The Centre

We are the leading provider of freshwater teaching and research services in New Zealand.

Waterways was established in 2009 as a joint partnership between Canterbury and Lincoln Universities – the first such centre to be established at any New Zealand university.

For over a decade we have brought together people, research and educational pathways in order to improve freshwater management for the future. Today we continue to grow our influence and offering. Our breadth of experts, research, programmes and the launch of a new Masters degree for 2023 sees us leading the field in freshwater management.

Waterways was born out of consultation between public and private stakeholders involved in Canterbury water resource management, who saw the need for a coordinated effort amidst a landscape of rapidly changing policies. Today, we continue to collaborate and maintain strong industry and governmental links, so that we can improve skills, knowledge and outcomes across the water sector.