Author(s): Nicholas Reid

Education

In the early 21st century, as it celebrates its 125th anniversary, The University of Auckland is New Zealand's biggest, best-endowed, most research-driven university. Formally opened in May 1883 as Auckland University College, it then comprised a disused courthouse and jail, 95 students and just 4 teaching staff. By 1901, the roll had risen to 156 students, mostly part-timers training as teachers or law clerks. Today it is New Zealand's largest university, hosting more than 40,000 students on its 5 Auckland campuses - every year over 10,000 students graduate. The university now boasts a School of Theology, 8 faculties - Arts, Business and Economics, Creative Arts and Industries, Education, Engineering, Law, Medical and Health Sciences, and Science - 4 of the 8 government-approved New Zealand Centres of Research Excellence and a variety of biomedical and clinical research centres including the Liggins Institute, one of the world's leading centres for research on fetal and child health and breast cancer. among other areas.