Aotearoa New Zealand: Histories, Cultures, and Politics of an Evolving Indigenous-Settler Biculturalism | Study Abroad

The focus of the field school is comparing history, politics, and culture in Canada and Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa is the Māori-language name for New Zealand). The school will benefit from tours, field trips, interactive seminars, lectures, and meetings with local Indigenous and other leaders on site in Auckland and Wellington. 

Aotearoa New Zealand is a cultural and political innovator, with many lessons to teach Canada (both positive and negative) as we develop pathways of conciliation between Indigenous and settler peoples. ANZ, located in the south Pacific, was founded by te Tiriti o Waitangi (1840), which determines many aspects of the country’s vibrant political and cultural life. NZ has a much larger Indigenous population than Canada (18%), together with large Pacific and Asian populations. Te Reo Māori has been an official language since 1987, and forms of biculturalism and co- governance have developed between Tangata Whenua (people of the land) and Tangata Tiriti (people in Aotearoa because of the Treaty). ANZ has seen innovations in representation (the first country where women had the right to vote, an MMP electoral system, and guaranteed seats for Māori in Parliament and on local electoral bodies). 

A strong Indigenous resurgence since the 1980s has led to prominent roles for Māori in all levels of national life. A European settler identity as Pākehā has also developed. Despite many positive developments, ANZ is also marked by stark economic and social inequalities which have had an inordinate impact on Māori. As well, the current government is seeking to reverse many of the previously hard-won gains. This Field School will introduce students to Aotearoa, its histories, cultures, and evolving identities. ANZ has charted its own pathway to conciliation, with instructive lessons for Canada.

Students applying for the program must have completed a total of 7.5 undergraduate credits by the time the program begins (or permission from the instructor), and must have a 68% cumulative average. 

The program is open to students from all disciplines at the University of Guelph, with a maximum of 15 students being accepted to the program. 

Students should budget for the following:

• Round-trip airfare to New Zealand estimated at $2400
• Tuition at the University of Guelph for 1.0 credits
• The New Zealand Field School fee: approximately $2500 (includes accommodations, field trips in NZ, and in-country travel). Amount is subject to change based on fluctuating exchange rate.
• Meals estimated at $900
• Taxis, Uber, ferry estimated at $500
• Visitor visa for NZ - $175
• Mandatory travel health and emergency insurance through the company GuardMe ($1.65 / day)
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional personal excursions, etc) 

Looking for funding? Learn about U of G Travel Grants.