From discussing the quality of our water to things we never knew about the Tron - there's something for everyone at this year's Winter Lecture Series.
The University of Waikato Winter Lecture Series is held every Wednesday evening in August and is designed to bring together experts and advocates fromaround the community to spark discussion and debate. Each lecture is free and open to the public.
This year's series opens with TV presenter and friend of the university, Te Radar, who presents a series of interesting facts in 'Things you never knew about the Waikato' on August 5.
The University of Waikato's professor of environmental planning Iain White hosts a panel debate on August 12, with two opposing sides discussing water quality and whether we need to be worrying about our water in the future. The panel features Green MP Catherine Delahunty, Mori and indigenous legal issues expert Associate Professor Linda Te Aho and economist Dr Dan Marsh versus agricultural commentator Professor Jacqueline Rowarth and representatives from the farming industry. The debate will explore both sides of the argument and the audience will pick a winner at the end.
Comedian and columnist Raybon Kan leads a panel of researchers and experts, including diversity acceptance advocate Anjum Rahman, indigenous population expert Dr Tahu Kukutai and Mori issues expert Dr Leonie Pihama who ask "Is New Zealand really a multicultural society?" on August 19.
The series finishes on a light-hearted note on August 26 with comedian Jan Maree who will discuss the merits of living in The Tron with a panel of proud Hamiltonians in 'An ode to Hamilton'. The panel includes heavy metal musician Paul "The Axeman" Martin, The Hamilton Mafia Project, spaces and places researcher Professor Robyn Longhurst, and several people who have made Hamilton their home after living abroad.
This year's series takes place at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts and the Hamilton City Council Civic Reception Lounge. For more information, see waikato.ac.nz/events/lecture-series/winter-lectures.shtml.
