Environment Minister opens new Waterways Centre
Published by Communications and Development
9 July 2010
Environment Minister Nick Smith has opened the new Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management in Christchurch, a joint initiative between Canterbury and Lincoln universities that creates a centre for excellence in water resource education and research.
The minister said improved knowledge and skills will play an important role in improving New Zealand’s water management.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith opens the new Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management. |
“Fresh water is so plentiful in New Zealand that we have been too casual about its management,” Dr Smith said.
“We now have major issues with water quality and allocation that will require better regulation, stronger institutions and improved knowledge and skills.
“The important role for the Waterways Centre is to bring together the engineering, agricultural, geology, environmental and geography disciplines of Canterbury and Lincoln Universities to help provide the research and skills base to help New Zealand better manage water.
“The Government is contributing $1 million to the Centre from the Tertiary Education Commission’s Encouraging and Supporting Innovation Fund. We commend Canterbury and Lincoln Universities for taking up this initiative.
“This new centre needs to be seen alongside the Land and Water Forum process, the Government’s decisions to appoint commissioners at Environment Canterbury, the mandatory requirement for irrigators to install water meters, the development of stronger national standards with a new Environmental Protection Authority and tougher penalties and enforcement of water quality standards.
“Better fresh water management is crucial to the development of the New Zealand economy and the Government sees this new Waterways Centre as part of the solution.”
The new Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management was established in response to calls by local authorities and businesses for more water management specialists.
It is headed by Professor Jenny Webster-Brown, a scientist recognised internationally for her research into water chemistry and quality.
The joint project, which will lead work with authorities and industry to address specific skill shortages, has support from CPIT, the Canterbury Water Cluster, the Primary Sector Water Partnership and the Water Industries Skills Steering Group. It has been developed in consultation with Environment Canterbury, Canterbury Development Corporation and the Department of Labour.
For further information please contact:
Jeanette Colman
Communications Manager
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 2260
jeanette.colman@canterbury.ac.nz