The University of Waikato and Waikato Regional Council have signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding overnight.

It comes after both organisations experienced leadership changes within the past 18 months and outlines how the two organisations will work together strategically on regional issues.

University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley and Waikato Regional Council chairperson Paula Southgate signing a revised memorandum of understanding overnight. Photo: Supplied

Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley says the new memorandum is more focussed than in the past and specifically draws on each organisation's expertise.

The first two areas of focus will be fresh water science and management, and regional economic development.

'Our researchers are world leaders in these areas and they are also at the heart of the regional council's work,” says Neil. 'We look forward to sharing and learning with our regional council colleagues and engaging in research which has real benefits for the entire region.

'Working with regional bodies is important to the University and we welcome opportunities such as this.”

It sets out five year plans for both focus areas, with areas for possible future collaboration identified as support for the Waikato AgriHub and researching opportunities and challenges for the region.

Council chairperson Paula Southgate says the memorandum reflects a move from a more science-based agreement to one where both organisations work together more strategically.

'Freshwater management and regional development,” explains Paula,” 'both these are crucial for the future health of our region. Like the university, we have many staff who are leaders in their fields.

'By working together even more closely under this revised MoU we will more effectively link up to combine our expertise for the benefit of the region.

Paula believes partnerships like this, plus initiatives like the Waikato Mayoral Forum's workstreams and co-operation with iwi and others over river management, are essential to the work they do.

'No one organisation has all the answers and we need to work together to deliver the best way forward for our region.”