Cultural considerations related to climate change and transition on the University of Otago - Ōtepoti campus

Abstract

Internationally, Indigenous communities have been some of the first to encounter the direct effects of climate change due to their relationship with the environment and its resources. Climate change can exacerbate political and economic marginalisation, loss of resources, social contexts and livelihoods. However, Iwi-Māori have been responding to the impacts of climate change and climate transition in creative ways, drawing on mātauranga Māori and hundreds of years of environmental experience and practice to devise solutions to tackle current and impending changes. Risk to Māori culture, heritage and social structures has been identified as major or extreme in the national climate change risk assessment. Therefore, using the University of Otago Otepoti campus as a case study, our research has explored some of the cultural imperatives and risks associated with climate change and transition. In our work, we have identified and mapped some of the key physical cultural features, local pūrakau, and aspirations for recognisable Indigenous futures on campus with a view to encouraging the integration of cultural considerations when reporting our climate transition endeavours.

As a result of this research, it is clear that the University would benefit from commissioning a detailed cultural narrative for the Ōtepoti site from mana whenua, which will help with developing actions such as the appropriate reintroduction of native flora and fauna corridors throughout the campus and the telling of local pūrakau throughout. In addition, the University would benefit from an enhanced bicultural partnership approach to leadership that could nurture the potential for the University environment to function as a sustainable Tiriti-based community.

Supervised by: Professor Michelle Thompson-Fawcett, Geography Department, Univeristy of Otago
Scholarship co-funded by: Sustainability Office/Geography Department