Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University has announced a pivotal new chapter in climate resilience with the establishment of the Kāika Institute of Climate Resilience.
Under the leadership of inaugural Director, Professor Paora Tapsell (Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Raukawa), the institute is set to champion and implement Indigenous-led innovation.
As New Zealand’s only specialist University focused on the land-based sectors, and recognising the significant growth of the Māori economy and its rapidly growing youthful population, the launch of Kāika Institute of Climate Resilience represents a profound deepening of Lincoln University’s commitment to serving Māori communities. This dedication will actively extend its reach to Pacific and Indigenous communities globally, the University said in a statement.
“Professor Tapsell’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Institute’s vision and research direction, uniting leading researchers from Lincoln University and beyond,” said Lincoln University Provost, Professor Chad Hewitt.
“Under his guidance, the Institute will tackle challenges facing our kāika, developing solutions that integrate mātauraka, Western physical and social sciences, AI and other technologies.”
Professor Tapsell will also provide essential academic leadership and mentoring, fostering strong relationships across the University to serve kāika communities.
The Institute’s work will be guided by tikaka Māori, drawing from Lincoln University’s values and its commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi. Key among these is whakapapa (intergenerational knowledge and relationships), manaakitaka (care and respect for people), kaitiakitaka (environmental guardianship) and rakatirataka (self-determination and leadership).
The new Kāika Institute of Climate Resilience will focus on community-based research, applying innovative climate resilience responses across strategic themes. These themes will span crucial areas, including Climate Resilience and STEM, focusing on nature-based, AI-powered, and mātauraka-driven solutions for communities, alongside impact monitoring using modern technology.
The Institute will also address Food and Fibre, encompassing:
- Food security, regenerative agriculture and whakapapa-based food systems;
- Infrastructure and housing – by enhancing marae and kāika energy resilience, through adaptive building and design;
- Bioeconomy and biodiversity, particularly through wetland and forest restoration, and applying AI and biocultural approaches to pest management.
The Institute will benefit mana whenua, hapū and iwi across Aotearoa, extending its reach to Māori organisations and global Indigenous partners across the Pacific and beyond, the University stated.
It said collaborative partnerships were being actively pursued with these communities, alongside academic institutions, government agencies and industry partners, all focused on co-creating impactful solutions for a resilient future, demonstrating Lincoln University’s commitment to land-based sectors.
