NGĀ ARA WHETŪ
Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society
Transdisciplinary innovation and collaboration in research, education, and engagement
for thriving peoples and planetary wellbeing
Our vision
Named for the journeys of our collective ancestors to the shores of Aotearoa, New Zealand, Ngā Ara Whetū (“Star Paths”), responds to challenges of attaining sustainable futures and collective wellbeing through enabling and enhancing collaborative research and training.
Ngā Ara Whetū is networked with local and global communities of purpose, practice and understanding, who share aspirations for accelerating actions that promote lasting protection of the planet, its natural resources, and peaceful, just and inclusive societies.
News and events
Sustain Episode 8: Lo-TEK Urban Design – A Solution for Climate Change
Landscape architect and World Green Infrastructure Congress keynote speaker Julia Watson speaks with Pauline Herbst about why biodiversity should be a crucial building block in our urban cities. Living root bridges of Nongriat village in East Khasi Hills district,...
World Green Infrastructure Congress, 3-5 September 2024
We are sponsoring three speakers at the World Green Infrastructure Congress which takes place at the University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau next week. This important event will emphasise the inseparable bond between us and the natural world. Our reliance and...
Seminar: What if? embodied art, storytelling and regenerative futures
5 September 2024 | 18:00 – 19:00 NZST
Dr Julia Bentz’s presentation will explore creative forms of engagement in social-ecological change and regenerative futures.
This event is the fifth in the Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable World seminar series.
Sustain Episode 7: Farming the sea – Seaweed aquaculture research in New Zealand
Interview with Prof Andrew Jeffs, from the Institute of Marine Science at the University of Auckland and Clare Bradley, CEO of AgriSea. AgriSea CEO Clare Bradley and Tane Bradley (AgriSea CIO) inspect a seaweed harvest on a New Zealand beach. ©AgriSea. Not for the...
Landfill sustainability project, by CIRCUIT and Enviro NZ, in finals of IChemE awards 2024
The Circular Innovations Research Centre (CIRCUIT) and Enviro NZ have been selected as finalists for an IChemE Australasia Award 2024 in the Sustainability Award category. This recognition is for a joint project on "Driving sustainability in landfills: Cutting...
Seminar: Sustainable Futures and the role of imagination in the green transition
1 August 2024 | 18:00-19:00 NZST
Ruben Ritzén (Lund University, Sweden) talks about the power of knowledge-based speculation, the future as political project, the importance of emotionally anchoring abstract climate issues and the concept of active hope. This is part of the Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable World seminar series.
Join Ngā Ara Whetū
Be a part of our vision and join Ngā Ara Whetū as an affiliate. This role is open to all researchers based at The University of Auckland and select research centres. As an affiliate, we will amplify and support your research, give you access to funding opportunities, and invite you to tailored Ngā Ara Whetū events.
Contact us
Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland
Auckland 1010, Aotearoa New Zealand
