Fosters have been appointed as the lead contractor for the University of Waikato’s new medical school building, a role we are proud to take on as the region prepares for one of its most significant educational developments in decades.
Well aligned with Fosters’ purpose, it also builds on our decades-long partnership with the University.
Designed by Chow: Hill, the 5,500m² four-storey teaching and learning facility will be home to first year medical students studying biomedical sciences.
Purpose-built spaces support a digital-first approach, including digital anatomy labs, VR enabled case study rooms, clinical skills practice areas and hospital standard simulation wards.
Take a virtual tour
Around 200 people across our team and local subcontractors will be involved during the two-year build, which includes environmentally focused features such as a rain water detention tank for water recirculation, plus opportunities for low carbon procurement.
This project comes hot on the heels of the successful delivery of the Waikato Regional Theatre, adding to a period of momentum where Fosters are helping shape two developments that will have a lasting and positive impact on the region and our community.
Fosters Director Leonard Gardner says, “Establishing the medical school in the Waikato will be transformational for the Waikato, and for the delivery of health to communities throughout New Zealand.
“We are very proud to support the delivery of this facility, alongside other growth projects across the University campus.”
The sod-turning ceremony on Friday 5 December 2025 marked the official start of construction and drew a strong gathering that reflected the significance of the milestone.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Minister of Health Hon Simeon Brown, Minister for Universities Hon Dr Shane Reti, representatives from Waikato-Tainui and other iwi partners, alongside members of the Waikato community, the University and Fosters, came together to acknowledge the progress being made toward establishing the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine, set to welcome its first intake in 2028.
The Project Team
Representatives from the University of Waikato, Chow: Hill, Colliers and Fosters.
Back row L – R: Leonard Gardner – Fosters Director; Jonathan Albery – Colliers Project Director; Jim Mercer – UOW Chief Operating Officer, Professor Neil Quigley – UOW Vice-Chancellor; Professor Jo Lane – UOW Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Health; Sam Thomas – Senior Principal and Registered Architect; Jane Hill – Senior Principal and Registered Architect Chow: Hill; Harley Raihe – Fosters Cultural Advisor.
Front row L – R: Professor David McCormack – UOW Interim Dean of Medicine; Adam Findlay – Fosters GM Construction, James Peers – Fosters QS, Blanton Benjamin – Fosters Project Manager; Warren Luxton – Fosters CEO.