Much of 2005 has been involved in establishing the SKANZ committee. This has been no mean task as it has involved engendering the co-operation of several tertiary institutions that are more used to working in a competitive, siloed environment. While the committee is fortunate in having many distinguished scientists as members, Venture Southland’s contribution www.southlandnz.com for providing pragmatism, engineering capacity and institutional support has been recognised as essential in achieving progress.