The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Education
Over 13,000 students call The University of Waikato—called so because Hamilton is the largest city in New Zealand’s Waikato region—their home. The campus contains three lakes within its luscious, expansive grounds. In fact, the campus at the University of Waikato is the largest in all New Zealand. According to the website of Waikato’s English department, “Literature of one kind or another is at the heart of all human cultures.” Here, students might examine the impact of modernism on New Zealand writers, half a world away.
The literature of New Zealand blossomed in the twentieth century as the country moved toward and gained independence. As a result of these national struggles, writers argued over aesthetics—should creative writing reflect the plight of the nation or move beyond that struggle and began to address more universal themes? The department highly recommends ENGL 101: New Zealand Literature 1 where students can see some of that tension in the literature itself. They also provide higher level New Zealand literature courses.
Sarah Shieff is the primary professor of these classes, and also edits the Journal of New Zealand Literature, which is entirely focused on New Zealand literature, and operates out of Waikato University. They accept submissions from anyone willing to write on New Zealand literature, which could provide motivated students with a terrific opportunity for an international publication.
The higher education system of New Zealand will be reminiscent of the American schools in some ways, and quite different in others. For instance, in addition to lectures, students attend weekly tutorials. These “tutes” consist of small groups of no more than 15 students in which pupils further discuss the material. Although it is a studious atmosphere, it is also laid back, which is standard operating procedure in New Zealand. There are fewer assignments than in most American universities, thus the papers are more heavily weighted.
New Zealand
New Zealand is one of this earth’s youngest countries, and it is a beautiful baby. Home to the Maori people, the country has seen its share of outside rule. In 1840, Britain claimed sovereignty over New Zealand through the still-controversial Treaty of Waitangi. New Zealand did not become fully independent until 1947. Since that time, the country and its influence has grown tremendously over the years. Although many characteristics from the British reign still remain—fish and chip shops not the least of them—New Zealand has certainly come into its own. Though it has but few years under its national belt, New Zealand has impacted the literary community—not to mention the global community in general—positively. For instance, the incredibly prolific writer of short stories Katherine Mansfield was born and raised in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.
More recently, Witi Ihimaera—author of Whale Rider—made his impact on the global literary scene when his novel became a major motion picture. Many other notables hail from New Zealand’s immaculate landscape as well, from Sir Edmund Hillary, the first to scale Everest, to Peter Jackson, the Kiwi responsible for creating the epic cinematic versions of J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. It is no surprise this small country has produced such noteworthy talent—one cannot help but feel inspired in this land of breathtaking beauty.
Hamilton
Hamilton ranks as New Zealand’s fourth largest urban area, and has certainly grown up a bit from its rural roots. Hamilton has produced some noteworthy characters including Helen Clark, New Zealand’s Prime Minister. Frank Sargeson, one of New Zealand’s most famous and well thought of short story writers was also born and raised in Hamilton. He came to fame in the 1940s for his collections of short stories, including A Man and His Wife and That Summer, and Other Stories. Aside from having something in the water which apparently inspires greatness (perhaps it’s the effect of the hot springs?), Hamilton also contains a number of valuable cultural assets. The Waikato Museum is perhaps the most notable, which serves as a great resource for learning and understanding Maori culture and history. Aside from artifacts of New Zealand bred visual art, there are also collections on science and social history. Most interestingly, however, is the collection of “tangata whenua,” which literally means “people of the land.” This section of the museum consists entirely of historical Maori artifacts, such as bone and wood carvings, and other materials used in various rituals. They also boast the largest free flight aviary in the southern hemisphere. Further south, students can explore extensive subterranean cave systems.
Housing and Meals
There are various housing options available at Waikato University. One can choose to live in one of the four residence halls located on the beautiful campus, or find alternative housing. There are cafes on campus, as well as numerous eateries of all types throughout Hamilton.
Daily Life
Hamilton has more cafes than anywhere else in New Zealand save Auckland. It is a growing city with a large shopping district complete with varied local shops. On top of all of this, the campus of Waikato provides some unique opportunities. For example, a local scuba diving shop provides lessons to interested parties right on campus. The town of Hamilton also contains an extensive library system providing both research and entertainment opportunities for all of Hamilton’s residents.
