Professor of Environmental Planning, University of Waikato
Iain's main research interests lie in exploring the interdisciplinary nature of environmental planning, applications of risk and resilience, and the effective management of water in society. He is the author of the book ‘Water and the City’ published by Routledge and is Professor of Environmental Planning at the University of Waikato in New Zealand.
Iain has also developed a focus to disseminate beyond academe to the private sector, policy, practice and communities to help generate real world impact. At the local level he has worked directly with flood prone communities, policy makers and stakeholder groups, including designing and launching the 'Six Steps to Flood Resilience' guide which was formally endorsed by insurance groups, government departments, industry bodies and community advocacy organisations. Beyond this project he has been active in engaging and sharing knowledge with policy makers, from the Environment Agency and Water Companies, to Local Authorities, professional bodies and governmental agencies, including DEFRA, Communities and Local Government, the Treasury and the European Union. He has also recently been appointed as Chair of the Sustainability Panel for Hamilton City Council.
Flood protection based on historical records is flawed – we need a risk model fit for climate change
Sep 01, 2023 01:43 am UTC| Nature
Despite countries pouring billions of dollars into protecting communities, flood-related disasters are becoming more frequent and are projected to become even more severe as the climate crisis worsens. In fact, many...
Housing crisis? What crisis? How politicians talk about housing and why it matters
Feb 03, 2020 12:18 pm UTC| Insights & Views Real Estate
Politicians in many countries around the world claim to be experiencing a housing crisis. But how do they define it, who is affected, and what is the cause? These are critical questions. Exploring them can help us...
Government flood response harms the most vulnerable – not everyone can get 'resilient'
Nov 19, 2019 03:10 am UTC| Insights & Views Nature
After severe flooding in the North of England, many affected residents have been left feeling let down and left behind by the systems in place to protect them. Our research suggests that they, and many other communities...
There’s an extra $1 billion on the table for NT schools. This could change lives if spent well