Water Overview The Forum workshops covering water and research and development were combined to make the most of limited resources and maintain good numbers for discussion groups. Water Pressure on the world’s water resources for drinking, industry and recreational use will become extreme, and the value of good quality water supplies will increase. Rotorua is well positioned to benefit from its comparative natural advantage, having 14 lakes in the region, a good level of regular rainfall and the unique geothermal water resource. While there are water quality issues at present, the natural water resource is a potential global point of difference for Rotorua, both in its capacity to support new business and for its lifestyle value. The work on restoring the lakes presents opportunities for the combination of environmental and economic outcomes, and could position the region as a global leader in the development and application of improved lake water technology. Workshop summary BrightEconomy Board members Lachlan McKenzie and Tupara Morrison facilitated the water/R&D workshop. Participants questioned ownership of the water in Rotorua and asked whether the Board knows the long-term quality and quantity of water required? Suggestions included focusing on the marketable value of water for such activities as boating and rafting. One barrier to export is freight cost, as water is heavy. Extensive discussion of R&D included suggestions to reduce barriers that discourage SMEs from using research and development agencies. Suggestions centred on funding and information Points included: Important to identify challenges to local businesses Need to protect ownership of ideas Communication between stakeholders is crucial Link needed between R&D and commercialisation. To download R&D/water workshop details, click below Forum - Research and Development /Water Presentation Forum - Research and Development / Water notes The way forward The aim is to understand the economic development water capacity for growth in the Rotorua district by Dec 2006, and to work with SCION to produce a regional “waste to gold” development plan by March 2007.