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The Hunter Building

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Thomas Alexander Hunter

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Alternate NameT. A. HunterHunter, Sir Thomas A.Biographical NoteThomas Alexander Hunter was born on 28 February 1876 in Surrey, England, the third of five children. He arrived in Otago, New Zealand, with his parents in 1880, attending Port Chalmers District High School and the University of Otago where he made his mark academically with a Senior Scholarship and in 1899 first-class honours in mental and moral philosophy.

After teaching briefly at Waitaki Boys' High School, Hunter was appointed in 1904, for one year only, as lecturer in mental science and political economy at Victoria College, Wellington. He rapidly gained 'the respect of the hard-working, and the confidence of the muscular element', and his appointment was renewed permanently. He developed an interest in experimental psychology, and in 1907 persuaded the college council to provide funding to establish the first psychological laboratory in Australasia. He was made professor of mental science and economics that year, redefined in 1909 as mental and moral philosophy, a subject area which evolved into the two fields of psychology and philosophy.

In 1929 Hunter became the first working vice chancellor of the University of New Zealand; he held the position until 1947 when he became full-time principal of Victoria College. Hunter was made a KBE in 1939, and in 1950 the University of New Zealand conferred on him an honorary doctorate of literature. At the beginning of the following year he retired as principal and two years later, on 20 April 1953, he died.

The Hunter Building, the original building of Victoria University of Wellington's Kelburn campus, is named in his honour. Biography adapted from Te Ara, The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
Date of ExistenceBetween 28th February 1876 and 20th April 1953

Photograph

Early Staff (Professors)

Leaders of Victoria University College 1924 Jubilee procession being marshalled at Town Hall

Portrait of Prof. Thomas Hunter, Warden, Weir House

T.A. Hunter, `Neddie', a woman and two boys in front of Matahiwi marae, Wanganui River

University of New Zealand Senate

Victoria University College Professorial Board

Ephemera

The Heart is an Historic Hunter

Place

The Hunter Building

Black and white studio portrait of Thomas Hunter, 1920. Photographer unknown.

Connections

PhotographT.A. Hunter, `Neddie', a woman and two boys in front of Matahiwi marae, Wanganui RiverPortrait of Prof. Thomas Hunter, Warden, Weir HouseEarly Staff (Professors)Victoria University College Professorial BoardUniversity of New Zealand SenateLeaders of Victoria University College 1924 Jubilee procession being marshalled at Town HallPlaceThe Hunter BuildingExternal LinkArchives at TapuakaArchives at National Library

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Thomas Alexander Hunter

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