FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018
Australian and New Zealand scientific research organisations have established the first formal collaboration aimed at
promoting the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible operation of research ships.
Called RVONZA (Research Vessels Of New Zealand and Australia), the group's inaugural meeting was held in Wellington last
month, spearheaded by NIWA's manager of marine resources, Rob Christie.
It was attended by representatives from NIWA, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO),
the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the Australian Maritime
Collage (AMC). Jointly these organisations manage over $1 billion of marine assets and equipment, and carry out
scientific research in the Southern Hemisphere, from vessels such as Tangaroa, Kaharoa the Aurora Australis,
Investigator, Solander and Cape Ferguson.
Mr Christie said the group discussed and agreed on a number of joint initiatives, including enabling technicians to take
part in research voyages across each other's organisations.
"Our technicians have highly specialised skills and this is a great way to share our expertise, enable professional
development as well as develop new ideas and innovation," Mr Christie said.
The group has also agreed to look at the possibility of sharing equipment and vessels and will use their collective
expertise to ensure the best practice for design, management and operation of research ships.
The meeting comes at a time when the Australian Antarctic Divison is building a new AU$500m icebreaking research ship
called Nuyina, and NIWA has begun the process of replacing its mid fleet vessel Kaharoa.
"The formation of RVONZA means we can now work together in a much more coordinated way sharing valuable lessons on the
vessels design, build and operation or research vessels " Mr Christie said.
ends