The University of Auckland

First established as Auckland University College within the University of New Zealand in 1883, the University of Auckland became a independent institution with the passing of the University of Auckland Act 1961.

In 2021 Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei gifted the name Waipapa Taumata Rau to the University as an expression of the ongoing "journey to create an identity that connects with [the] diverse student, staff, alumni and whānau audiences, while reflecting our unique place in the world". (Our Māori name)

"A Brief History" of the University's art collection explains:

"In early December 1965, University funds were allotted for the purchase of artworks within the 1966 academic year. The collection was inaugurated by the acquisition of a painting and two drawings by Colin McCahon.

Since then the collection has acquired some major works by significant New Zealand artists, including Gretchen Albrecht, Don Binney, Neil Dawson, Pat Hanly, Frances Hodgkins, Paul Hartigan, Ralph Hotere, Colin McCahon, Milan Mrkusich, Gordon Walters, John Weeks, Robin White and Toss Woollaston.

Almost fifty years later, with the amalgamation of the College of Education collection, there are now around 1700 works in the collection on display throughout our various University campuses. As buildings are redeveloped or earthquake strengthened, works are removed for safekeeping and taken to on-campus storage before redeployment in offices, meeting rooms, hallways and teaching rooms across the University." (A Brief History of the Collection)

See also:

• The University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau | About the University | Our Māori name.
• The University of Auckland Art Collection | A Brief History of the Collection | History of the Collection: video