Massey University unveils new $70m veterinary research facility

Ngā Huia is a new $70 million veterinary research and teaching facility on Massey’s Manawatū campus, with state of the art laboratories for specialised researchers in areas such as Pathobiology and Infectious Diseases, the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, and production, working and native animal health. The building includes academic and postgraduate student offices, as well as student collaboration and study spaces.

Ngā Huia was blessed by Rangitāne o Manawatū which led a dawn karakia, waiata, and walk-through of the new building, before the official ribbon cutting event. The opening was attended by over 150 invited guests, key staff from Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science and the College of Sciences and those involved in the build project.

Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Sciences Professor Ray Geor, described the Ngā Huia opening as a significant milestone in the School of Veterinary Science’s 64 year history.

“Ngā Huia will strengthen our ability to lead and support the nation to battle disease outbreaks, deal with pandemics and care for the animals in Aotearoa New Zealand. As an alumnus myself, I am very proud that Massey is reinforcing its highly regarded reputation for excellence in veterinary science and as an applied university at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Massey’s School of Veterinary Science was called on for assistance responding to the disease outbreak; growth of One Health (a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that recognises the interconnectedness of the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems); World Health Organization (WHO) expert advice, and to provide expertise to the New Zealand government and globally.

The Ngā Huia opening completes the third phase of the $160 million veterinary facilities upgrade programme, which was first approved by University leadership in 2011 and has been fully funded by Massey. The upgrades have included Massey’s equine hospital, new Wildbase facilities (native wildlife hospital), veterinary clinic spaces and the Student Learning complex with new pathology, anatomy and clinical skills laboratories. These works also included demolition of the iconic former Vet Tower during 2022.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas praised the Massey project team and companies which provided architectural, engineering, building and construction services for completing the Ngā Huia build on time and within budget.

Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science is the sole provider of veterinary education in New Zealand, and for the past two years has been named the number one veterinary school in Australasia and Asia and ranked 19th in the world in the QS University Rankings. In 2023, Massey increased its intake to 175 students per year.

Head of the School Professor Jon Huxley told the audience that for the past four years, Massey veterinary graduates have ranked in the top six globally, based on employer reputation. The support and input of key industry organisations such as the New Zealand Veterinary Association, the Veterinary Council of New Zealand and the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer has played a key role in this ongoing success.

“The industry supports our goals and ambitions to be world leading in veterinary science, promoting and supporting the veterinary profession in partnership with us,” Professor Huxley adds.

Images from Opening Event

Key features of the Ngā Huia building:

At the preliminary design stage, the university engaged with local iwi Rangitāne through Tohunga Whakairo, Warren Warbrick to develop a cultural narrative. The name Ngā Huia symbolises the unique partnership and reliance that Huia birds formed relying on each other for food and survival.

The inspiration of the Huia bird can be seen throughout the building’s exterior and interior design including;

• A ngutu kākā pattern, usually found in the rafter designs in wharenui, is reminiscent of the ranges, and the huia wattle which ranges from yellow-orange in colour.
• The reflecting tāniko pattern along the University Avenue glazed façade.
• The exterior Pou - an artwork by James Molnar (Rangitāne ki Manawatū) sized to complement the scale of the building at the front entry with flocks of Huia being the focus of the pillar.
• The exposed timber ceiling, inspired by Huia feathers, speaks of the work students are doing to attain leadership within their chosen profession. This rimu timber has been recycled from the original vet tower.
• Entrance mosaic tiling that represents male and female Huia birds, the female leading you into the building and the male leading you out.
• Tāniko manifestations on the internal glazing at doorways
• A mural by Reweti Arapere (Raukawa, Tūwharetoa, Porourangi) – this is a continual concept from the stage two mural of the Huia birds – double spirals represent the spiritual element.

The Ngā Huia build began in August 2023 and has generated more than 237,000 hours of labour.

To date, approximately 60% of waste from the veterinary facility upgrade project has been recycled with a target to have 75% recycled by the end of the project. For example, Rimu timber panelling that lined areas of the former Vet Tower has been recycled to create a feature in the entrance/student commons area of Ngā Huia.

The following companies were involved in the Ngā Huia project:

• McMillan & Lockwood - Main Contractor
• WSP - Structural and Building Services
• Studio 3 - Architecture
• Turner and Townsend - Cost Management Services
• Aecom - Engineer to Contract