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A new science and technology hub, costing up to $200 million, is being proposed for south Auckland. Plans call for an architecturally significant 5000-square-metre complex alongside Due Drop Events Centre and Trillian Wero Whitewater Park.The suggested Wero Science Hub, being advanced by Waka Pacific Charitable Trust, is envisaged as a “nationally significant interactive science centre bringing together science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a highly immersive, hands-on environment”.
The proposed development would occupy land already identified and zoned for future development within Waka Pacific’s existing Manukau precinct, which includes Due Drop Events Centre, Trillian Wero Whitewater Park, and the recently completed Wero Climb.
Concept designs show a striking pāua shell-inspired building positioned to take advantage of the existing watercourse on site and connected by bridge to the northern side of the events centre.
Waka Pacific says the ambition is to create an internationally recognised facility that helps address New Zealand’s need to lift young people’s engagement with STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), while delivering a major new educational, tourism and economic asset for south Auckland.
The proposal comes as new research highlights a growing challenge in New Zealand’s future skills pipeline.
Waka Pacific says Tech New Zealand reports participation in science, technology and maths subjects has fallen from the high 80 per cent range to below 75 per cent, at the same time as demand for advanced digital capabilities including AI (artificial intelligence), cybersecurity and software skills is increasing.
It says the hub would feature permanent and changing exhibitions spanning areas including robotics, AI, virtual reality, space, transport, engineering, genetics, health, physics, ecology, agriscience, and Māori/Pacifica traditional technology.
“International experience demonstrates widespread appeal across the education sector for school experiences and strong visitation from families and tourists outside school hours.”
The location offers good motorway and public transport connectivity – approximately 23 minutes from Auckland city via the motorway and 16 minutes from Auckland Airport via SH20.
Waka Pacific estimates the project would cost $150m to $200m, with funding proposed to come from a mix of New Zealand corporate businesses, international science organisations and funders, philanthropists, donor organisations, and government.
The trust board says it’s formally approved commencement of the project, with 2026-2027 earmarked for partnership discussions, development of detailed concept plans and planning and development work.
Construction is envisaged from 2029 onwards, it says.
Waka Pacific already operates New Zealand’s largest out-of-classroom schools’ programme.
In 2025, Due Drop Events Centre hosted 86,314 students through regional educational programmes, Trillian Wero Whitewater Park delivered water-safety training to 18,112 students, and Wero Climb engaged 6105 students in its first four months.
The trust says it’s garnering endorsement from relevant bodies and has already received support from AUT, The Royal Society, Engineering NZ, and Auckland Business Chamber.
Early reception from local and national government has been “very positive”, it says, as has the response received from tourism operators.
- For an earlier Times’ story about Wero Climb, click here.
