The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research’s (NIWA) purpose is to enhance the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand’s aquatic resources and environments, to provide understanding of climate and the atmosphere, and to increase resilience to weather and climate hazards to improve the safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders.
The existing NIWA facilities in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch are at or approaching their end of life, and as such NIWA’s Future Property Programme aims to bring these significant research centres up to contemporary standards.
NIWA’s existing complex at the University of Waikato in Hamilton will therefore be replaced by a new complex, also located at the University campus, which is comprised of the following:
- A new two storey 4,500m² building to accommodate laboratories and visitor facilities on the ground floor, and office workspace on level 1
- A new 1,200m² storage and workshop building to store heavy equipment, for mobilisation of fieldwork, and to provide covered boat storage
- A freestanding chemical store building and outdoor experimentation facilities;
- Staff/visitor vehicle and cycle parking spaces; and
- Site landscaping.
Boffa Miskell’s landscape architects were also engaged to prepare both the developed and detailed landscape design, which will ensure the NIWA Hamilton Complex integrates into the wider landscape character of the University of Waikato Campus and provide an accessible, safe and healthy working environment for staff and visitors.
The proposed planting palette includes specimen trees, sedges, ferns and groundcover which reflect the local native flora. The proposed boundary treatment includes a combination of solid and visually permeable fences which will meet NIWA’s operational needs but also provide the tamariki/children within the adjoining Kura Kaupapa/Primary School the opportunity to view NIWA’s boats and other facilities.
The new complex will protect NIWA’s ability to deliver its scientific operations in Hamilton for the foreseeable future. The proposed design, which reflects NIWA sustainability values, will support it’s 150 permanent staff in being more flexible, collaborative and creative; while responding to the rapidly changing needs and expectations of the modern workforce.
Construction will commence in late 2021, with the complex expected to be operational by early 2023.
We lead the resource consent process and prepared developed and detailed landscape design.
