VICTORIA UNIVERSITY
- UNIQUE VISUAL IDENTITY

The Brief:                            "The University's new name embodied in a logo that reflects it's values, it's place in New Zealand, it's                                                     bicultural heritage, and it's history as a place of learning"

The University is currently awaiting ministerial approval for a name change from Victoria University to University of Wellington and a new Māori name, Te Herenga Waka - the name of the campus marae and means the mooring place of canoes. 

The main graphic element of the both logos is inspired by the Maori name. Discarding the cliche of the shield emphasises goals of respect, empathy, openness, inclusivity, fairness and in a move towards a new future that properly celebrates our indigenous culture. Depending on the perspective you take, 3 Waka sit side by side, alluding to the unity within the University of Wellington; or ‘stand’ upright to signify the prestige of the institution, moulding its students into pillars within the community through its strong value system. The University of Victoria becoming our mooring point as we develop skills before beginning a journey to contribute as future citizens of the world.

Other visual elements are representative of the whare itself, specifically the metaphorical spine and ribs of the ancestral house. ​Keeping the green of the colour to maintain association and integrity of the university and its commitment to sustainability but adding bright and contrasting colour accents to the palate celebrates a capacity to imagine and champions values of inclusivity, equity, diversity and creativity.

Student culture has a “work hard, play hard” mentality reflected in the UVI, a vibrant diverse place to be connecting many different people, but in which long hours and late nights are inevitable. This could translate into other spatial strategies e.g. - night time lighting on campus which could extend to dingy pathways to the university exhibiting a social responsibility and allowing groups who can feel unsafe walking at night to feel able to participate as part of this late night university culture and feel safe on campus late at night.