By Gurbir Singh:
The highly-acclaimed environmental scientist Bruce Clarkson, who has successfully completed his first term on the regional council, is eyeing for another term as “there is more work to do to secure a healthy future for the Waikato.”
Taranaki-born ecologist, Clarkson has lived in Hamilton for almost 40 years and he was elected with 14,864 votes in 2022.
Apart from those connected with conservation and environment, most people would perhaps not be fully aware of his credentials and achievements over his 40 plus years of career.
A chance first meeting recently with Bruce Clarkson at one of the election-related events kindled a desire to meet and know more about this affable person seeking re-election.
Professor Bruce Clarkson is nationally renowned for his contribution to the natural environment and “recognised as one of New Zealand’s foremost authorities on ecological restoration.”
Currently he leads a MBIE-funded research programme ‘People, Cities, and Nature’ at Waikato University. He has over 200 publications to his credit on the ecology of New Zealand native plants and vegetation.
Over his long, distinguished career, Clarkson has received several prestigious recognitions for his environmental achievements in the areas of conservation, protecting biodiversity, ecosystems, and restoration ecology.
In 2021, Clarkson (with his wife Dr Bev Clarkson) was awarded the coveted Hamilton-Kirikiriroa Medal for his ‘inspirational dedication’ to many community projects, especially his work with the community on Hamilton’s gully restoration initiatives and the Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park project, near Hamilton Zoo.
Two years later, he received the New Year (2023) honour- Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for “making significant contributions to conservation…His research has helped guide district and regional councils’ increasing commitment to environmental sustainability, native plantings, biodiversity strategies and long-term plans.”
Meeting this highly acclaimed environmental scientist turned out to be a humbling experience and a big learning curve.
In an exclusive to NewsViews, Bruce Clarkson outlines his commitment in promoting a sustainable future, focus areas and the unfinished business at council.
“I made a deliberate choice to run for the regional council again. There is still unfinished business, there is more work to be done to secure a healthy future for Waikato. I am concerned the regional council is still not performing to its full potential to face the challenges confronting the region – now and in future.”
Clarkson is optimistic that once he is back on the council table “I’ll use my analytical and enquiring mind to help council take a more collaborative evidence-based approach to the ongoing and potential challenges ahead.”
Emphasising that he has what it takes to be an effective candidate, he says “My background in environmental science, track record of working with community and iwi, and a career spanning over 40 years is highly relevant to the regional councillor role.”
Talking about his aspirations, he adds “I want to focus on outcomes that ensure we do not compromise future generations’ inheritance and wellbeing.”
When asked how he would work with other councillors to achieve what is best for the council, Clarkson says “consensus”.
“What I mean is anything can be achieved through a meaningful, constructive dialogue and debate. There will always be differences in emphasis and priority amongst councillors, but there is usually a middle ground where some consensus can be reached.”
Bruce Clarkson who is the Deputy Chair in current term of WRC is focused on “sensible spending” today with an eye on future-proofing.
“Our regional council managed to save $2.5 million from expected spending in the last financial year. This reflects responsible financial management and operational efficiency, and we should be proud of that.”
When asked why the surplus was not returned to rate-payers – as demanded by a group of people, he commented “This surplus gives us a safety net. With this saved amount, council can respond quickly to unexpected events like cyclones, biosecurity threats, or invest in important projects without having to ask ratepayers for more money.”
When pointed to claims that ‘millions’ of ratepayers’ money was spent last year on consultants, he expressed his concern at the misinformation and refuted the $16.9m figure that was floating around in current election campaigning.
“Amount actually spent on consultants was under $800,000 and they offer strategic guidance and expertise.”
Years of successful work and the track record of this highly acclaimed environmentalist and now a Waikato Regional Council contender, cannot be dismissed lightly.
When asked about a highlight from his almost completed term, without hesitation, he referred to his collaboration with other councillors to expand the Natural Heritage Fund to support community and iwi action to protect and enhance the Waikato natural environment.
I believe a person of Clarkson calibre should be directly nominated to WRC, instead of having to contest against a bunch of candidates who seem to have their own agenda to grind.Tks NewsViews for ur enlightened interview