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This paper explores the partnership between a community group and a geography department to assess the wind energy potential of the Blueskin Bay region in southern New Zealand. The partnership has provided opportunities for research and is of strategic importance. Year-long wind observations and numerical modelling have revealed that the hills surrounding Blueskin Bay show potential for wind energy generation. Despite challenges for both parties, the university-community partnership has allowed a successful research platform to be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter describes a range of inquiry-guided learning methods from an 'appetizer' to an 'entrée' approach at two universities in New Zealand. Suggestions are provided for instructors and course designers considering using an inquiry approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of unwieldy numbers, and in an attempt to strengthen teaching–research links, the teaching team of ‘Field Research Methods’ discarded a class fieldtrip in favour of more flexible fieldwork. The new approach continues to use inquiry-based learning but has research problems more closely linked to staff interests. Students are responsible for most aspects of the research process including some logistical planning of fieldwork. Although often anxious at first, students welcomed this approach and appreciated the host of transferable and research skills they developed. Tutors benefited from the enhanced learning outcomes for students and a strengthening of teaching–research links. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports some of the first direct measurements of energy fluxes over the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, during both summer and winter. Observations of the surface energy balance were made over two mainly residential suburbs. The results highlight the importance of seasonal and synoptic controls in energy partitioning at this location, although difficulties with fetch complicate the analysis.