Hiwa Recreation Centre wins prestigious International Olympic Committee and International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities Architecture Prize 

Designed by Warren and Mahoney (WAM) in collaboration with MJMA Architects, Toronto, Hiwa was recognised for its innovative design, sustainability, accessibility and contribution to student health and wellbeing. The facility follows a string of accolades, including the Supreme Award at the 2025 Property Council New Zealand Awards and a finalist at the 2025 World Architecture Festival in Miami in November.

“World-class tertiary institutions are defined not only by academic excellence but also by the quality of the on-campus experience,” says WAM Project Principal and Head of Design Blair Johnston. 

“At the heart of the student precinct, Hiwa has been designed to foster lifelong social, physical, and mental wellbeing. It’s a tangible expression of the University's commitment to student wellbeing, central to a broader strategy aimed at fostering a connected and engaged campus community - an increasingly vital role in today’s digital and socially fragmented world.”
 

Set across six vertical levels and 26,000sqm, Hiwa delivers a world-class range of recreation and wellness spaces: a below-ground aquatic hall, squash courts, fitness areas, dance and yoga studios, a rock-climbing wall, multi-purpose sports halls, a show court with spectator seating, and rooftop turf and relaxation spaces. A continuous vertical fitness circuit of stairs and running tracks connects these areas, while dedicated social and relaxation spaces encourage community interaction.

“Hiwa is a once in a generation project”, says Simon Neale, Chief Property Officer at The University of Auckland. “It is a sports and recreation facility of real quality. By necessity, the site demanded innovative responses to the challenges presented by a constrained site and a desire to build a fully comprehensive sports facility. 

“Hiwa is not only a project for the University but also for the whole City of Auckland and for New Zealand that will contribute to health and wellbeing of students and support sporting achievement. We are proud of the contribution that we are making to the landscape of Auckland.” 

Guided by a clear kaupapa to embed wellness into the student experience, Hiwa will welcome over one million visits across its diverse spaces in the first year of operation, signalling its success as a vibrant hub for student life.

Hiwa Recreation Centre’s local and international recognition underscores the University of Auckland’s commitment to innovative, accessible design and highlights New Zealand’s growing presence on the global architecture stage.