The University of Waikato is hosting the fifth Coastal Economic Symposium in Tauranga in February.
Treasuring the Bay, Whakamana te taonga o te Moana a Toi, has become a firm annual fixture on the University of Waikato's summer calendar in the Bay of Plenty.
Dr Nigel Calder, partnership and liaison manager at the University of Waikato in Tauranga, said the symposium was an opportunity to showcase research by local and international scientists, economists and iwi representatives.
"It's also a chance for the community to engage with experts about issues and developments of regional significance."
Keynote speakers include Professor Robert Hannah, Dean of the University's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, who will discuss navigation in ancient times in the Mediterranean, Jack Thatcher, chief navigator of the Waka Tapu, which sailed from Aotearoa to Rapanui (Easter Island) in 2012, who will present on traditional Polynesian and Micronesian navigation, and Caine Taiapa, project manager and research leader for Te Manaaki Te Awanui, who will discuss Tauranga Harbour health and restoration.
Other presentations include Opotiki Harbour developments, Intercoast and University of Bremen research updates, marine biosecurity, Bay of Plenty Regional Council research updates and digital cities.
Event: The 2016 Coastal Economic Symposium - Treasuring the Bay
Date: February 12
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club
Register here.