The head of a new environmental law research centre at Waikato University's Te Piringa Faculty of Law, says one of the major areas of focus will be Maori and indigenous governance.
Functions to launch the centre are being held this week in Tauranga, Hamilton and Wellington.
Professor Barry Barton says some research important to Maori has already started.
He says Associate Maori Dean Linda Te Aho has been heavily involved in developing a management system for the Waikato river.
He says her research work provides a valuable insight which others can use to work out what will be a suitable model, depending on the variety of circumstances.
Professor Barton says the university will launch another law research centre early next year, which will concentrate specifically on Maori and indigenous governance.
