Developed by Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) in partnership with Christchurch City Council, the short course – offered through UC’s online learning platform Tuihono UC | UC Online – will help learners explore climate science, adaptation strategies, and the roles of science and mātauranga Māori in responding to environmental challenges.
The course supports the Council’s Climate Resilience Strategy, which aims to prepare local communities for the impacts of climate change by equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Council Climate Hazards Adaption Planning Team Leader Jane Morgan says the partnership with UC is a powerful example of local collaboration for long-term community benefit.
“Ultimately, this course is about empowering our communities. By making climate education more accessible, we’re helping people understand the risks and opportunities ahead – and, critically, how they can be part of the solution together,” Ms Morgan says.
“This builds on the work we’re already doing with communities to plan for the future of our public assets, like roads, pipes, and walkways, and to generally raise awareness of climate hazards and how we can best adapt to them.
“We’re proud to be working with UC to bring this in-depth learning resource to Christchurch and Banks Peninsula residents, and national learners too, at no cost.”
Adapted from the successful schools-based, Council-funded Climate Change Curriculum run by Future Curious, the new course has been further developed and enhanced with input from academics across UC’s School of Earth and Environment, and the Department of Political Science and International Relations – together with climate practitioners, rūnanga, and local community members.
Professor Catherine Moran, University of Canterbury Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, says the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to lifelong learning.
“At UC we are committed to making learning flexible and accessible, while also ensuring what we teach is future-focused and relevant to the challenges people face,” Professor Moran says.
“Working with Christchurch City Council on this free initiative is another way we can extend those opportunities into the community.”
The short course offers around 30 hours of flexible online learning over nine weeks, with a digital badge and printed certificate awarded upon completion.
Enrolments will open later this year, with the first course beginning in February 2026.
Visit Tuihono UC | UC Online to learn more about the course and to register your interest in the first intake.