Rehua
In Ngāi Tahu narratives, Rehua was the son of Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatuanuku (Earth Mother), and a rangatira (chief) among the stars in the night sky. As well as being the brightest whetū (star), Rehua heralds the beginning of raumati (summer), and is associated with wellness, healing, and leadership. The name of our building, Rehua, has been given by Ngāi Tūahuriri, the hapu who hold the mana whenua for Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.
This building is the central hub for education, health sciences, entrepreneurship, and executive development, where students from all subjects are supported in their studies and their professional and personal growth.
Purpose-built
Rehua is a high-technology, innovative, and flexible working space where you can learn using 21st century teaching theory and practice.
Within Rehua you’ll find:
- large flexible learning spaces
- the latest technology
- formal teaching spaces
- social spaces
- meeting and project rooms
- Te Moana nui a Kiwa - a cultural function space
- Pukemanu Centre health clinics
- UC Centre for Entrepreneurship
- Makerspace - for all creative UC students and staff interested in active making, design and prototyping
- UC MBA and Whakangungu Ngaiotanga | Executive Education programmes
- a light-filled atrium
- Therapy café.
Our design
The design themes in Rehua are intended to create a sense of belonging for everyone who comes into the building. Inspiration was drawn from the Ngāi Tahu help point towers around the campus as well as the local landscape. The colour palette draws on the natural surroundings ranging from clay/earth/whenua (basement) to the sky/rangi (Level 7).
