New director at Our Land and Water

Her appointment follows the retirement of current director Ken Taylor on May 29.

She joins Our Land and Water following more than nine years as Professor of Water Resource Management and inaugural director of the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, established between the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University in 2010.

“I’m looking forward to leading the Our Land and Water challenge as it does the critical job of translating science into a real, lasting change in the way Aotearoa manages our water and land resources, with the potential to impact every New Zealander,” says Dr Webster-Brown. 

 “Jenny will be an outstanding director to follow on from Ken,” says Our Land and Water governance group chair Hone McGregor.

“She is passionate about the kaupapa of Our Land and Water and has the ability to bring people with her in the mission-led environment of a National Science Challenge.” 

Webster-Brown has constructive relationships with many parties whose engagement and commitment is critical to improving freshwater quality in New Zealand. 

She holds a PhD in geochemistry and worked for the DSIR and ESR before joining the University of Auckland for 12 years, prior to her director’s role at the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management.

Her academic research was principally in the field of freshwater chemistry and quality in New Zealand and Antarctica.

An experienced science communicator on freshwater issues, Dr Webster-Brown is a frequently sought expert for media commentary on major national and regional government initiatives for freshwater management, and in response to water shortages or contamination events.