The University of Otago’s research retreat at Woolshed Bay, near Queenstown, is one of the most significant gifts any university in New Zealand has ever received, according to Vice-chancellor, Professor Harlene Hayne.

The four-hectare property was donated by the Jardine family to the University of Otago’s Foundation Trust in 2016 and in a recent ceremony, involving Ngāi Tahu, was renamed Hākitekura, honouring the daughter of prominent Kāti Mamoe chief Tuwiriroa.

“Leading researchers can come to Hākitekura from all over the world to spend a week or two together to debate, discuss and present data to solve the world’s biggest problems,” says Professor Hayne. “It will give them access to an extremely valuable, but intangible commodity – time.”

The university is planning to convert the current buildings and develop the site further to provide self-contained accommodation units for visiting academics, as well as other facilities