The idea for this project came as the result of a controversy between the Southland Acclimatisation Society and the Southland Catchment Board which was publicly aired in the Southland Times in December 1988. The arguments will be detailed further on in this work. Given that the river is a resource for the use, and benefit of all New Zealanders this project hopes to outline the view points and beliefs of the different interested parties, regarding the use and management of the resource. While the primary objective is a collation of the various opinions it is hoped that the author will be able to draw conclusions, or at least be able to make comments and recommendations, on future river management.

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.