KAITIAKITANGA AND FRONTIERS ABROAD: A NEW FIELD-BASED STUDY ABROAD APPROACH THAT INTEGRATES NEW ZEALAND INDIGENOUS CONCEPTS OF GUARDIANSHIP WITH ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND MODERN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Frontiers Abroad’s Earth Systems study abroad programme is a field-focused programme that incorporates a five-week field camp with a semester study at the University of Auckland. Students engage in several modules that introduce them to current environmental issues and management practices. Central to the progamme’s learning objectives is the Maori concept of Kaitiakitanga, which translates best into English as Guardianship. As kaitiaki (guardians), Maori were responsible for ensuring the viability of land and resources for the following generations and guidelines and methods were developed to meet the needs and requirements of traditional Maori communities. This theme is woven throughout the field program and culminates in a semester long team research course. Using data collected during field camp students in groups of four analyze a complex environmental issue and propose management scenarios incorporating Kaitiakitanga. This years project will focus on perceived and real natural and environmental hazards in the Rangitaiki Plains, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Course deliveries include a team written report and team oral presentation to local stakeholders that include both Maori and non-Maori entities. The semester research course and deliveries also provides the opportunity to fairly assess the field camp learning objectives, which are:

1. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the earth systems approach to analyzing environmental and management issues
2. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of Kaitiakitanga and indigenous natural resource management methods
3. Students will apply field techniques and methods to collect data
4. Students will use acquired data, field observations, and the scientific method to analyze complex environmental issues
5. Students will be able to work in groups as part of an effective team
6. Students will be able to communicate the results of data to a diverse audience