Minister for Universities Hon Dr Shane Reti officially opened Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury’s (UC) new hall Tupuārangi on 12 February, marking a major addition to on-campus student accommodation.
The new hall adds 283 beds to on-campus student accommodation and is located close to teaching and learning spaces, helping students live, study and connect within a supportive residential neighbourhood.
The opening of Tupuārangi comes as UC records its sixth consecutive year of enrolment growth, finishing 2025 with more than 27,000 students and with 2026 on track to continue that upward trend. Growth has been driven by strong domestic enrolments alongside international demand, with increasing Māori and Pasifika participation and renewed confidence in the campus, facilities and the city of Christchurch — recently ranked among the world’s top 100 best student cities by QS.
UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey says that on campus accommodation plays an important role in student wellbeing, safety and academic success. “This new building provides first-year students with modern accommodation, enabling them to settle into university life, build social connections, and focus on their studies, while also supporting retention and positive student outcomes.”
With Tupuārangi now full, UC’s total on-campus accommodation capacity has grown to more than 3,000 beds, spanning first-year halls, returning-student options, and accommodation for couples and families. The additional capacity supports UC’s ability to manage growth responsibly while providing the settings students need to thrive.
“Reaching more than 3,000 beds on campus is a significant milestone, but demand continues to exceed supply. We’re already exploring further expansion to ensure more students can access the on-campus experience,” she says.
The name Tupuārangi was provided by Ngāi Tūāhuriri and refers to a star in the Matariki cluster associated with nourishment and growth from the upper forest canopy. The name reflects UC’s aspiration to nurture students as they begin their university journey and sits alongside its neighbouring hall, Tupuānuku, as part of a connected residential precinct.
Professor De la Rey says student accommodation is a core pillar of the University’s long-term planning and economic sustainability through to 2030, supporting future growth, student wellbeing, and campus vibrancy.
“Students are a vital part of Christchurch’s social and economic fabric, and purpose-built on-campus accommodation like Tupuārangi helps manage growth responsibly for students and the wider community.”
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