27 June 2014 Fuelling the troops and feeding the world: Lincoln's new building and new global initiative

The occasion was also marked by the launch of Lincoln University's new Global Challenges Programme and its associated Global Challenges Scholarships.

In attendance were over 100 guests from local councils, research centres, the education sector, and private enterprise.

The new building is of significance in that it represents the first major building project completed on campus since the disruptions caused by the Canterbury earthquakes. In many respects it marks the beginning of the rebuild for Lincoln University, and the beginning of the significant construction work planned for the campus and surrounding area with the upcoming Lincoln Hub project.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Joyce paid tribute to the staff and students for managing to grow out of adversity, and was proud of the fact that Lincoln was once again increasing its student role post-earthquakes.

The opening address was made by Lincoln University Chancellor, Tom Lambie. He congratulated those overseeing the project for delivering a fantastic building “on time and on budget” and gave special mention to Catering Manager Heather Watson and her staff for managing to provide a quality catering service for students and guests of special on-campus events, in spite of two years with highly compromised facilities while Te Kete Ika was being built.

The name Te Kete Ika was gifted to Lincoln University by Te Taumutu Rūnanga. The name, Te Kete Ika (and its longer title Te Kete Ika o Rākaihautū - the food/fish basket of the legendary ancestor Rākaihautū, is the traditional Maori name for Lake Ellesmere.

Minister Joyce also took the opportunity to announce Lincoln University's new Global Challenges Programme: a nationwide initiative designed to take the University's Feed the world, Protect the future, Live well causes into the country's secondary schools and communities by aligning the University's current course and research material with secondary school curricula, and through community outreach initiatives.

The programme is a response to the pressing global challenges facing the planet today; such as climate change, food production and security, depleting resources, urban sprawl, the loss of biodiversity and pollution.

Up to 100 full tuition fee scholarships will be offered to 'new to Lincoln' students each year. The students will act as global challenges ambassadors, actively contributing across all aspects of the programme.