Annual Report marks year of change and consolidati

Media Release

20 October 2006

Annual Report marks year of change and consolidation

Landcare Research has released its 2006 Annual Report, outlining a solid year.

This is the Crown Research Institute’s sixth sustainability report. It shows how our research defines and protects environmental values, and summarises the company’s financial, environmental and social performance.

Landcare Research’s science has multiple benefits for stakeholders and the country as a whole. The report outlines work such as identifying carbon farming opportunities on Maori land, determining the real value of New Zealand’s topsoil, and various projects assessing and mitigating biosecurity risks.

The past year was Landcare Research’s first full year of projects funded under the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology’s Outcome Based Investment collaborations. These OBIs provide more stable and long-term science funding. Landcare Research leads three OBIs and is a collaborator in a fourth.

The company also reorganised, streamlining its senior management team. Landcare Research Chief Executive Dr Warren Parker says this simplified structure facilitates a clearer focus on customer needs, particularly with regards to providing sustainability advice to the private sector. Dr Parker says business sectors are increasingly considering environmental values as key components in their long-term business success.

Landcare Research made a financial surplus of $2.155 million from revenues of $51.6 million. Its net operating cashflow of $3.2 million places the company in a strong position for the new financial year.

Sirtrack, the Havelock North-based wildlife tracking subsidiary, grew its sales revenue by 58% to a record $4.2 million. Staff numbers were increased from 18 to 28 people to accommodate future growth and the planned launch of several new high-specification products.

Landcare Research has found the triple-bottom-line format of its Annual Report to be highly regarded. Our reports have been award-winning and the format continues to pay dividends through the generation of research and consulting contracts. The company will carry on its focus on continual improvement in its sustainability initiatives.

Landcare Research’s annual reports are printed with vegetable inks on 100% recycled paper, manufactured using wind power. Those wanting to help save paper can view the report and supporting information on our website:
www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/annualreport_0506/.

ENDS

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