Water researchers reach finals of KuDos Awards

The KuDos Hamilton Science Excellence Awards are an annual celebration of local scientific innovations impacting New Zealand’s Waikato region, the rest of the country and the world.

This year, the two finalists in the Waikato Regional Council Environmental Science Award category are Drs Chris Tanner and Carolyn Lundquist, both from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).

Dr Chris Tanner.

Dr Tanner’s research focuses on improving the efficiency of manmade wetlands to improve water cleanliness. The practical application of his work has resulted in solutions for the treatment of wastewater to address a variety of water quality issues.

His projects have included village sanitation projects in Fiji, as well as projects for improved water quality in small communities, towns and marae across New Zealand. Local communities have benefited from cleaner and more efficient water use.

Dr Lundquist’s work covers healthy waterways of a different kind. Her work on ecosystems in oceans and lakes has included projects such as sustainable fishery management and shellfish restoration. Her research findings are important to help maintain healthy water ecosystems in New Zealand.

Now in its seventh year, the KuDos Awards create a chance to recognise top science achievements, while attendees enjoy a black tie dinner and an awards presentation.

The awards dinner and ceremony will be held on 26 September at The Claudelands Events Center. Tickets are open to the general public and can be ordered from http://www.thekudos.org.nz/tickets.shtml.