29 November 1995 University Gives New Focus to Resource Management Studies

A "first" for resource management in New Zealand – a university department focused specifically on that field, and it's happening at Lincoln, home for many years of the Centre for Resource Management and, more recently, of the related areas of Resource Studies and Transport Studies.

"The move to a Department of Resource Management is a logical one associated with Lincoln's growth as a university," says Vice-Chancellor Professor Bruce Ross.

"That growth has seen the development in recent years of a number of new degrees associated with the resource management area but for which we have had no departmental 'home'.

"At the same time the Centre for Resource Management has been re-establishing its identity under a new head and with new staff following the untimely death of Director Dr John Hayward.

"In essence we have brought the two circumstances together and created a new department which will embrace both our resource management activities and our 'resource-specific' degrees and be a clear expression of Lincoln's integrative, interdisciplinary approach in the resources field."

The Director of the Centre for Resource Management, Dr Ian Spellerberg, sees the move as an exciting opportunity for Lincoln to re-assert the importance of resource management teaching and research in New Zealand.

"The creation of a new university department is a rare occurrence these days and in this case we see it as emphasizing the importance of resource management studies based on integrated, interdisciplinary teamwork," he says.

"Lincoln has a long and strong tradition of excellence in the field of resource management work, and that's reflected in the University's Mission Goal of 'seeking pre­-eminence in natural resources teaching and research'.

"The establishment of a specific Department of Resource Management builds on this work which, for many years, has been focused on the widely acclaimed M.Sc degree in Resource Management.

"Staff strengths in the new department will range over ecological science, resource economics, environmental policy, human ecology, environmental ethics, transport systems and environment, women and environment, geographical information systems and integrated environmental management.

"In the integrated environmental management area we're already enjoying the fruits of the appointment of Dr Ken Hughey, who is highly regarded as a teacher and researcher, and we have just welcomed Dr Glen Harrison, a new staff member from Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States, who will contribute significantly to our expertise in the area of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), hazardous materials handling and transport administration."

Overall the new department will provide major input to the following Lincoln University degrees – Bachelor of Resource Studies, Bachelor of Commerce (Transport), Bachelor of Resource Studies with Honours, Postgraduate Diploma in Resource Studies, Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (in Transport), Master of Resource Studies, Master of Applied Science, Master of Science (Resource Management) and Ph.D in Resource Management.

Further "professional" Masters degrees in "environmental management" and "transport studies" are under active consideration.

Environment Minister Simon Upton sees the establishment of a Department of Resource Management at Lincoln as a "significant development" for the University and the country.

"As we become more environmentally conscious, so will we need more and more trained and qualified people in the field of resource management. That is why I welcome Lincoln University's decision to establish a Department of Resource Management," says the Minister.

"Over the years the Centre for Resource Management has made a major contribution to environmental and conservation matters in New Zealand. Such contributions can now best be sustained by a broadened teaching and qualifications base so that more graduates emerge equipped with the messages and expertise that Lincoln signals so strongly through its research and submissions on national issues.

"The new Department of Resource Management is a significant development for Lincoln University, the country, and all those concerned with maintaining and enhancing our environment."

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.