First-class facility adds to capacity
New Zealand Management Academy (NZMA) is building a $7 million headquarters in Tristram St, Hamilton. The private training provider’s Auckland-based chief executive, Mark Worsop, said NZMA had been housed in the Ward St tower building for a decade. But the lease was up and time had come to create a new high-profile Hamilton headquarters for students and staff.
NZMA in Hamilton has a student roll of about 750 and the new centre will allow expansion to accommodate up to about 1000.
NZMA’s parent company, ACG, recently bought Intueri Education Group, a vocational skills provider, which will be amalgamated into the Tristram St centre.
NZMA is a major provider of ‘‘second chance’’ education, with about 4000 students on 11 sites around New Zealand.
About 60 per cent of its students are beneficiaries and 40 per cent have not achieved NCEA. Many others need additional support to make the transition to study and employment.
‘‘We see our campus in Hamilton as a magnet to high-priority learners who can be inspired to learn and then find a job,’’ Worsop said.
‘‘Once a student enrols with NZMA, they have a responsibility to follow through on their commitment. As an organisation we have the responsibility to provide the support and environment that will enable them to be successful.’’
Worsop said the new campus had been designed to ensure teaching environments are conducive to learning.
‘‘The rooms are sized and configured to best meet tutor, staff and student needs. Features will include a student cafe, restaurant and bar, and classroom spaces designed so they can be opened up for internal events and functions.’’
The centre will include purpose-built facilities for programmes including barista class, retail class, floristry and a pharmacy laboratory, in addition to nine traditional classroom spaces.
An internal lightwell will bring natural light into the centre of the building and a mezzanine floor is available to be used as student numbers grow. Mark Worsop, NZMA
The site is close to public transport options and bicycle parking has been provided to encourage alternative modes of transport.
NZMA is also working closely with WaikatoTainui to jointly identify tertiary education goals and broader cultural, social and economic aspirations. Waikato-Tainui will provide a cohort of learners and pastoral support while NZMA will provide the programmes and qualifications.
‘‘It’s an exciting time for NZMA and the Waikato community,’’ Worsop said.
‘‘We are proud of the facility we are building to share with the community, and feel positive about the impact it will have.’’
Construction of the 1600-square-metre building at 92-94 Tristram St began in May on what was the 2200sqm Duncan & Ebbett site. Foster Construction is lead contractor and the architectural design is by Chibnall Buckell. Completion is expected in February 2019.