The Chile Connection

This research ‘sub-cluster’ is the latest initiative in an engagement with Latin America that goes back to the work of Geography Department staff as early as the 1970s. From 2001 this focus has been revitalised with particular emphasis on Chile, and a range of collaborative research is under way in the Human Geography and Development Studies graduate programmes.

If you are interested in taking part in the Chile connection in some way, maybe as an exchange student, a postgraduate researcher or in terms of academic exchange please contact: A/Prof Warwick Murray: warwick.murray@vuw.ac.nz

Introduction

Chile has been identified as an important regional partner in New Zealand’s current strategy of geopolitical and geo-economic diversification. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) launched the Latin American Strategy in 2001, which placed special emphasis on Chile - seeking to increase social, political, cultural and economic interaction. In 2005 the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership (TPSEP), incorporating NZ, Chile, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, was singed. The work of those involved in the Chile Connection forms part of a broader initiative at the Science faculty and University levels to engage with Chile in a range of ways.

There is now extensive interaction between Chilean universities and VUW. The Geography programme has especially strong connections with the geography department of the Universidad de Chile, linking with well-known Chilean geographers Prof Jorge Ortiz, Prof Carmen Paz, and Prof Claudio Meneses, and also with members of Universidad Catolica including Dr Jonathan Barton. There are formal student exchange agreements in place, through VIC OE http://www.victoria.ac.nz/exchange/, which provide opportunities for Victoria University students study at both of these institutions, and at the Universidad de Valparaiso

Dr Jonathan Barton, A/Prof. Warwick Murray, His Excellency Juan Salazar - former Ambassador of Chile in New Zealand, Dr Walescka Pino-Ojeda, Dr Matthew O'Meagher, Prof. David Bibby. VUW seminar on New Zealand - Chile relations, 2005.