Te Mana o te Wai

The structure of this course employs a ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea) framework, beginning in Aotearoa New Zealand before contextualizing concepts and debates in the wider Pacific and beyond. Students will gain an overview of theories and perspectives central to the hydrological sciences and catchment management in Aotearoa. The course will first explore the importance of wai in te Ao Maori, its taonga status under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the rangatiratanga held by mana whenua and the associated responsibilities of both the Crown and tangata tiriti. Students will explore how human history has shaped hydrological knowledge and landscapes in Aotearoa and discuss implications for water management both now and into the future. Towards the end of this course, students will use these understandings to discuss similarities and differences with our Pasifika neighbours and across the globe and how common problems could be addressed from different cultural standpoints.