POLS442-26S2 (C) Semester Two 2026

Policy and Governance in the Pacific and New Zealand

30 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 13 July 2026
End Date: Sunday, 8 November 2026
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 26 July 2026
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 27 September 2026

Description

This course provides an advanced introduction to policy making and governance challenges in small states, with a particular focus on New Zealand and the small states of the Pacific. Students will be introduced to Pacific and New Zealand political economy/development/challenges, building on insights into the cultural capital, opportunities and risks (environmental, social and economic) that these communities face. Through regional case studies of policy development and governance and seminars with practitioners and community leaders, students will also have opportunities to gain experience in locally led problem solving.

Course Aims:
This course provides an advanced introduction to policy making and governance challenges with a particular focus on the Pacific and relationships with New Zealand. A key feature of this course is the opportunity to consolidate insights into small state governance and policy making challenges, develop skills of critical thinking, research, presentation, (oral and written), cultural competency and practical problem solving to equip future policy makers, professionals, development managers, government officials, civil society organization personnel and community leaders, with skills and knowledge. Expert lecturers and literature will help inform case studies and seminars to scaffold student learning.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course students will have: a consolidated understanding of the key principles of policy making in the relationship of New Zealand and the Pacific ; Developed original insight and critical reflection of policy making to address identified problems; skills in research writing and analysis of policy challenges in Pacific and New Zealand; oral presentation of policy debates; demonstrate critical thinking and cultural competency for public policy and community governance challenges in non-profit and private sectors.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

Restrictions

POLS402

Timetable 2026

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Friday 14:00 - 17:00 E13
13 Jul - 23 Aug
7 Sep - 18 Oct

Course Coordinators

Ashalyna Sialataua Noa and Robert Nicole

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Critical case study 30% 20% written - 1500 words excl. references 10% oral
Extended Policy Brief 40% 1800 words - due week 12 (Friday)
Final Exam 30%

Textbooks / Resources

Recommended Textbook Starter

The philosophy of teaching is to learn by doing. You are expected to come to class and have read at least one of the recommended readings BEFORE the session so you can actively participate. We draw initially suggest sampling some of works listed in the outline and please do actively reflect on:

Damon Salesa, Island time : New Zealand's Pacific futures Bridget Williams Books, 2017

Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Decolonising Methologies: Research and Indigenous peoples 3rd Ed Introduction to 3rd edition and pages 1-19

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $2,299.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .

All POLS442 Occurrences

  • POLS442-26S2 (C) Semester Two 2026
  • POLS442-26S2 (D) Semester Two 2026 (Distance)