New home for MIT School of Sport

^{The rendered image is not a final version and is a likeness of what is to come for the Pasifika Community Centre Quad. (Credit: Shade Systems NZ)}

A playing surface and covered canopy are both proposed in the quad courtyard as MIT develops a new home for the School of Sport at the Otara Campus Quad NS block.

The project is part of the institute’s Campus Masterplan Strategy. Since 2017, the strategy has delivered modern, inspiring learning environments for Nursing, TechPark and the rejuvenation of the ?tara campus.

“I'm hoping to add to this space and create different activities for students and potential students to be able to use at any time – we want to see table tennis tables, recreational activities, fitness equipment and volleyball nets throughout the Quad,” says Head of Practice in Social Work and Sport Michelle Parsons.

“Moving to the quad has been huge for us, in the sense that we’re going to be surrounded by quality classrooms. This has really been welcomed by students and staff,” she says.

MIT School of Sport is known for its passionate teaching staff who nurture the talents of students in a supportive environment based on manaakitanga. Previous alumni include New Zealand Warriors Thomas Leuluai, Jerome Ropati, Ruben Wiki and former Black Cap Colin Munro.

The institute also has partnerships with Blues Rugby and the Robinhood Stars netball franchise.

“The School of Sport is the final stage in our long term Campus Masterplan journey,” says Deputy Chief Executive – Operations, Michelle Teirney. “Sport is a huge part of life in our region and this new development will inspire more of the community to seek this pathway to careers in the sector.”

In the past, the School of Sport has taught from a variety of off-campus locations while being based beside MIT’s School of Secondary-Tertiary Studies on ?tara Rd.

“Shifting the school is an investment in quality programmes and campus life – we want our students to feel like it’s theirs to hang out in,” says Michelle Parsons, who has previously served on the coaching team of the Robinhood Stars netball franchise and is currently Head Coach of the Robinhood Comets side.

Moving classrooms has already begun and it’s anticipated the gym will be ready for students to use when they return to campus. There are also plans to relocate the obstacle course for Police preparation students to outside the quad building and a proposed batting cage.

^{The rendered image is not a final version and is a likeness of what is to come for the Pasifika Community Centre Quad. (Credit: Shade Systems NZ)}

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