The partners bring together capabilities in research, innovation, product and systems development, commercialisation, waste and energy management. There are three key objectives that the partnership will focus its activities.1. Research current waste management methodologiesa. Implement a comprehensive waste collection systemb. Waste analysis, recycle, re-usec. Economics analysis of export of recycled wasted. Economic analysis of re-use / product manufacture for exporte. Technical and life cycle analysis of waste to energy options2. Build research capability in waste management, waste to product manufacturing and waste to energy technologies3. Develop data collection metrics and reporting frameworks that will allow common reporting across all SIDS a. Waste volume by specific segregation criteriab. Export volumes and revenue of recycled and upcycled productsc. Waste reduction programme analysisd. Energy production data from renewables The partnership with the National University of Samoa will provide a platform of research and expertise exchange with a focus on building staff and graduate capability within the waste industry which will provide positive environmental, social and economic benefit to small island states.It is expected that over time the partnership between Otago Polytechnic, Pacific Waste Management Solutions Limited and the National University of Samoa will provide additional relationship benefits in a number of research and enterprise areas beyond a focus on waste management. Pacific Waste Management Solutions Limited will provide an investment platform to develop the opportunities derived from our research programme. The provision of proven waste technology infrastructure and waste management methodologies applicable to small island states will enhance research in waste management, employment outcomes, societal and environmental benefits.The partnership research capability will allow small island states to gain an understanding of all potential waste streams and allow development of strategies and policies to maximise potential synergies for greatest sustainable benefit. Waste to energy will provide the opportunity for small island states to reduce their reliance on imported petroleum products for electricity generation. 1. Research focused on waste to energy and renewable electricity generation will provide pathways of transition away from reliance on base load diesel generation. 2. Pilot programmes for waste to energy technologies will enhance research capability Demand side management has the potential to reduce base load diesel generation requirements, Education and training programmes specifically targeting industry, commercial and residential customers will have positive outcomes. Financial modelling based on individual island parameters will determine the most appropriate intervention strategy and policy drivers to achieve desired reduction in base load energy production.

The partnership has a primary research focus in regard to both waste and renewable energy. Standard research methodologies and data collection will provide auditable and peer reviewable research outcomes. Economic scenario modelling for waste collection, waste to energy and waste to product manufacture will allow focus on economically viable options.Investment in viable proven technologies will be driven from research outcomes with 5 case analysis undertaken through Better Business Cases methods. Refer: http://www.infrastructure.govt.nz/publications/betterbusinesscases

The MOU between the partners has been developed to enable shared knowledge and learnings from both research and infrastructure investment. It is envisioned that there will be capacity building in the following areas:- Research methods in aspects of waste, waste management and renewable energy- Enhanced links between NUS and Otago Polytechnic in regard to waste processing, separation methods, material recovery and reuse.- Transfer of waste handling technology suitable for SIDS- Economic development from waste to product manufacture- Economic development to Waste to energy

Ensuring that partner contribution to governance is conducive to efficient and effective decision-making and that its membership reflects the mix of skills, abilities, experiences and competencies required to meet the needs of the partnership. Ensuring that the partnership has a clear direction, knows where it is trying to go, has set reasonable goals, objectives and targets and has aligned these to the appropriate means for their attainment, including the required human and financial resources and the internal incentive system. Ensuring that the principal roles and responsibilities of partners are stipulated and communicated, including the effective delegation of authorities and clear differentiation of the respective roles of management and board members. Ensuring that the partnership in place information systems that track performance against established objectives and that timely reviews are conducted and adjustments/adaptations made as required.Ensuring that the partnership is well managed financially, that its accounting systems are designed and applied with professionalism and that there is independent audit and certification of accounts. Ensuring that corporate and other risk assessments are regularly conducted and that risks are monitored and opportunities for risk mitigation are pursued.Ensuring that the partnership and its management have in place the means to communicate effectively the partnerships key messages and that this is applied with consistency.Ensuring that there are written conflict of interest and code of ethics policies and codified governance guidelines for partners

Otago Polytechnic, Pacific Waste Solutions Limited, National University of Samoa.