Hi Russell,
Recently, as a group of housing activists, we met with architects and Council to propose that University/Education State land, such as Mt Albert's Unitec, could be integral to a sustainable on-campus housing plan....up to 3000 units, within the Unitary Plan. Tamaki, MIT, Epsom Teachers and Massey Albany sites were also reviewed.
Here's an example of Melbourne's Monash's recent Uni residence.
http://melbournedesignawards.com.au/mda2012/entry_details.asp?ID=11050&Category_ID=4763
This was 2 years from design concept to completion, including all State/Council compliances.
We discussed the importance ( and lack) of student accommodation, in Auckland, but also nationally, as a factor in housing affordability and student debt. Residences were aimed at housing undergraduate, post graduate, international students , staff and visitors.
The modular/off site aspects of their design and build plans is a perfect fit for Unitec. It promotes student training/employment, post graduate, retail and business synergies and a connection to the community. It ticks the boxes as it reduces traffic flows, increasing cycleways and safe pedestrian access. It is energy- efficient and a revenue stream. It could also become a template for regional and/or papakainga development, based around polytechs and wananga.