Climate, biodiversity, and society are intertwined: humanity is part of nature, and our well-being and survival depend on the health of our ecosystems. We are committed to solutions for the climate crisis that restore biodiverse ecosystems and contribute to fair and healthy societies.

Ngā Ara Whetū Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society brings together ideas, research, and innovation from across the University of Auckland, communities, iwi, businesses, and other institutions to find holistic solutions with real-world impact. We foster transdisciplinary research by convening and connecting teams of researchers from across disciplines: natural and social sciences, engineering, arts, education, the humanities, business, economics, and community partners.

Ngā Ara Whetū focuses on climate solutions, thriving biodiversity, and pathways to transformation. Our research integrates indigenous aspirations and perspectives – Mātauranga Māori principles and values and contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Politics, policy, education, and communication are at the heart of advancing sustainability. Well-informed leaders and publics make those policies possible. Ngā Ara Whetū advances sustainability through transdisciplinary research, experiential learning, and approaches that include Te Ao Māori.

Our innovative research helps protect, support, and restore New Zealand’s unique, biodiverse ecosystems. We study ecosystem function, interactions, and novel solutions to support thriving ecosystems that sustain life. Our advancements in scientific knowledge benefit us locally while offering models for the rest of the world.