New marine research and education facility coming to Tauranga
A state-of-the-art marine research and education facility is coming to Marine Park, Sulphur Point in Tauranga.
Marine Research and Education Facility
A world-class facility is coming to Marine Park, Sulphur Point in Tauranga. Located in a one-of-kind location, it will be a place where science and innovation meet community engagement, with access to diverse marine environments.
In June 2024 the University of Waikato entered into an agreement with Tauranga City Council to lease a site at Marine Park, Sulphur Point, to establish a new state-of-the-art marine education and research facility. The University is currently progressing with funding, design, and obtaining the necessary consents for construction, with plans for the facility to be open in 2027.
The new facility will build on the ground-breaking marine research currently conducted out of the University's globally renowned Coastal Marine Field Station.
About the new facility
Specialised labs, innovative design, and unique access to catchments, beaches, lakes, tropics to the Southern Ocean, Whakaari/ White Island and the largest working harbour in the country. There’ll be a café, marine-themed playground and public programmes.
Nationally and globally significant research
Research partnerships will help enhance the quality of marine research and create the perfect environment for innovation. The facility will tackle global challenges like climate change, sustainability, biosecurity and blue-green innovation.
Community education and engagement
The facility will showcase the impact of research and share the wonders of the underwater world through aquariums, touch tanks and programmes to educate current and future generations about our incredible marine environment and how to protect it.
The facility will attract local, national and international visitors with its dynamic approach to communicating science. There will be public presentations, school outreach programmes and public events to celebrate events like Seaweek and World Oceans Day.
The University of Waikato will partner with mana whenua and iwi in research and community engagement that focuses on the wellbeing of the moana, environment and coastal communities for future generations.
The facility will be supported by the University’s award-winning Tauranga city campus which has additional teaching spaces, modern labs and conference facilities. This will enhance connection across the University, strengthening its interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to research and education. Explore the Tauranga Campus
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Express your interest in supporting the development of this new facility
Interested in studying Marine Science?
This exciting new subject covers the science of marine systems, including ecology, physical processes, ecosystem restoration and conservation. You’ll be at the heart of thriving marine-based industries, coastal communities and New Zealand’s busiest port.