University of Waikato - Tauranga

14/06/2026

Summer Research Scholarship applications are now open!
✔️ Receive an $8,000 cash stipend
✔️ Work full-time on a research project for 10 weeks (November–February)
✔️ Gain hands-on research experience alongside leading University of Waikato researchers
✔️ Earn credit towards your degree

Check out this video of Jack and Blake, who did a Summer Research Scholarship earlier this year developing a Manu Meter app in partnership with Tauranga City Council. The Manu Meter uses AI to score manus, provide instant replays and share real-time water quality and swimming safety information.

A few of this year’s Tauranga-based research projects this summer include:
🔹 Beach events and human-ocean wellbeing
🔹 Sports science and runner assessments
🔹 Community sports infrastructure forecasting
🔹 Smart cities and public Wi-Fi
🔹 Marine ecology and heat stress research
🔹 Groundwater, rainfall and landslides
🔹 Active transport and road safety

Ready to spend your summer researching real-world challenges and opportunities?

📲 Find out more and apply via the link in in the comments.

11/06/2026

Good luck with your exams tauira mā - you’ve got this! 🫶
Ngā mihi Koro Tamati, our Tauranga campus kaumātua, for joining us in this fun reel to wish our students good luck ❤️

11/06/2026

10/06/2026

Looking for a fun way to stay active this winter?

Join the next 10-week 6-aside netball league at Mercury Baypark Arena from 14 July – 15 September. It’s a great opportunity to have fun, stay active and enjoy some friendly competition with your teammates.

University of Waikato students pay just $30 per person (subsidised by the University).

To register a team, email [email protected] by 12 June with your team name and Team Captain’s contact details.

Don’t be shy - get involved! Nau mai, haere mai.

09/06/2026

Master’s student Lara Bargone from Canada recently completed her internship with Waikato Uni at the Adam’s Centre for High Performance supported by Dr Kim Hébert-Losier.
Based at Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, Lara worked with the development female squad focusing on strength and conditioning and injury prevention.
Lara has embraced life in New Zealand, describing her experience in the Bay of Plenty as “amazing”. Alongside her work she travelled widely, attended Super Rugby matches and explored the country.
Swipe through to see some photos from her journey:
📸 Photo 1: Rugby session with the female athletes
📸 Photo 2: Mueller Track with Mt Cook in the background
📸 Photo 3: Sunrise over the rugby field
Check out the link in the comments to read Lara’s full story.

28/05/2026

Last Sunday the University of Waikato Haumaru Sport & Recreation Centre celebrated its first birthday.
To celebrate the BayActive team hosted a free Community Fun Day, welcoming around 1,500 visitors.
As naming rights sponsors of the University of Waikato Haumaru Sport & Recreation Centre, we were stoked to be part of its first birthday celebrations.
Our Sport & Health team ran a hands-on activation, including vertical jump, Watt bike, grip strength and reaction time tests.
In just one year, Haumaru has become a busy hub for community connection, competition and recreation in central Tauranga. We are proud of our commitment to the Bay of Plenty region and our support of a facility that provides a positive connection point for the community.

Read more about Haumaru via the link in the comments 👇

26/05/2026

We asked PhD graduate Dr Amanda Lowry what it was like giving the graduation speech at our April graduation ceremony — watch the reel to hear what she had to say.

Amanda’s research shares a perspective not often heard. As a highly impaired athlete, she explores the vital role of care and support behind the scenes.

Her work highlights the everyday realities faced by para-athletes with high support needs, and why recognising carers and properly resourcing support is key to making sport more inclusive.

👉 Watch Amanda’s full graduation speech, or read her full story via the link in the comments.

25/05/2026

Ōtanewainuku Forest is one of the best spots in the Bay to experience towering native trees, thriving birdlife and peaceful bush walks 🌿

There are a number of walks to explore within the forest, including the popular Ōtanewainuku Rimu Loop Walk - a gentle 3.8km track winding through stunning native bush and giant rimu trees. The loop takes around 1 hour 30 minutes and is suitable for walking children, with a side track leading to the beautiful Whataroa Falls swimming hole and picnic spot.

Ōtanewainuku is cared for by a dedicated volunteer trust helping to protect and conserve this special ngahere for future generations. Just a 30-minute drive from campus, it’s the perfect nature escape close to Tauranga 🚶‍♀️🌲

📸Image credit

22/05/2026

Hamilton Open Day - Tauranga edition, that’s a wrap! It was awesome hosting tauira at our Tauranga stand - thanks to everyone who stopped by 🫶

Next up: Tauranga Open Day on 1 July. See you there 👀👋