Laboratory Analysis

Details

To undertake analytical sample analysis of samples collected by Waikato Regional Council.

We need a laboratory to:
a) undertake sample bottle preparation in line with Council sampling runs.
b) analyse samples to a high standard, e.g. meeting IANZ accreditation and National Environmental Monitoring Standards (NEMS) where appropriate.
c) supply quality assured results electronically in a timely and accurate fashion. Provide quarterly reporting of timeliness and errors.
d) have a best practice chain of custody process that can withstand scrutiny through the criminal disclosure process and potentially through defended criminal hearings.
e) have great customer service and a “can do” attitude including the ability to be agile and accommodate short notice analysis requests.

The laboratory needs to be responsive with the provision of sampling equipment during emergencies and receiving samples outside normal business hours.

Most of WRC’s water and soil samples are for SoE, research and investigations. Being able to assess trends over time is a critical role WRC undertakes from the laboratory results. The service must be at a level not to bring WRC into disrepute. The analysis is used for critical decision making by scientists, policy makers, consenting, government ministries and court hearings.

The Resource Use Directorate at WRC relies heavily on accurate lab results from a credible lab for regulatory processes. The regional compliance section collects samples on an almost daily basis. The subsequent analysis of those samples is a key determination as to what the appropriate follow-up action is, if linked to a breach of environmental regulation. That action can include the commencement of criminal prosecutions. If presented in a formal enforcement process the court must be able to confidently rely upon the sample handling and analysis.