Building Lasting Partnerships in New Zealand's Tertiary Landscape

New Zealand's tertiary education sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by the Tertiary Education Strategy 2025-2030, which emphasizes economic growth, innovation, and improved student outcomes. Amid challenges like infrastructure deficits, rising student numbers, and acute student housing shortages, strategic alliances between universities and industry leaders are proving essential. Colliers International, a global real estate advisory firm specializing in valuation, project management, and investment services, has emerged as a key partner. By forging strong bonds with institutions such as the University of Auckland (UoA), Massey University, and Lincoln University, Colliers is not only supporting campus developments but also nurturing the next generation of property professionals.

These collaborations extend beyond transactional real estate advice. They encompass scholarships, guest lectures, mentoring programs, and career events, creating a robust talent pipeline that benefits both the firm and the higher education sector. With New Zealand universities expanding facilities to accommodate growing enrollments—projected to rise amid economic recovery in 2026—Colliers' expertise in education sector projects positions it uniquely to address property challenges.

Scholarships: Investing in Future Property Leaders

At the heart of Colliers' engagement with NZ universities are targeted scholarships, established over two decades ago and often named after esteemed former colleagues. These awards provide financial support while offering internship opportunities and direct pathways to employment, ensuring recipients gain practical experience early.

• Colliers Rural and Agribusiness Valuation Scholarship ($3,000): Available to third- or fourth-year students at Massey University and Lincoln University pursuing rural valuation specializations. Open to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, it emphasizes academic merit, career interest, communication skills, and success potential. Recipients often secure internships with Colliers' rural valuation team, which boasts over 200 years of combined experience across offices in Tauranga, Nelson, Blenheim, and Christchurch.
• Marcus Kitt Colliers Bursary ($5,000): For second-year Bachelor of Business (Property) students at Massey's Albany campus or distance learners in Auckland. Commemorating a long-serving Colliers staff member and Massey alumnus, it prioritizes Year 1 and 2 academic results alongside interpersonal skills.
• Blair Hargrave Colliers Scholarship: Supports second- or third-year Bachelor of Property students at the University of Auckland, fostering talent in urban property management.
• Colliers Commercial and Industrial Property Scholarship ($2,500): For Lincoln University Bachelor of Land and Property Management students post-second year, targeting those eyeing commercial careers.
• Peter Kermode Scholarship: Aids first-year UoA students transitioning from foundation certificates, easing entry into property studies.

These initiatives have yielded tangible results. Many recipients join Colliers post-graduation, becoming long-term employees or clients. As Bruce Gallie, Colliers' Chief Operating Officer, notes, "Giving people the opportunity to start their career with Colliers while completing studies means they are ready to hit the ground running."

University of Auckland: Flagship Projects and Talent Initiatives

The University of Auckland, New Zealand's largest and highest-ranked university, exemplifies Colliers' multifaceted involvement. Beyond scholarships like the Blair Hargrave and Peter Kermode awards, Colliers provided project leadership for landmark developments. The Hiwa Recreation and Wellness Centre—a 26,000 sqm state-of-the-art facility with sports halls, pools, and rooftop pitches—enhances student life and connectivity on the City Campus. Similarly, the reinstatement of heritage Building B119 preserves history while serving modern needs.

Colliers also collaborates with the Auckland University Property Student Society (AUPSS) through the "Flourish at Colliers" video series. This 12-part initiative features directors offering career advice on topics from networking to leadership, directly engaging property students. Guest lectures and a buddy mentoring program further bridge academia and industry, preparing graduates for roles in valuation, brokerage, and facilities management.

With Auckland facing severe student housing shortages—exacerbated by high demand and limited supply—these ties position Colliers to advise on Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) developments adjacent to campuses.

Massey University: Focus on Rural and Property Expertise

Massey University, renowned for agribusiness and property programs, benefits from Colliers' specialized support. The Marcus Kitt Bursary and Colliers Rural and Agribusiness Valuation Scholarship target students in Palmerston North and Albany campuses, aligning with Massey's strengths in land-based industries. These awards include internships exposing students to complex valuations for corporate clients, compensation claims, and litigation support.

Colliers' rural valuation team, led by Director Greg Petersen, highlights the scholarships' impact: "We have been introduced to many top-performing students, some of whom have gone on to join Colliers and still work for us today." This pipeline addresses NZ's primary sector needs, where accurate land valuations underpin economic stability amid regulatory changes like freshwater rules.

Explore university jobs in New Zealand or research positions that leverage property skills at Massey and beyond.

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Lincoln University: Agribusiness and Commercial Synergies

Lincoln University, the Southern Hemisphere's oldest agricultural teaching institution, partners closely with Colliers on valuation-focused scholarships. The Colliers Commercial and Industrial Property Scholarship supports Land and Property Management students interested in commercial sectors, while the Rural and Agribusiness award targets valuation specialists. Valued at $2,500-$3,000, these provide crucial funding and career exposure.

Recent developments, like a new catered student hall by BESIX Watpac, underscore Lincoln's expansion amid housing pressures. Colliers' advisory role could extend to such projects, optimizing campus real estate.

Addressing Key Challenges in NZ Tertiary Infrastructure

New Zealand's universities grapple with aging infrastructure, enrollment growth, and housing crises. The National Infrastructure Plan highlights education sector pressures, with the NZ School Property Agency slated for 2026, but tertiary needs lag. Student accommodation demand surges, with proposals for 1,146-bed high-rises near campuses and Victoria University's Kelburn redevelopment.

Colliers' project leadership—spanning UoA's Hiwa to Waikato's Tauranga campus—delivers flexible, innovative spaces. Benefits include cost control, stakeholder alignment, and community integration, vital as economic recovery boosts development pipelines in 2026.

• Cost overruns and delays, costing billions annually.
• Shifts in enrollment patterns and regional growth.
• Integration of industry partnerships for teaching facilities.

Visit Colliers Education Case Studies for project insights.

Talent Pipeline: From Campus to Colliers Careers

Colliers' strategy yields a steady flow of graduates into entry roles like Facilities Coordinators and Research Analysts. These positions offer hands-on exposure to operations, financial modeling, and brokerage, accelerating career progression. Many alumni advance to senior roles, strengthening Colliers' NZ operations.

This model aligns with the Tertiary Strategy's innovation focus, producing professionals equipped for real estate demands in higher education. For aspiring talents, consider faculty positions or lecturer career paths.

Broader Impacts on New Zealand Higher Education

These partnerships enhance university-industry ties, vital for the 2025-2030 strategy's goals. Stakeholders gain multi-perspective insights: universities access expertise, students secure futures, and Colliers builds loyalty. Future outlook promises expanded PBSA, sustainable campuses, and tech-integrated facilities amid 2.5% GDP growth projections.

Explore Rate My Professor for NZ uni insights or university jobs.

Photo by Partha Narasimhan on Unsplash

Future Directions and Actionable Insights

Looking ahead, Colliers plans deeper engagement, potentially advising on national housing strategies and green developments. Universities should prioritize such alliances for resilient infrastructure. Students: apply for scholarships early, attend events, network via AUPSS. Professionals: leverage Colliers' model for talent acquisition.

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