Garry Chronican (front, centre) with fellow Pathway staff in the new reception area.
There’s a palpable new buzz at the Otago Business School – levels two and three of the building have received a fresh cohort of staff and students who can’t believe their locational luck.
The incoming residents hail from two departments: Pathway/Te Huarahi and the English Language Centre/Te Puna o te Kī. Previously based at the Plaza Building near the Forsyth Barr Stadium (and operating semi-autonomously), they recently shifted into refurbished premises at the Otago Business School, Te Kura Pakihi. This physical move marks the culmination of their integration into the University.
Garry Chronican, Director of Pathway/Te Huarahi, couldn’t be happier with his new work home. “After almost two years of planning with an amazing project team, Pathway and the English Language Centre staff and students are delighted to have moved into our new kāinga in the Otago Business School. We continue to appreciate the warm welcomes by business school staff.”
It’s hoped this prime campus spot might serve as a nurturing educational incubator for the 600 or so students who seek out the university preparation programmes these departments offer each year. Enrolled in the Foundation Studies Certificate, Bridging programme, diplomas in commerce, arts and science, or English language programmes, this cohort is often ripe for tertiary enticement.
The more engaged these international and domestic students are in campus life, the more likely they are to stick around and progress to undergraduate study, which has long-term financial benefits for the University.
To make them feel more welcomed, much care was taken to enrich the design of the newcomers’ learning quarters. The University didn’t have to look far for inspiration on this front; there was a compelling precedent in the design work Kāi Tahu artists Ross Hemera and Simon Kaan did for the building’s shared spaces (Te Wao Nui) during the Business School’s atrium redevelopment in 2017.
Senior Kāi Tahu artist, Ross Hemera, was commissioned to design key cultural elements in that atrium space and some of these have been incorporated in the refurbishment project with the guidance of Aukaha, a mana whenua organisation.
One of Ross’s motifs shows Tāne separating his parents and bringing Te Ao Marama – the world of light – to life. Aukaha Design Lead, Aroha Novak, explains how this cultural narrative resonates with the aims of both Pathway and the English Language Centre.
“This motif is really important in communicating the idea of personal perseverance and tenacity, allowing individuals to find their own way through the learning institution and acknowledging the stages of acquiring mātauraka (knowledge). This is specific to the Pathway and the English Language Centre’s learning space, as the students are foundation/bridging students, needing to acquire enough knowledge to get into their desired course of study.”
The colour palette selected for the new interior adds further symbolic heft to the mix; it was inspired by earth tones and colours from the whenua around Ōtākou harbour referencing the atua (gods) Papatūānuku (Earth Mother), Takaroa (God of the sea) and Rakinui (Sky Father).
“We wanted the space to be welcoming and accessible, to visually show mana whenua narratives and te ao Māori (the Māori worldview), and to be uniquely different from the rest of the business school space but to also be cohesive.”
Garry thinks Aukaha nailed the brief.
“The stunning design throughout all of our spaces on the second and third floors is a continuation of the atrium’s narrative elements inspired by early Māori trade and enterprise in Otago and already feels like home for staff and students. Thanks to Aroha at Aukaha for her application of this beautiful design by Ross Hemera that reflects the learning journey of our students.”
He’s confident the planning and care invested in this project will be paid forward. “We anticipate that being in the heart of the campus will assist with engaging our students in university life and encourage more of them to progress successfully with their study here at Otago. We are deeply appreciative of the huge number of University people who have supported our move.”
- Kōrero by Communications Adviser Claire Finlayson, Otago Business School