Study sustainability with New Zealand
A unique view of caring for the natural world
Sustainability is a key factor in students’ choice of education provider. Guided by the principles of kaitiakitanga (the Māori concept of guardianship), New Zealand universities are working together and with other sectors to show leadership in the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals at a national level.
Together, we have the ability to create a future based on sustainability, collaboration, and respect. We invite you to explore the study options in New Zealand.
Why study sustainability with New Zealand
A New Zealand education embraces new thinking, collaboration and real-world learning to help our students create a better future. Are you interested in looking at how your studies can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals? Check out some of the courses below.
Study options related to SDGs
Good health and well-being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Gender equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Affordable and clean energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Sustainable cities and communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Life below water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Life on land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
In Japan we are seeing ever-increasing interest in sustainability, and the United Nations SDGs. Without doubt the new Education New Zealand SDGs webpage will be a great resource for Japanese students pursuing their SDGs-related interests, in conjunction with education opportunities in New Zealand.
His Excellency Hamish Cooper, New Zealand Ambassador to Japan
Learn about community initiatives around SDGs
Auckland
There are several initiatives and education programmes across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland aiming at making our region a greener place. All members of the community can join.
Canterbury
Ōtautahi Christchurch is the ideal basecamp for exploration of the diverse and vibrant landscapes in Canterbury and West Coast regions. From whales, dolphins and penguins to our braided rivers, snow covered mountains and rain forests. From Hagley Park and the Ōtakoro Avon River Regeneration Project in the heart of our city to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve where light pollution is strictly controlled, our community is deeply connected to our natural environment (SDG 3 and 11) and committed to look after it for generations to come.
Hawkes Bay
Hawke's Bay is home to the Food & Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE), a Learner-focused, Industry-led, Government-Enabled programme highlighting a strong partnership in vocational education and training, bringing practical experiences to international students and benefiting the wider community.
Wellington
Study in New Zealand's safe, creative and friendly capital city. Find out everything you need to know about making Wellington your new campus.
Otago
Dunedin’s founders had the foresight to design a winding Town Belt of parks through the city’s hill suburbs, making it easy to be active and to spot wildlife on the wing. Join the UniCrew and be a part of the movement of students doing good for the community.
A unique Māori view of caring for the natural world
He Tirohanga Māori ō te tiaki taiao.
Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand) is a progressive nation of creative people, challenging the status quo, delivering new solutions to problems and turning ideas into reality, while always caring for people, place and planet.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s story is grounded in our values. Values that define who we are, what we stand for and what we offer the world.
These important Māori concepts will help to give you a better understanding of how Aotearoa New Zealand strives for a thriving environment:
Tiaki
Tiaki means to care for and protect. A kaitiaki is a person who acts as a guardian or steward. From this, we get the concept of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), which can be applied to respect for, care and protection of the natural world for the benefit of future generations.
Manaaki
Manaaki is about honouring others by showing respect, generosity and care and, in doing so, enhancing our own reputation and standing. This concept can also be applied to our relationship with the natural world – respecting and honouring the environment increases our own honour.
Whānau
Whānau, meaning family or, as a verb, to give birth, is the root of the concept of whanaungatanga, which is about developing kinship relationships with others, through connections based on shared interests or experiences.
Mō tātou te taiao ko te atawhai, mō tātou te taiao ko te oranga
It is for us to care for and look after the environment to ensure its wellbeing; in doing so we ensure our own wellbeing and that of future generations.
I expect that studying in New Zealand will not only enlighten the people of Japan to new perspectives for their ongoing efforts in addressing the SDGs, but also present an important opportunity to help the two countries strengthen their international cooperation in this area.
His Excellency Koichi Ito, Japan Ambassador to New Zealand
My name is Ryota Kawasaki, and I am currently working at a broadcasting company after completing master degree at Kyoto University. New Zealand was the best place for me to study at as they have the state of the art education system as to indigenous studies, namely Māori studies.
While studying Māori studies at Victoria University, I also spent time in a community called Parihaka and eventually learnt Maori culture as well as the language. The mātauranga I got to know from indigenous people during my period of studies, as well as the unique relationships Maori came to have with pakeha people continue to attract me even after I came back to Japan where I started working at a TV broadcasting company.
The indigenous population of New Zealand is estimated to be around 17% of the total population, which means that the majority are 'non-indigenous'. Through the period of my study abroad in New Zealand I have repeatedly seen how pakeha (white people), who make up the majority of non-indigenous people, struggle to fix the relationships with the indigenous people, wishing to redress the mistakes they have had in between.
'No one is left behind' is one of the key messages in the SDGs, and I felt that New Zealand is a country that puts this into practice from an everyday level, including coexistence with indigenous people. As an international student myself, I never felt left out in class, rather, I was surprised to see my name on the language test, and when I didn't know how to write an essay, my classmates were always there to help me. I think one of the great points that the education in New Zealand has to offer is that it is a place where you can feel a part of the SDGs, not only in philosophy but also in everyday practice.
All New Zealand universities are world-ranked in the Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings(external link that opens in a new tab).
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