Living Laboratory
The Living Laboratory concept brings together research partners and ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ University students to research and explore the challenges that face our world
ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥¡¯s Living Laboratory creates an effective methodology and practical environment where as a ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥using the resources on the ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ University campus, you engage with partners to explore, test and solve real-world problems relating to the land-based sector.
A Living Laboratory project combines:
- Students: Engaging in real-world problem solving through practical application and research
- Academia: Either individual academics or researchers
- Partners: These include M¨¡ori organisations, land-based sector, industry, community, government and schools
A management group, including a representative from ecah faculty, and works with academics to establish projects. The management group is currently led by Dr Tracy-Anne De Silva (Senior Academic Development Educator; Acting Manager - Centre for Learning and Teaching).
Living Laboratory projects
Revitalising the Arboretum
In 2021, a Living Laboratory Guardian Group was established to provide leadership and governance of the Arboretum area on campus through ensuring its continued use as a Living Laboratory for the staff, students and external partners of ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ University. ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ Envirotown acts as our community partner.
The Arboretum has been a feature of ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ University¡¯s campus for nearly forty years. Located on the western side of the ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ University Campus, the area comprises half a hectare of exotic and native flora and fauna, including the largest collection of magnolias in the South Island. It acts as a space for students to learn and relax, and a bridge between the community and the University, in line with the objectives of the Living Laboratory.
The following courses integrate or have integrated the Arboretum into their learning:
SOCI 314, LINC 101, LASC 211, LASC 216 and ECOL 103.
Future Dairy Living Lab
The ¡®Future Dairy Living Lab¡¯ consists of two mini-farms or farm-lets (currently 12 ha each) within the larger ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ University Research Dairy Farm. Both farm-lets have the strategic goals of reducing inputs, improving recycling of nutrients and reducing waste whilst maintaining or improving profitability.
Our farm-lets have established a future need to enhance the landscape and promote biodiversity and resilience in soils, plants, animals and people and to reflect the values of New Zealanders. Both properties have adopted either a conventional best practice approach (Best Now) or alternative future design approach (Dairy Future) to achieve these outcomes. Decision rules on both farms apply science-based principles. Or where the science is limited, test new approaches and measure the outcomes.
The following courses integrate or have integrated Future Dairy into their learning: ANSC072, ANSC312 and PLSC321.
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Mt Hutt Forest and Bike Park
The establishment of a Living Laboratory at Mt Hutt Forest and Bike Park, owned by Sir Graeme Harrison, allows a partnership-based focus on the challenges of land use, parks and outdoor recreation. Sir Graeme Harrison has funded two Masters scholarships and one Summer studentship to:
- Evaluate the degree to which New Zealand¡¯s planning framework and national-level greenhouse gas policy is fit-for-purpose in managing multi-valued, multi-purpose land such as Mt Hutt Forest and Bike Park, and what should be changed (or recommended) in the new planning and policy framework.
- Assess the recreation demand potential for the Mt Hutt Forest and Bike Park.
- Develop a restoration plan for Mt Hutt Forest and Bike Park.