Master of Bicultural Co-Governance of Natural Resources

Note: The MBCNR is currently not open to new enrolments.Around the world, there is a growing recognition of the rights of indigenous people to access and govern their natural resources. In many countries, this recognition has led to development of co-governance approaches, where differing groups seek to govern together in a collaborative manner.To support the growing use of co-governance approaches, we need to prepare culturally aware graduates with strong analytical and interpersonal skills, who can identify the limitation in our current ways of working, and then work in a collaborative manner to break down barriers in process and to enact change. Students of the Master of Bicultural Co-Governance of Natural Resources (MBCNR) will develop a deep understanding of the complex relationships between the multiple stakeholders in natural resources. This course will also develop consultation skills, bicultural awareness, project management, and knowledge of conservation and co-governance policy. This taught Master's programme has a particular focus on Aotearoa New Zealand, reflecting the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi the Treaty of Waitangi. It will also draw on material from a selection of Pacific Island nations. Students will critically examine external treaty responsibilities and relevant cultural relationships globally.

Graduates' knowledge of bicultural policies and land ownership, as well as their facilitation and communication skills, will assist government and professional organisations in their efforts to negotiate the complex social and political issues around resource use.

MBCNR graduates can find employment within government ministries, not-for-profit organisations, as well as business and sectors utilising natural resources such as the renewable energy, fishery, forestry, agriculture, mining, and land development industries. Research and innovation centres also need ongoing support building relationships with local iwi and other indigenous groups for access to field data.

They may also find their skills useful within international governance bodies that are continuously renegotiating indigenous and minority resource rights, such as in Australia, Canada, and the USA.

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