The AgResearch and Massey University joint food science building under construction at the Manawatū campus will be known as Te Ohu Rangahau Kai.
The name was selected by representatives from Massey University’s Māori Language Advisory Group and staff of Te Pūtahi-a-Toi and the School of Food and Advanced Technology and agreed between AgResearch, Massey University and Riddet Institute staff who will work there.
Te Ohu Rangahau Kai, which translates as the work or workplace of food researchers, celebrates the activities that will be undertaken within the 5075m2 building.
It will house up to 140 researchers. In addition to general office spaces, it will have 1800m2 of laboratories and 900m2 of meat and dairy pilot plants. Food pilot plants are small factories that enable developers to create and test new products. The new section of the pilot plant will be immediately adjacent to the current Massey University Food Pilot, which is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning a significant enhancement of the facilities in close proximity that increase services to the food industry.
Expected completion of the building is March, with people due to move in the following month, when the building will be officially opened.