Pathways to transformation
Politics, policy, and communication are at the heart of advancing sustainability and environmental justice. Well-informed leaders and public make those policies possible. Ngā Ara Whetū works to advance sustainability through transdisciplinary research, experiential learning, and kaupapa Māori approaches.
Teaching and learning
The University is conducting research to support high-quality teaching and learning about sustainability. Promising approaches include multidisciplinary content, diverse and critical perspectives, experiential learning, critical systems and values thinking/reflection, and a place-based context. This also develops a wide range of competencies in learners.
Why it is important for NZ and the world
Understanding complex global environmental issues in terms of sustainability is critical to transforming our responses to these challenges. High-quality teaching and learning on sustainability in relation to these issues paves the way to better outcomes for society, the environment, and the economy.
Why we are well placed to deliver research and impact
Our transdisciplinary approach develops innovative, effective pedagogical strategies that facilitate high-quality teaching and learning about sustainability. This research is at the nexus of teaching and learning, research, and external engagement.
Team
Sally Birdsall, Niki Harre, Alys Longley
+ 20 UoA academics
+ network of external educators in sustainability that includes iwi, schools, and community groups who run environmentally-themed programmes
Current projects / activities
Blythe, C; Harre, N (2024). Trends in interdisciplinary sustainability teaching and learning in higher education: A focus on learner competencies. Ngā Ara Whetū Report 1. The University of Auckland.

Sustainable Development Goals
Research on teaching and learning for sustainability aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 Climate Action, and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals.
By fostering multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and place-based education, the research equips learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to address global sustainability challenges. This contributes to a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient world, benefiting both New Zealand and the global community.
Communication, arts, policy & governance
Politics, policy, and communication are at the heart of advancing sustainability and environmental justice. Well-informed leaders and publics make those policies possible.
Why it is important for NZ and the world
Understanding scientific and political realities can help advance sustainable and just policy and political decisions. This requires research that advances trust, effective communication and inoculation from the infodemic of mis- and disinformation.
Why we are well placed to deliver research and impact
Our teams of natural and social scientists collaborate to understand the barriers to sustainability and to translate environmental science into sustainable policy and action.
Team
Maria Armoudian, Neal Curtis, Simon Thrush, Manuel Vallee, Quentin Atkinson, Danny Osborne, Gabi Nuri, Tatjana Buklijas.
Current projects / activities
- Communicating complex science, the politics of climate, conservation and extinction, attitudes and opinions, political economy, sustainable business.
- Deliberative democracy
- Policy submissions to government agencies.
- Media productions: publishing essays, podcasts, thought contests, events, cartoons.
- Planet+People v. Plastics: Exploring solutions to the plastics crisis

Sustainable Development Goals
Communication, arts, policy and governance research contributes to: SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 15 Life on Land, SDG 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals.
By focusing on effective communication, policy development, and governance in the context of sustainability, this research is helping to advance environmental justice, promote sustainable practices, and foster global cooperation on critical sustainability issues. This research has the potential to transform the way societies engage with complex environmental challenges, driving positive social, environmental, and political change globally and locally.
Indigenous approaches and values
Indigenous perspectives have much to offer for tackling intricate societal and environmental challenges. This theme supports kaupapa Māori research - led and undertaken by Māori, for Māori, and with Māori. Māori tikanga (custom) and processes are followed, including engaging with our Māori communities.
Why it is important for NZ and the world
Indigenous knowledge systems, such as Mātauranga Māori, provide holistic approaches that consider ecological, cultural, and social dimensions, ensuring that solutions are comprehensive, culturally resonant and equitable. Indigenous approaches emphasise the interconnectedness of all living things and prioritise long-term, place-based stewardship of the environment, which is crucial for addressing the multifaceted and intergenerational impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Why we are well placed to deliver research and impact
We emphasise the need to transcend conventional disciplinary and institutional boundaries, employing innovative knowledge production methods. Central to our methodology is the active integration of diverse knowledge through co-production, triangulation, evidence-based approaches, and scenario building. Our work is situated at the intersection of Mātauranga Māori, science, policy, and practice.
Team
Māori researchers affiliated with Ngā Ara Whetū include:
Mark Harvey, Meg Parsons, Dan Hikuroa, Nicole Edwards, Jacqueline Beggs
Current projects / activities
Māori mahi and climate change

Sustainable Development Goals
Research around Indigenous approaches and values aligns with: SDG 2 Zero Hunger, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 15 Life on Land, and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals.
Incorporating Māori knowledge systems and indigenous values into sustainability research offers holistic, culturally resonant, and equitable solutions that address environmental and social challenges. The University of Auckland’s emphasis on Māori-led research and collaborative knowledge production ensures that these approaches can drive meaningful change in both New Zealand and the broader global context.

Contact us
Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland
Auckland 1010, Aotearoa New Zealand