LandWISE is hosting two students from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Rachel Eatherly and Makenzie Read are interns through a Massey University programme and are at LandWISE for the month of June. They are both studying Natural Resources and Environmental Economics, which influenced their decision to study abroad in New Zealand through Massey University’s Agricultural College.

Makenzie is concerned with methods of maintaining economic growth while minimizing the impact on water sources. Rachel is interested in sustainable farming practices to minimize the impact on the environment while also increasing profits and production.  So the interests of both align very well with LandWISE.

While at LandWISE, Rachel and Makenzie are considering the implications of applying the Tukituki Plan Change 6 to cropping on the Heretaunga Plains. In particular, they are examining the levels of awareness, the scale of potential impact, and what changes may be required if Plan Change 6 were to be implemented. They appreciate the support they have received from farmers, council, industry and other stakeholders. We will post their report once complete.

Their visit to New Zealand began with a two week tour starting in Christchurch. Travelling with five other colleagues and Massey representatives through Otago to the West Coast and Marlborough they saw our fascinating South Island landscapes and visited farms as well as natural areas. They then travelled around the North Island including stops at National Park, LIC in Hamilton, Auckland, Rotorua and Taupo before arriving in Hawke’s Bay.