Technology transfer
Discussing growth of 2–year old pines on rehabilitated mined land with Solid Energy staff
This year we undertook $17.2 million worth of research contracts for international clients, government departments, local government and the business sector. In essence, these contracts are about technology transfer – from investigative research to the end–users.
For each of the last four years, we have commissioned an independent survey of clients from these sectors to assess their perceptions of our performance. Overall, perceptions of us were very favourable with 91% of participants rating our performance as either ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ (2009:70%) and positive feedback was received on our partnership–based relationships. Some clients also provided constructive ideas for improvement, which we will respond to over the coming year.
Secondments, co–locations and joint partnerships
We seconded staff to the Animal Health Board (to assist in developing operational procedures, and designing and running trials), Environment Canterbury (to provide a critical overview of how their soil, land and water datasets could be better integrated and used in understanding the effects of land use change), and Lincoln University (to assist with furthering the Te Matapuna Kaupapa Māori Unit initiative, including developing Māori research capacity, lecturing and supervising students).
This year, Landcare Research and Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga jointly appointed a project leader for research aligned with Tainui’s 2050 tribal strategy, specifically to build capacity in Māori economic development, information and technology transfer, and to develop links with iwi, hapū and Māori land owners.
At our Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Dunedin and Alexandra sites, we are co–located with client agencies and other CRIs. Our larger sites are all located next to universities, with one of our staff holding a joint Professorial appointment with Massey University.
Strategic partnerships with iwi
During the year, we developed high–level strategic relationships with three iwi. We are working with Te Kotahi–a–Tūhoe, responsible for leading the Tūhoe Treaty claim, to provide a range of advice including models for the management of natural resources that would cater for social, cultural, environmental and economic aspirations.
We established an oversight group with senior executives of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to provide strategic leadership for research collaboration, including opportunities around the ETS, Canterbury water management, and alternative land–use options. And we have reached a preliminary agreement with Te Kauhanganui o Waikato/Tainui to develop collaborative research opportunities that would help restore the mauri of the Waikato River and build capacity in kaitiakitanga development.
Biocontrol of weeds – partnering directly with end–users
Our biological control of weeds research exemplifies best practice in partnering directly with end–users. New Zealand has an escalating weed problem costing many millions of dollars in lost production and ongoing herbicide use. For widespread and entrenched weeds, biocontrol is potentially a cost–effective, low–impact, long–term solution. We are one of the most successful organisations globally in introducing and establishing new biocontrol agents on a wide range of weeds. This year we made 52 releases of 10 species of insect against six different weeds.
We work closely with overseas counterparts to locate and extensively test potential agents before importing any into quarantine. New Zealand stakeholders are consulted before any agents are approved for release. Then we mass–rear, distribute and later monitor establishment and impact of the agents with support from regional councils, DOC, farming groups and others. A large measure of our ongoing success is due to the funding and direct involvement of these end–users. To assist stakeholders and end–users with understanding and managing biocontrol programmes, we run an annual two–day introductory training course interspersing indoor sessions with practical activities in the field. We also provide an advanced workshop each year. Organisations that are part of the National Biocontrol Collective can attend these courses free of charge.
´Biosecurity bonanza´ proves popular with stakeholders
Biosecurity Bonanza was a free, one–day workshop in Christchurch to present research highlights from our ‘Beating Weeds II’, ‘Small Mammal Pest Control’ and ‘Invasive Mammal Impacts´ programmes to some of our stakeholders. We had an overwhelming response with 130 people attending from all over New Zealand. Feedback was very positive, and with a really tangible buzz during the catering breaks on the day with considerable enthusiasm for this style of workshop to be repeated. Hence we will run similar annual workshops at different locations around New Zealand.
Team Housewise shows retrofitting can progress sustainable housing
Team Housewise won the retrofit section of the nationwide Sustainable Habitat Challenge (SHAC) for innovation in sustainable design. The team was a partnership between our staff, University of Auckland’s School of Population Health, Housing New Zealand and the New Zealand Housing Federation. For the SHAC Challenge, teams were given less than two years to design, fund and build their vision for more sustainable housing. Many teams opted for new buildings but Team Housewise worked closely with a Glen Innes family to retrofi t their classic 1950s state house into a more comfortable, healthy and sustainable living space, as an example of what could be achieved with New Zealand´s most common house type. In presenting the award, the judges commented on ‘the inspiring potential of the project to make a difference to New Zealand.’
Hatched, an e–book on sustainable development in New Zealand
This year, we published Hatched, a comprehensive collection of interdisciplinary research findings, stories and case–studies from 30 authors covering all aspects of sustainable development research. It was designed primarily for practitioners in the public, business and community sectors but has also been enthusiastically received by universities internationally. In the first 3 ½ months there were over 4,000 visits to the Hatched web pages, and the entire book was downloaded by over 600 people; it has continued to get positive reviews.