels. 

A view across Vet Lake on the Manawatū campus.

Vet Lake

Wayfinding improvements

We have given our wayfinding a spring clean in preparation for a larger project to replace, move and standardise much of our signage across campus.

Wayfinding signage on the Manawatū campus getting a spring clean from a member of the campus care team.

Spring cleaning a campus wayfinding sign.

Wharerata refurbishment

Wharerata underwent refurbishment at the end of 2024 to celebrate the historic homestead’s history and provide a warmer, more inviting space for guests.  

The interior now features modernised furniture, fresh wallpaper and new artwork. The original ballroom floor has been restored to showcase the large heart rimu plank in the centre of the café, which is just one of the building’s historic features now on show.  

The café offerings now include a wide range of food from local suppliers. New options will continue to be added and rotated from different suppliers.   

Discover the services and facilities at Wharerata

People enjoying the refurbished café in Wharerata.

The refurbished café in Wharerata.

Wool Building

The exterior of the Wool Building has had a facelift with new paint, transforming the look of the building. 

The Wool Building on the Manawatū campus after the exterior was painted.

The new look Wool Building.

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