| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
The Ashburton-based Mackenzie Charitable Foundation is to fund a new research chair at the University of Canterbury which will investigate the response of stream ecosystems to urban and rural land-use pressures.
It has granted the University $1.3 million over five years to fund the work of the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation Chair in Freshwater Ecology.
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| Associate Professor Angus McIntosh (left) and Dr Jon Harding. |
Members of the School of Biological Sciences’ Freshwater Ecology Group will investigate nutrient, sediment and waste run-offs into urban and rural freshwater systems in the region. The group will be led by Associate Professor Angus McIntosh and Dr Jon Harding, who will also draw on the expertise of Dr Dev Niyogi.
The overall aim is to enhance the effectiveness of riparian management to reduce the impacts of sediments and pollutants on Canterbury waterways. The researchers will investigate the source and fate of nutrients and sediment entering streams. They will carry out an extensive survey of streams in the region, a sub-set of which will be the subject of intensive case studies.
They will also conduct a series of experiments, manipulations and trials. The trials will include the artificial addition of nutrients to identify nutrient pathways; measurement of microbial responses; and manipulation of algal and macrophyte communities to quantify their roles in nutrient uptake.
The work will be done in rural and urban areas.
“River systems flow from the mountains to the sea and they pass through agricultural and urban areas,” said Dr Harding.
“However, linking the response of streams along an agricultural-urban gradient is a component which has been missing from the research that’s been done so far.”
Professor McIntosh said water quality and water quantity were major issues facing the region.
“Despite the Government’s obvious concerns about the state of waterways in New Zealand, it hasn’t traditionally supported groups like ours to do this sort of research. So I’m very excited that the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation has seen fit to give our group this funding.
“A very important part of the research is to try and solve some problems and enhance the effectiveness of what farmers and industry can do, and are doing, to manage issues with water quantity and quality. It’s a great opportunity to do something really positive for Canterbury with studies that commence without partisan or political bias.”
He said the rigour and integrity of the group’s research process would be a critical element.
“It’s obviously very important for what is quite a sensitive issue in Canterbury and New Zealand.”
The Mackenzie Charitable Foundation was established 30 years ago by Donald and Alan Mackenzie, who farmed near the mid-Canterbury settlement of Hinds. After their deaths, their substantial farming property and assets became the property of the foundation. The foundation is still managed today by its four founding trustees.
UC Foundation Executive Officer Shelagh Murray said it had been exciting working with the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation on the establishment of the new chair.
“The benefits this new chair and its associated research will bring to the Canterbury region will be felt for many years to come.”
For further information please contact:
John MacDonald
Corporate Affairs Manager
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 2910
Mobile: 021 417 289
john.macdonald@canterbury.ac.nz