The ClockTower Centenary: A Milestone in New Zealand Higher Education Heritage

On March 12, 2026, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, marked the 100th anniversary of its iconic ClockTower, originally known as the Old Arts Building. This event celebrated not just a architectural landmark but a cornerstone of New Zealand's higher education landscape. Opened exactly a century earlier on the same date, the ClockTower symbolized the university's transition from rented spaces to a permanent fixture in central Auckland, underscoring the growing importance of accessible university education in the early 20th century.

The centenary was highlighted by the ongoing exhibition 'Standing tall: a century of the ClockTower' at He Māra Mahara Cultural Collections in the Te Herenga Mātauranga Whānui General Library. Launched on March 2, this free display runs until June 24, 2026, offering visitors a deep dive into the building's story through photographs, architectural drawings, documents, and artifacts. Curated by the Cultural Collections and University Archives teams, it captures the ClockTower's journey from a bold design competition entry to a beloved symbol of academic ambition.

While no grand public gala occurred on the anniversary day itself, media coverage including an RNZ interview with William Hamill, Team Leader of He Māra Mahara, amplified the occasion. Hamill shared insights into the tower's quirky history, from student pranks like parking a car inside during capping stunts to its role in hosting graduation balls for up to 1,000 people. These stories humanize the structure, connecting past student life to today's vibrant campus culture.

Architectural Brilliance: Gothic Revival in a Modern City

Designed by architects Roy Lippincott and Edward Billson, who won a 1920 competition, the ClockTower stands 54 meters tall at 21 Princes Street. Constructed from Mount Somers stone (also called Oamaru stone), its Perpendicular Gothic style was unconventional for 1920s New Zealand. Critics initially dubbed it a structure that might "scare old ladies in the park," yet its intricate carvings—featuring native motifs like kea birds, kākā parrots, ponga fronds, and harakeke seed pods—infuse a distinctly Aotearoa identity.

The clock mechanism, crafted locally by Gane Manufacturing in Parnell, mirrors Big Ben's gravity escapement with a compensating pendulum. Its minute hands span nearly a meter, hour hands over half, and faces measure 1.82 meters with unique red diamond markers instead of numerals. This precision allowed it to run a full week without rewinding and ring classroom bells every half hour, serving practical needs alongside aesthetic appeal.

As a Category 1 Historic Place listed by Heritage New Zealand, the ClockTower exemplifies early 20th-century architecture blending European influences with local elements. Its design not only anchored the university physically but also asserted higher education's civic role in Auckland's urban fabric.

From Temporary Roots to Permanent Legacy

Before 1926, Auckland University College operated from rented premises since 1883, lacking a dedicated home. The ClockTower's construction, costing around £97,000, marked a pivotal investment in bricks-and-mortar permanence. Funded partly by government grants post-World War I, it reflected national commitment to expanding access to university education amid growing demand.

Initially housing the library, lecture theatres, and departments like Law, Arts, Music, Mathematics, and Architecture, it fostered interdisciplinary collaboration. Separate common rooms for men and women, connected by cloisters, mirrored era norms but also built community. Over decades, it hosted exams, lectures, and cultural events like Summer Shakespeare, evolving with the university's growth into New Zealand's largest and highest-ranked institution.

This milestone aligns with broader NZ higher education history, where universities transitioned from colleges to comprehensive research powerhouses. The ClockTower embodies that shift, standing as a testament to education's role in societal progress.

Evolving Spaces: Past Uses and Student Life

The ClockTower has been more than offices; it's a stage for university life. Ground floor once doubled as a ballroom for legendary graduation balls. Students rushed corridors to classes, crammed for late-night study, and staged capping stunts—a tradition of irreverent pranks. Even wildlife, like possums, found residence in its nooks.

• Law and Arts departments thrived in its halls, shaping generations of professionals.
• The library anchored intellectual pursuits until relocation.
• Administrative hubs, including Vice-Chancellor's office, oversaw expansion.
• Modern media shoots and wedding photos highlight its photogenic allure.

These vignettes illustrate how physical spaces influence higher ed experiences, fostering memories and networks crucial for alumni success. Today, it draws tourists, reinforcing the university's cultural footprint.

Preservation Efforts: Balancing Heritage and Modernity

Chief Property Officer Simon Neale emphasizes conserving historic fabric while adapting for contemporary needs. Renovations include 1985-1988 strengthening and cleaning, restoring its white facade. Recent works featured self-supporting scaffolding for seismic upgrades, crack repairs, and pigmented topcoats matching originals—earning engineering accolades.

These interventions ensure resilience against earthquakes, vital in New Zealand. Accessibility additions like ramps align with inclusive higher ed principles. Such stewardship models how NZ universities maintain heritage amid growth, supporting higher education jobs in facilities management.

Cultural Resonance: Māori Perspectives and Local Identity

Michael Steedman, Kaiarataki and Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori, notes the building's rare incorporation of native flora and fauna carvings for its time. This "sense of place" prefigures the university's bicultural commitment, evident in te reo signage and Māori student spaces today.

In NZ higher ed, where tikanga Māori integration grows, the ClockTower reminds of evolving inclusivity. Waipapa Taumata Rau's name change in 2022 honors Māori heritage, linking past architecture to present decolonization efforts.

The Exhibition: Immersing in 100 Years of Stories

'Standing tall' showcases original competition briefs, judges' notes, construction photos, and artifacts. Themes span controversy to celebration, design innovation to daily life. Curator talks, like March 5's, guide visitors through items, free entry 11am-4pm weekdays.

For academics and students, it offers research fodder on campus history. Alumni reconnect via nostalgic displays. Plan a visit via University exhibition page.

Leadership Reflections: Quotes from University Voices

Vice-Chancellor Dawn Freshwater: "The ClockTower represents a century of creativity, community and commitment to education... a defining feature of City Campus." Its role in advancing knowledge mirrors the university's top QS ranking and research impact.

These voices highlight the tower's inspirational power for future generations pursuing university jobs in New Zealand.

ClockTower in NZ Higher Education Context

As NZ's premier university, Auckland's ClockTower parallels heritage at Otago (Marjoribanks style) and Canterbury (Gothic). Yet its city-center location championed urban accessibility, influencing NZ uni expansions. Today, amid enrollment surges and intl student growth, it symbolizes resilience.

Ties to career paths: Explore higher ed career advice or rate your professors at Auckland.

Looking Ahead: The ClockTower's Enduring Role

With seismic upgrades and adaptive reuse, the ClockTower will anchor future developments like City Campus revitalization. It inspires sustainability, innovation—key for NZ higher ed facing climate and tech shifts.

Alumni and aspiring academics, reflect on its legacy while checking higher ed jobs, university jobs, or career advice at AcademicJobs.com. The centenary reaffirms higher education's timeless value in Aotearoa.

Photo by Ethan Johnson on Unsplash