A growing relationship between Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Massey University has been formalised today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The two organisations have been in discussion over the last 18 months to explore collaborative projects.

For HBRC the relationship aims to increase the level of science and research undertaken, supporting sustainable growth in the region, while for Massey it provides a tangible touch point into the Hawke's Bay community and provides relevant projects for its students. Both organisations expect to benefit from the associated knowledge transfer that will occur.

Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey and senior members of the leadership team attended today's meeting along with HBRC senior staff and councillors, with Mayors and Chief Executives from other Hawke's Bay councils.

HBRC Chairman Fenton Wilson says the agreement is a strategic approach to growing research and science in Hawke's Bay.

"Today is another important step in building the strategic alliance between Hawke's Bay and Massey. The Memorandum of Understanding signed today is a symbolic representation of our shared vision."

Steve Maharey says while the memorandum is research focused, there is much more Massey can and is contributing to the wider Hawke's Bay community including teaching, expert assistance, scholarships, iwi partnerships, economic and social development as well as being a member of the community.

Both parties are already working on a number of projects including a Strategic Farming Initiative with a focus on land use intensification, particularly in the Ruataniwha basin where HBRC is undertaking a feasibility study into the proposed Ruataniwha Water Storage dam. Another project on farmer segmentation seeks to understand how to accelerate technology transfer to achieve best practice in the primary sector.