New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies
Welcome to the New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies
Nau mai, haere mai ki te Puna Akorangi o Aotearoa mo te Tangata me te Kararehe
NZCHAS brings together scholars from the humanities and social sciences whose research is concerned with the conceptual and material treatment of nonhuman animals in culture, society and history.
About
A major new study of the cultural history and significance of Gallus gallus domesticus, the domestic chicken, has just been published by NZCHAS Co-director Associate Professor Annie Potts. 
The book traces the evolutionary and natural history of chickens and describes the ways in which they experience their world. It explores the place of chickens in human history and in many different cultures, and concludes with a detailed analysis of the place of chickens in the world today.
'In this brilliant book, Potts challenges us to see chickens as creatures who think and feel in complex ways all of their own . . . This series notably mixes historical and cross-cultural research with gorgeous illustrations; Chicken is no exception.' – TLS
Read more here
Buy online here
Download interview here.
Quick links
News and Features
Animal Earthquake Stories
NZCHAS Co-Director Annie Potts is collecting people’s written stories and about pet animals and the Christchurch earthquakes ... [read more]
In memoriam: Marti Kheel
Researchers and students around the world will be deeply saddened to hear of the death of leading ecofeminist and human-animal studies scholar and advocate (and NZCHAS associate) Marti Kheel ... [read more]
NZCHAS Co-Director Interviewed by Kim Hill
An interview with Associate Professor Annie Potts, the co-director of NZCHAS, featured on Kim Hill's Saturday Morning Programme on National Radio on November 5. Associate Professor Potts spoke about chickens in general, and more specifically about her forthcoming book, Chicken (Reaktion: 2011). [download the podcast here].
NZCHAS Postgraduate Profile: André Krebber
In his research, André addresses the role of animals in the development of the modern subject, especially in its relation to the environmental crisisof modernity. In 
the work of Herman SamuelReimarus (1694-1768) André hopes to find an alternative approach to the human and its relation to animals and nature. This relies on a junction of artistic and rational approaches to nature, for which he will refer to the work of the Frankfurt School.
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NZCHAS Symposium: 'Cultural Animals'
Addressing animal abuse and the effectiveness of animal assisted therapy were just two of the research projects showcased at a human-animal studies symposium held at the University of Canterbury on September 21. The symposium, called Cultural Animals, was hosted by the New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies (NZCHAS), ... [read more]
The Politics of Carol J. Adams
The latest issue of Antennae: The Journal of Nature in Visual Culture features an interview by Annie Potts with NZCHAS International Associate Carol J. Adams ... Read more >>
Publication of Special Issue on Psychology, Feminism and Animals
NZCHAS Co-Director Annie Potts has edited the latest issue of the international refereed journal Feminism & Psychology, which is dedicated to exploring the intersections between human-animal studies, feminist theory, gender and psychology. Read more >>
Publication of Book on Approaches to Teaching Human-Animal Studies
Teaching the Animal, edited by NZCHAS Associate Dr Margo DeMello has just been published by Lantern books. Read more >>
NZCHAS Welcomes New Members
Julie Cupples teaches human geography and cultural studies at the University of Canterbury. Read more >>
Nikki Evans is a lecturer in the Social Work Programme at the University of Canterbury. Read more >>
Jennifer Clement is a lecturer in the English Programme of the School of Humanities at the University of Canterbury. Read more >>
Piers Locke is a lecturer in anthropology at the University of Canterbury. Read more >>
Contact
Email: philip.armstrong@canterbury.ac.nz
NZ Centre for Human-Animal Studies
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Contacts Page