Events Calendar

Join us this Labour Weekend for Paparahi—celebrating 50 years of excellence at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington’s Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.

The gifted name for this special celebration is Paparahi, which literally means ‘foundation’, but it can also mean footprints or a track. ‘Papa’ represents the layers of learning and creative practice that have been built up over time, resulting in ‘rahi,’ a reference to our great store of knowledge and the significance of our collective work.

This special occasion includes a gala dinner to be held at Tākina for alumni and partners, former and present staff, together with supporters of the Faculty. The renowned Te Aro campus will also come alive with an inspiring exhibition showcasing the work of students, staff and distinguished alumni, and a symposium, Threads and Trajectories, featuring alumni from across all disciplines. Be inspired as they share their local and global architectural and design innovations.

Keynote symposium speakers: 

• Professor Mark Burry, internationally recognised thought leader about future cities and best known for his decades’ long role as senior architect and researcher at Barcelona’s Basilica de la Sagrada Familia—rated the world’s number one tourist attraction by TripAdvisor.
  
  
• Alan Bibby, award-winning director and creative director and Bachelor of Design graduate. His work explores the intersections of art, music, advertising and culture, involving commercials, fashion films and music videos for global artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ariana Grande and Coldplay, and brands including Audi, Nike, and Google.
  
  
• Dr Thomas Daniell, a leading voice in contemporary architecture with a particular focus on Japan. He graduated in Building Science and Architecture and his architectural career spans architectural practice, exhibitions and influential commentary that shapes global architectural discussion.