HISTORY OF WATERSHED SYSTEMS

CENTRE FOR CATCHMENT ECOLOGY

In 1974, prototype training, research and development projects for assessing catchment habitats and landscape ecosystems commenced in New Zealand. In 1976, following field trials, three regional projects were chosen, inter-disciplinary teams trained and catchment habitat assessments completed for the King Country, Northland and the Upper Waitaki catchment. The culmination of this early work was the Waitaki Basin Land Use Study. Subsequently, R&D projects in the South Island high country, in Central Otago, Inland Marlborough, and Canterbury (1978-1989) further developed the methods.

Results of the high country catchment R&D work undertaken from 1974-89 were received with acclaim in Australia. Landmark projects using the new methods were completed for the River Murray and Billabong catchments. Published works continue to attract international attention and regular invitations to address conferences. Over the past 25 years, geospatial skills training has provided professionals and technicians from Australia, China, UK and North America with integrated catchment management technologies. Now these site and field based short courses are available in New Zealand.

WHERE IS TWIZEL, RUATANIWHA?

The Watershed Systems centre for Catchment Ecology is located in the Waitaki Basin, New Zealand, at the foot of the Southern Alps. This high country watershed region is renown internationally for the exceptional purity of its waters, unmatched growth of trees and forests, and spectacular mountain-river-lake landscapes. The region is famous for freshwater angling and salmon aquaculture, catchment telemetry and outdoor education. Together these features ensure an exciting living and learning environment. A portfolio of pictures will be added soon. Keep in touch.