Breadcrumbs

Toihuarewa – Waimāori Chair in Lake and Fresh Water Science appointment confirmed

13 December 2021

Dr Deniz Özkundakci
Dr Deniz Özkundakci

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the University of Waikato have appointed Dr Deniz Özkundakci to the position of Toihuarewa – Waimāori Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair in Lake and Fresh Water Science.

The Lake and Fresh Water Science programme leads research and innovation and provides advice to Toi Moana across the Bay of Plenty region’s freshwater and lake environments.

Toi Moana Chief Executive Fiona McTavish said Dr Özkundakci will provide leadership for freshwater science, research and policy in his new role as Toihuarewa – Waimāori.

“A core role of the chair is to oversee the programme of research which will enable council to foresee and adapt to challenges and opportunities in the management of the region’s lake and freshwater resources,” Ms McTavish said.

“Dr Özkundakci brings an incredible amount of experience and expertise to the position and we are so pleased to have him on board.”

Dr Özkundakci brings considerable research expertise in lakes and freshwater systems (including a recently-awarded MBIE Smart Ideas project), has studied the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems and has a wealth of experience in community engagement through his work as a freshwater scientist for the Waikato Regional Council.

Originally from Germany, Dr Özkundakci has lived in New Zealand since 2005 and is looking forward to working in the Bay of Plenty alongside Regional Council.

As well as providing leadership, Dr Özkundakci will foster strong relationships with iwi and the community in relation to freshwater.

Mātauranga Māori is integral to the research programme and it provides opportunities for students who whakapapa to the Toi Moana rohe to undertake post-graduate research in the area and for Treaty Partners like the Te Arawa Lakes Trust to engage with university work.

University of Waikato Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Bryony James, says the University is proud to be continuing its longstanding relationship with Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council through this appointment.

"Freshwater management is a vital issue for the Bay of Plenty region and this unique role involves having both the technical experience in freshwater, but also community engagement. Dr Özkundakci brings a wealth of experience in both areas and we look forward to following his work with Toi Moana."

Toihuarewa – Waimāori is a joint collaboration between Toi Moana and the University of Waikato. The two have had an ongoing relationship since the early 2000s and together have made achievements in the freshwater research space.

Dr Özkundakci is due to start in early January 2022 and will be based at the University of Waikato.


This research aligns with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Clean Water and Sanitation Life Below Water

Latest stories

Related stories

Research leader and Antarctica expert to join Waikato as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research

The University of Waikato has announced the appointment of Professor Gary Wilson to the role…

University of Waikato researchers receive record-level Marsden funding to explore bold ideas for the future

The University of Waikato is celebrating its most successful Marsden funding round yet.

Dr Rebecca Lawton Rutherford Discovery Fellow

Prestigious Rutherford Discovery Fellowship awarded to Dr Rebecca Lawton for marine kelp research

Dr Rebecca Lawton, Senior Lecturer in Marine Science and Aquaculture at the University of Waikato…

Dr Jason Mika

Significant funding boost for University of Waikato research

The University of Waikato has achieved significant results in the latest funding round from the…

Dr Haki Tuaupiki and Associate Professor Maui Hudson

Waikato researchers tapped for US$30m Centre for braiding Indigenous knowledge and science

Two University of Waikato researchers have been shoulder-tapped as investigators within the newly launched NSF…

3MT group photo 2023

Captive kiwi management researcher takes out tight competition

Te Aka Mātuatua School of Science animal behaviour researcher Rebecca Connor won the University's 3…

IDI Lab sign

Newly refurbished Waikato IDI Lab a catalyst for fostering academic-industry collaboration

The University of Waikato re-opened its newly refurbished Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) Lab; a catalyst…

Professor Chris Battershill

Renowned scientist honoured for dedication to marine conservation

World-renowned marine scientist Professor Chris Battershill has been honoured for his significant contributions to marine…

Professor Holly Thorpe

Reimagining fields of play to grow the future of women in sport through world-class research

Waikato hosts global symposium to tackle issues from building gender-inclusive sporting environments to menstrual health…

Copyright Todd M. Henry 2020a

Kava based therapy for psychological trauma reaches clinical trial milestone

Waikato Pacific health researcher Dr Apo Aporosa has been awarded a Health Research Council grant…

Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts

Te Kāhui a Kiwa - driving awareness and dialogue on Indigenous trade

Indigenous and international speakers meet this week at the University of Waikato to share their…

Images of Dr Joel Rindelaub and Dr Benjamin Dickson from the University of Waikato

Curing cancer, clearing the air and changing the world: two senior chemistry lecturers move to Waikato

The University of Waikato has appointed two new senior chemistry lecturers to Te Aka Mātuatua…