Sponsorships
The 2010 winners of the Atuwhenua Trophy
AgResearch supports a number of key events and strategic sponsorships each year. These are considered by the Executive Management Committee and committed for the forthcoming financial year in a funding round in May. The sponsorship portfolio is for events or activities that align with the strategic direction of the organisation. The funding allocation is finite and contestable. Each proposal is considered on its merit and is assessed according to its potential return on investment. The Executive Management Committee has confirmed the following successful sponsorships.
Developing Women / Advancing Science
28-29 July 2011, Auckland
This is a conference for women and girls with an interest in science and science related careers, hosted by the Association for Women in the Sciences. The conference will provide opportunities for women working in any field of science to develop their skills to benefit both their careers and personal lives, and provides an opportunity for them to learn from, and network with, other women working in science. The programme will include keynote speakers and panel discussions with women who are leaders in their fields, workshops for career and personal development as well as sessions to discuss some of the key scientific issues facing us in the 21st century. AgResearch is proud to be a session sponsor and will provide a leading scientist to chair the session.
The 3rd Combined Australian and New Zealand Entomological Societies Conference
28 August – 1 Sept 2011, Lincoln University
This conference is particularly valuable for researchers involved in entomology-related research. Symposia will include topics such as biosecurity, biological control, land use change and integrated pest management. The combined Societies Conference will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase AgResearch’s work to a high profile Australasian audience as well as to potential collaborators and funders.
The 1st Bio-Protection Symposium: “Managing Pests: the Future for Bio Control”
31 August 2011, Lincoln University
The Bio-Protection Research Centre will host the above titled symposium in Palmerston North and will bring together key New Zealand and international experts to discuss some of the lessons learned from previous successful and unsuccessful biocontrol initiatives, and to investigate options for the future of non-pesticide control of pests, diseases and weeds. The symposium will host researchers and post graduate students as well as primary sector industry leaders, exporters and representatives from groups with an interest in environmental issues, sustainability, bio protection science and consumer well-being. AgResearch sponsorship will assist with travel and accommodation costs for the invited symposium speakers.
The International Water Association 16th International Health Related Water Microbiology Symposium
18-23 September 2011, Rotorua
Part of AgResearch’s core purpose is around supporting freshwater management. There is growing recognition around the world that the key contaminant that limits water quality is faecal microorganisms that pose a human health risk. Furthermore, agriculture is seen as the largest source of this contaminant. The Health Related Water Microbiology conference will bring approximately 150 of the world’s best water microbiologists to New Zealand and provides an important opportunity to transfer some of this knowledge to New Zealand researchers and practitioners. AgResearch sponsorship of this conference demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting the sustainable development of agriculture and its impact on water quality through leading edge science.
Meat Industry Workshop 2011
October 2011, Hamilton
The AgResearch Meat Industry Workshop has become a well attended forum in which researchers and meat industry senior technical staff are able to present and discuss projects that are of topical interest to the industry. This workshop is a critically important forum to engage with the meat processing sector and provides the opportunity for both researchers and meat industry technical managers to connect directly and to discuss and agree on the current and long term research and industry outcomes and objectives. The sponsorship will allow the organising committee to expand this workshop from a one day into a two day event which will allow time for more in depth discussion on each topic, with the aim of better defining and prioritising the issues and opportunities that R&D should be addressing.
NZ Grasslands Association Annual Conference
8-10 November 2011, Gisborne
The NZGA is the largest membership-based body in NZ transferring pastoral technology from the laboratory to the farm and includes scientists, farmers and agribusiness representatives as well as an international membership base. Since 1995, AgResearch has published, on average, 26 papers per year in the Proceedings which have for the past 79 years been the preferred publishing choice of pastoral researchers here and abroad. AgResearch scientists are world renowned for their contribution to the development of forages for ruminant animals and this is reflected in the on going support for this important specialist conference and symposia.
New Zealand Microbiological Society – “Right Here, Right Now” Conference
23-25 November 2011, Palmerston North
This is the premier event for New Zealand microbiologists each year. The NZMS is a professional society affiliated with the Royal Society of New Zealand and has a proud history spanning 50 years. Microbiology is a core capability within AgResearch and many sections have teams with experienced microbiologists. The microbiological research undertaken at AgResearch is broad in scope, with a core concentration of microbiologists at the Grasslands campus and Hopkirk Research Institute in Palmerston North. AgResearch is committed to supporting professional development for its staff and recognises this conference as an important science leadership opportunity.
The Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Awards 2012
Sponsorship of the Ahuwhenua Trophy is a key platform that underpins AgResearch’s 2009 – 2014 Māori Strategy. AgResearch has been a Gold Sponsor and key supporter of the Ahuwhenua Trophy since 2003. AgResearch’s profile within the Māori agribusiness sector was significantly enhanced by the increased profile offered by our support of the Awards. In the past seven years, the competition has been an important factor in building and enhancing the relationships with key Māori organisations involved in the pastoral sector. The company recognises the significant value the awards provide in supporting the development and improvement of Māori landholding and farming practices and has been at the forefront of the reestablishment of the Awards from its rejuvenation.
NZBIO Conference 2012
NZBIO acts to enable an effective environment for successful New Zealand bio enterprise. Established in 2003, they have a broad range of members engaged in all areas of the bioeconomy, including primary production, industrial and environmental and health applications, as well as members involved in supporting industries such as commercialisation, professional advice and investment. NZBIO have strong connections into regional, national and international networks, including actively working with other sector-specific industry associations both in New Zealand and around the world. NZBIO brings an integrated approach to industry development and advocacy through the delivery of four product and service offerings: Information and Communications; Advocacy and Representation; Events, Conferences and Seminars; and Marketing and Business Development. AgResearch has sponsored the conference dinner and utilises this opportunity to present and address conference delegates.
NZ Society of Animal Production – Occasional Publications Support
The NZ Society of Animal Production produces books called Occasional Publications on specific topics. The aim of the books is to bring relevant science together in a practically applicable and understandable form for farmers and also acts as a useful aid for teaching at tertiary level. AgResearch is proud to support a publication focussed on wool given the recovery in wool prices, and the renewed interest in how to improve the product. This book will set down the biological principles for each wool characteristic in a user friendly form and accompanying these with heritability estimates and in some cases, the management techniques to deliver them. Sheep breeders would then be able to hit specifications to suit processors needs.