Environmental Action

The outstanding location in the Wakatipu, on the edge of the Fiordland World Heritage Area, gives the opportunity to develop strong environmental service programmes.

These would be developed in consultation with stakeholders including the Department of Conservation, Ministry for the Environment, Ngai Tahu, local business and the local community.

Through this conservation work and environmental leadership, the United World College would make a significant contribution to the region.

Preliminary discussions suggest this service might include:

Building Awareness

Providing virtual classroom and other resources for the New Zealand school curriculum. Pearson UWC partnered with Apple (US$4M sponsorship) to create an award winning virtual classroom based on the Race Rocks Marine Area to support the North American school curricula.

Regularly hosting regional or national student forums on environmental and resource management issues.

Establish and manage a Wilderness Centre in partnership with Paradise Trust to provide information for visitors.

Building Knowledge

UWC students can undertake longitudinal environmental research programmes and can actively support both scientist and postgraduate research in the Fjordland region.

Conservation

Forest and wildlife restoration within the Paradise and Mount Alfred areas. There is a tremendous opportunity to reintroduce and support fauna lost from the region.

Support Department of Conservation predator trapping programmes within the region. These can be demanding of time for the Department, but are essential to protect our vulnerable wildlife. 

The Mohua may be a particular focus for the UWC students. Once common throughout the South Island, this bird's numbers and mainland range are now serverely limited to just two valleys near Paradise.

Cultural Heritage

There are a number of designated historical sites in the region where preservation or restorative work could be undertaken.

In conjunction with Ngai Tahu and universities, students could also undertake and support research and archaeological work, particularly in relation to the important pounamu resource areas of the adjacent Greenstone and Dart valleys.

 

Page Top