Turitea Historic Area officially added to New Zealand Heritage List Rārangi Kōrero

The Turitea Historic Area encompasses the Oval and the historically iconic buildings that surround it: the Refectory, Sir Geoffrey Peren building, McHardy Hall, the Old Registry, Tiritea House, Business Studies Central, Business Studies West and the Student Centre.

The area is historically significant for reflecting the importance of agriculture in New Zealand’s history, and the changing pastoral industries of the 20th century. The area’s buildings reflect Massey’s evolution from a provincially located specialist college to a modern multi-facility university. The relationship between the buildings and their placement around the greenery of the Oval have created an iconic and distinctive gathering place, experienced by tens of thousands of students.

Work to obtain heritage status for the area has been in progress for several years. Part of this involved the university collaborating with Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) to recognise, protect and maintain the heritage values and character of the area by ensuring its protection through the Council’s District Plan.

On 20 June 2024 it was confirmed that the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Board has recognised the aesthetic, architectural, historical and social values of the area made it worthy of inclusion on the New Zealand Heritage List. The Turitea Historic Area listing is now live.

The entry joins other places on Massey’s Manawatū campus that are also individually included on the Heritage List:

• Sir Geoffrey Peren Building
• Craiglochart (Moginie House)
• The Refectory Building
• Wharerata
• Old Dairy Factory
• Colombo Hall

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says she’s delighted the university’s Manawatū campus has another entry on the New Zealand Heritage List.

“The Turitea Historic Area holds great value to the university and the wider community. This listing means the historical significance of the precinct will be protected and recognised for years to come.”

Heritage New Zealand Senior Heritage Assessment Advisor Blyss Wagstaff says, “This historic area listing celebrates Massey’s great work in caring for their built heritage, and endorses the protection given via the District Plan in 2023. Heritage New Zealand is so pleased to be able to support Massey in the care for this important heritage, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.”

Inclusion on the New Zealand Heritage List Rārangi Kōrero is a recognition of the country’s unique and diverse heritage places that have historical or cultural significance. The list is professionally and deeply researched and a source of information about New Zealand’s journey to the present day. The List ensures these places get the recognition they need so future generations can enjoy and learn from them.