Joint Press Release:
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and the University of Waikato

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and the University of Waikato are joining forces to foster new research into how best to support the sustainable use and protection of natural resources.

The organisations are jointly funding a new role that will be based at the regional council and focused on researching the relationship communities have with land and water and how best to care for them.

The new joint initiative was officially launched today (Friday 21 September) with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the two organisations.

The focus of the research will be integrated catchment management, reflecting the fact that land and water management within a catchment is related.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management Iain Maxwell says the University and Regional Council have identified shared interests in understanding the societal challenges that exist in achieving integrated catchment management.

“This shared mission will create new knowledge and relevant tools, methods, and processes to support the sustainable use and protection of natural resources across environmental, economic, social, and cultural outcomes,” says Mr Maxwell.

“We aim to foster an integrated approach to research and the management of the land and water in catchments and the coast, recognising that these are all linked parts of the wider environment.”

University of Waikato Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Bruce Clarkson is pleased with the agreement.

“This is a logical result of our research strengths in catchment management and regional scale restoration. We are looking forward to the opportunity to work more closely with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council staff, councillors and the wider community,” says Professor Clarkson.

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