  We are conducting the first systematic 3D spectroscopic imaging survey to
quantify the properties of the atomic gas (HI) in a distance-limited sample of
28 Seyfert galaxies and a sample of 28 inactive control galaxies with
well-matched optical properties (the VHIKINGS survey). This study aims to
address the role of the host galaxy in nuclear activity and confront
outstanding controversies in optical/IR imaging surveys. Early results show
possible relationships between Seyfert activity and HI extent, content and the
prevalence of small, nearby gas-rich dwarf galaxies (M(HI)~10^7 Msun); results
will be tested via rigorous comparison with control galaxies. Initial results
from our optical followup study of 15 of our galaxies using the SAURON integral
field unit on the WHT suggest a possible difference between Seyfert and
inactive stellar and gaseous kinematics that support the conclusion that
internal kinematics of galaxies are the key to nuclear activity.
