Tī Kōuka: A vision of a thriving future is Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago’s institution-wide sustainability framework, moving sustainability from aspiration into measurable action. Grounded in mātauraka Māori and shaped by the characteristics of the Tī Kōuka tree valued by Kāi Tahu Whānui, the framework provides a shared, place-based approach for embedding sustainability across governance, operations, research, education, student life and external impact.

Co-led by Toitū te Taiao and the Office of Māori Development, Tī Kōuka positions Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago as a Tiriti-led, regenerative university. It has supported major progress, including a 32% reduction in total emissions since 2019, 45% reduction in staff air travel emissions, 68% reduction in landfill emissions, and growing integration of sustainability across curriculum and research.

Through localised planning, student leadership, mātauraka Māori, operational innovation and community partnerships, Tī Kōuka demonstrates how a university can embed sustainability as a whole-of-institution responsibility and create long-term cultural, environmental and social change.