Opened in July 2019, the new UCSA building includes student welfare and advocacy spaces, an outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the Ōtakaro Avon River, as well as club, meeting, hospitality, office and event spaces.
A key feature of the UCSA building is the new Ngaio Marsh Theatre and Performance Centre, a flexible space capable of hosting 300 people seated or 1,000 people standing. As well as being used for student performances and concerts, it will provide a central space that the UCSA’s 130 affiliated clubs and societies can use for meetings and events. The local community will also be able to enjoy the new Ngaio Marsh Theatre, whether it’s watching a show, attending a concert or using the space for a community event when students are not on campus.
In July 2017 the UCSA announced the building's name, Haere-roa, which translates to the longest stream or the long wanderer. It recognises the UCSA building as a space that hosts and welcomes people. The name has been gifted to the UCSA by mana whenua, Ngāi Tūāhuriri and is linked to the Ōtākaro Avon River, which flows past the UCSA site.
The new UCSA building will serve UC students well into the future. Their experience at UC will be enriched by having a place they can go to on campus that complements their study with social, recreational and community engagement opportunities.
