J. Morgan Williams

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John Morgan Williams, known as Dr. J. Morgan Williams, is a New Zealand ecologist and agricultural scientist who served as the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment from 1997 to March 2007.

Williams obtained a MSc from Canterbury University, studying biology and ecology, and then studied at Bath University where he completed a PhD in population ecology. He worked in Antarctica and Fiji before returning to New Zealand where he worked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in research, management and policy for 21 years. In January, 1996, he joined Agriculture New Zealand Limited, a Wrightson Group company, and the following year he was appointed New Zealand's second Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.

Williams acted as PCE for over ten years, from 1997 until March, 2007. During that time he oversaw the publication of a wide range of research findings and policy guidance on sustainability for matters of national interest.

Notable works include:

June, 1998: The cities and their people: New Zealand's urban environment
June, 1998: Kaitiakitanga and local government: tangata whenua participation in environmental management
June, 2000: Ageing pipes and murky waters: urban water system issues for the 21st century
April, 2001: Beyond ageing pipes. Urban water systems for the 21st century
June, 2001: Managing change in paradise: sustainable development in peri-urban areas
August, 2002: Creating our future: Sustainable development for New Zealand
November, 2004: Growing for good: Intensive farming, sustainability and New Zealand's environment