Rate My Professor Tanya Syddall

Tanya Syddall is the Director of Property and Campus Development at the University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest university. With 23 years of experience in the building engineering and construction industry, primarily in Australia and more recently in New Zealand, she oversees a wide range of infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing campus facilities, safety, and sustainability. Her leadership ensures that developments support the university's academic mission through improved spaces for teaching, research, and student life.

Key achievements under Syddall's direction include the opening of Te Rangihīroa College in October 2023, the first purpose-designed, University-owned residential college built in over 50 years, which received property awards in 2024 and 2025 for exceptional project management and construction. She led a female-led team in 2019 for the Christchurch campus redevelopment. Other significant projects encompass the 2025 relocation of Marine Science to foster collaboration with Geology, the 2022 opening of the new Science Divisional Office in the Science Library, the 2021 Food Science building renovations featuring new workshops and offices, the 2022 Union Court demolition due to seismic deficiencies, 2024 operations staff moves, and a complex tall building for the Otago Business School. In 2025, a University project team under her oversight was recognised for outstanding management. Syddall also serves on the NZGBC Green Star Advisory Board and contributes to the Green Star Buildings NZ expert reference group, promoting sustainable practices. She has presented on the university's capital programme at the Otago Staff Women's Caucus and Dunedin Rotary Club.