University’s new self-catering hall for second year-plus students

Thursday, 14 December 2023

Whānau Mārama Apartments, in Haining Street near the university’s Te Aro campus, will offer Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington students a new independent living option next year.

A new self-catered hall for students in their second year and above will be on offer at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington next year.

Applications for the Whānau Mārama Apartments, located on Haining Street near the University’s Te Aro campus, have opened with the first students expected to move in next year in February.

It offers more flexibility and independence with students able to have one of 41 one-bedroom apartments to themselves, or share with others in one of 36 two-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom apartment.

The university’s chief operating officer Tina Wakefield said they were excited to introduce the “really attractive apartment options”.

“They are a great choice for students who want to enjoy modern facilities and social support, while having privacy and independence.”

Prices range from $380 a week for a bed in a 3-bed apartment to $430 for a 1-bedroom apartment for the 38-week academic year. For those on a year-long contract prices range from $350 to $396 a week.

Although the apartments are self-catered and independent, there are social events organised throughout the year, with dedicated hall staff who contribute to creating a friendly and safe hall whānau culture.

The non-catered hall will be able to accommodate more than 100 students in all. Each apartment is furnished, with private bathrooms and cooking facilities.

Rent ranges from $380 a week for a bed in a 3-bed apartment to $430 for a 1-bedroom apartment for the 38-week academic year. For those on a year-long contract (52 weeks) prices range from $350 to $396 a week.

Laundry is free, while electricity and internet are a fixed cost of just $15 a week

The project, which has been underway since July, aims to address the shortage of good quality accommodation in Wellington and the steep cost of living through the university providing a greater range of accommodation options.

The university also opted to make a loss on its accommodation services in order to support financially struggling students, choosing to decreasing next year’s fees by an average of 4.5% at four halls while keeping fees the same at others. Just one hall would see its fees increase.

Wellington City Council’s chief planning officer Liam Hodgetts says the Te Kāinga criteria was broadened in December last year to include education and training. (File photo)

As of November, demand for student accommodation was high, with occupancy is between 91.88% to 93.7% in the university’s catered halls and 85.7% in independent living accommodation.

The buildings were being sub-leased from Wellington City Council. Questions about costs involved in the project were described as “commercially sensitive”, by a university spokesperson.

The council in 2018 launched its Te Kāinga programme to turn office spaces into affordable rental apartments and broadened the criteria in last year to include education and training.

“We have been working with them for over a year to see how Te Kāinga could help with their accommodation needs, including leasing some or part of our existing Te Kāinga buildings,” Wellington City Council’s chief planning officer Liam Hodgetts said .

“The university expressed a desire to lease a whole building and therefore this project made most sense to partner on.”

CORRECTION: Rent ranges from $380 a week, not a year as stated in an earlier version of this article. (Amended December 14, 2.10pm.)