Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago’s Net Carbon Zero Programme is a whole-of-institution climate action programme designed to deliver the University’s commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Since its inception, the programme has been grounded not only in emissions reduction and scientific rigour, but also in a broader systems view of wellbeing guided by Indigenous knowledge and values. These principles shape both what the programme does, reducing emissions, and how it does it, through partnership, transparency and collective responsibility.

A defining feature is the adoption of a wayfinding approach, inspired by Pacific navigation traditions. This enables adaptive, evidence-based decision-making, supported by staff and student engagement and continuous reassessment of progress in challenging and uncertain times.