The cornerstone of the curriculum are two field based courses delivered over seven weeks. Delivered over a series of seven interconnected modules the first course is entitled - Māori, Indigenous Knowledge and the Environment - a course that explores the M

Location:

Christchurch, New Zealand

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Maori, Science and the Environment – Summer Programme focuses on analyzing the Cook Island and New Zealand environment through Maori and scientific world views. We explore how both indigenous knowledge and western science are utilized to manage the Cook Island and New Zealand’s natural resources through field based education and community engagement. Led by Dr. Daniel Hikuroa, a leading Maori earth scientist and research director of Nga Pae o te Maramatanga at the University of Auckland, this program challenges the dominance of western approaches to natural resource management and introduces students to multi-generational management approaches drawn from both indigenous knowledge and science.. The seven-week summer program consists of a series of interconnected field modules in the Cook Islands and North and South Island of New Zealand delivered through 2 courses. The program runs concurrent with the Earth Systems semester program field camp.

The cornerstone of the curriculum are two field based courses delivered over seven weeks. Delivered over a series of seven interconnected modules the first course is entitled - Maori, Indigenous Knowledge and the Environment - a course that explores the Maori and indigenous knowledge from the perspective of their culture, as well as their relationship to modern science, natural resources management and the environment. Three case studies are examined focusing on: (1)Indigenous knowledge and Marine Protected areas - Traditional Marine Management Techniques: Taiapure, Mataitai, Rahui and Mahinga Kai (2)Indigenous knowledge and Geothermal Energy (3) Indigenous knowledge and Natural hazards The second course is entitled "Field Camp in Earth Systems". It introduces students to current environmental issues arising from the interface between nature and society. Utilizing an earth systems approach that integrates the biosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, pedosphere, cryosphere and anthrosphere to characterize the Cook Island and New Zealand Earth System, students learn the environmental field techniques needed to address current environmental issues. A focus is placed upon watershed management and water quality field techniques, field mapping and observation skills, marine and coastal ecology field techniques.

Setting Description:

Following the migration patterns of the Maori, the program begins in Rarotonga - and island oasis where local community fight to be sustainable. Over the last century of relying upon western imports, local communities are once again utilizing traditional knowledge to be sustainable. Following Rarotonga, students travel to the Bay of Plenty in the North Island of New Zealand, a journey which takes 8 hours, but would have taken Polynesian explores nearly a month to travel. Here students learn how local Maori elders are guarding their natural resources and environment. In specific we will explore geothermal energy restoring the Mouri (life force) of the local watershed. Following this, we travel down to the South Island to the coastal town of Kaikoura where a new Marine Protected Area has been established by the local community. We will analyze the effectiveness and learn how both indigenous knowledge and western science has played an important role in the establishment of the MPA.

Cost:

Summer Program Cost: $7,800.00 USD Price includes: Tuition, Housing and Food Travel and Health Insurance Additional Costs: Airfare and Incidentals