5 Nov 2015

New charity to address environmental challenges in NZ

From Nine To Noon, 9:08 am on 5 November 2015
The Marlborough Marine Futures project aims to protect its marine environment.

The Marlborough Marine Futures project aims to protect its marine environment. Photo: 123RF

Former Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Morgan Williams is highlighting the gaps in the funding of environmental science as he launches a philanthropic foundation to support clean rivers and oceans in New Zealand.

Environmental research is under threat due to funding cuts, including jobs at Agresearch, and scientists often get tied up in the paper work of funding applications. Mr Williams wants to encourage a much bigger contribution to science from the philanthropic sector because science is of great benefit to everybody.

"What you really need for good science for either a business or society as a whole is stability [of core funding]."