The New Zealand Earth Systems Programme at the University of Canterbury combines Environmental Sciences, hydrology, and geosciences to provide students the tools to analyze current New Zealand environmental issues. During field camp we introduce basic geologic, surface hydrology and environmental science field techniques. We explore how these techniques are currently used to solve New Zealand environmental challenges. In addition, students learn how both indigenous knowledge and western science are utilized to manage natural resources through field based education and scientific observation. The four-week field camp takes students to both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. Students will explore the Mt. Ruapehu, Waitomo Caves, Banks Peninsula, and the Southern Alps. Following field camp, students transition to University of Canterbury , where they enroll in four courses, one of which is a research methods course. Research projects range from environmental geochemistry projects to working with local Iwi (tribes) on habitat restoration projects. Research projects are team focused and can be built upon data collected at field camp or part of ongoing data sets collected by Canterbury scientists.
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