Co-design began early with the architect and local iwi, Rangitāne, which named the building Ngā Huia, referencing the last known sighting of the huia bird in the nearby Tararua Ranges. A contemporary pou marks the junction of road and pedestrian movement, announcing the building within its university and cultural context. An activated edge and careful level changes enliven University Drive. Tāniko patterns applied to glazing provide shading and shift between transparency and opacity with light. Bright yellow elements articulate the form and reference local flora. The result is a confident reimagining of a previously difficult programme.