Kava is a plant in the pepper family and a traditional psychoactive beverage, prepared by mixing ground kava root with water, is consumed socially for its sedative, muscle-relaxant and euphoric effects.
The drink also has cultural significance and is used in traditional ceremonies in multiple Pacific countries, including Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
In a statement about kava use on campus shared with all staff in September, the university said any use of kava in a non-ceremonial setting on campus had been restricted in the short term while a policy was being developed.
But the decision has led to some concern among some academics at the university, who feel it ignores the use of kava in a variety of environments.
A leaked email chain to vice-chancellor Grant Robertson suggested many academics felt the university was acting in haste.
"It’s disheartening that kava, recognised in New Zealand as a food, continues to be misunderstood within academic spaces," a university academic said in an email correspondence.
"I’m even more convinced now that the kava guidelines we discussed will be crucial for supporting research, teaching and extracurricular activities in a culturally safe and informed way."
Another academic suggested rather than having a university-led policy, the institution should take its guidance from the Pacific community.
"Pacific-informed guidelines would be a more suitable mechanism rather than a formal university policy.
"A policy risks positioning the university as the authority over kava, which undermines, devalues and disrespects Pacific peoples whose cultural practices are deeply connected to kava."
There was even a suggestion introducing a policy would isolate the university from other institutions.
"Kava’s value — for cultural expression, cultural learning, cultural dialogue and harm reduction for students and staff — seems so important and socially beneficial.
"The university’s announcement seems to me one-sided, misleading and unfair."
One academic suggested the kava sessions they had attended on campus had benefited them academically and socially as an alternative to drinking alcohol.
"I have attended kava events on campus and have been very impressed at how meaningful they were as cultural expression, cultural learning and facilitating student interest in research both Pacific and non-Pacific."
Otago University deputy vice-chancellor Pacific Prof Dianne Sika-Paotonu said work on the university’s kava policy was under way.
"The cultural importance of kava with some communities, particularly within Fijian, Tongan and Samoan, is fully acknowledged.
"We are committed to ensuring that this significance remains respected and upheld throughout the process.
"The policy will aim to strike a careful balance — recognising kava’s cultural role while establishing clear guidance for its use on campus."
Prof Sika-Paotonu said this was an opportunity for the university to support a shared understanding about kava with a focus on understanding more about the use of kava in on-campus settings.
"This includes clarifying the cultural aspects, health and safety considerations and guidance for use. Having clear and consistent guidance about on-campus use of kava is appropriate and helpful for everyone.
"The university’s policy on kava use on campus is being introduced to uphold health and safety standards.
"As with any activity occurring within our university community, clear guidance is needed and essential to ensure the wellbeing of our community.
"The policy will reflect that commitment."
