Fortnightly Pipeline newsletter from WaterNZ

23 Apr 2024

 

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Check out the Stormwater 2024 conference details, vote now for this year's photo competition and keep a look out for 5S recent graduate or student conference prize!

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Latest Updates

Take a look at our programme and keynote speakers

Stormwater 2024 is about healthy livable water-resilient communities across Aotearoa New Zealand and we're delighted to have some exceptional keynote speakers including the co-producer of Our Blue World, Paul O'Callaghan.

We're thrilled to announce our 2024 keynote speakers for this year

Kara Puketapu-Dentice - Chief Executive of Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o Te Ika
Paul O'Callaghan- (Virtual Keynote Speaker)-  Founder & CEO BlueTech Research | Brave Blue World
Jonny Osborne-  Policy Practitioner
Nicola Patrick - Director Catchment | Greater Wellington Regional Council
Robert C. Bears - Founder | Our Future Water

To join us, and be part of the discussion and visit some of the cutting edge technology at our expo stands, visit our conference website.

 

Stormwater Awards 2024

Water New Zealand is excited to announce the finalists for the Stormwater Young Professional and Stormwater Professional of the year awards. 

Finalists for
 Stormwater Young Professional of the Year Sponsored by Beca
Bidara Pathirage, Senior Associate - Woods
Charlotte Arcus, Senior Three Waters Design Engineer - Tonkin + Taylor
Amanda Kirk, Environmental Engineer - WSP

Finalists for Stormwater Professional of the Year Sponsored by Aurecon Group
Alistair Allan, Technical Principal Water Resources & Flood Risk Management - WSP
Linda Norman, Senior Environmental Engineer - ACH Consulting

Additional award nominees released soon.

 

Preconference Workshop

After the floods; looking backwards to go forward. What have we learnt from the floods and what are we going to do differently for the future?

This workshop hopes to bring together council staff and professionals to share learnings from the range of work happening in Aotearoa around flood response, planning for resilience, adaptation and climate change.

We hope to hear from local government, central government and research agencies, then give participants a chance to brainstorm lessons learnt and ideas for the future.

Venue: Takina Convention Centre
Date: Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Time: 1pm – 5pm

 

Connexis Ripple Effect: Exploring Stormwater Careers

This year we're offering an opportunity for high school students to join us and learn what a career in water may look like.

As we know, this is a dynamic sector and there is a huge range of career opportunities, especially for students interested in STEM subjects - science, technology, engineering and maths. Students will also get to talk to recent graduates and see what's involved.

If you would like to secure your place and/or need further information please contact: waternz@avenues.co.nz

Sponsored by 

 

High performance concrete repairs for water infrastructure

 
 
 

Our Blue World - join us for an exclusive premiere screening

The story of the Whanganui River features in a powerful new film being shown in Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time at a special pre-conference screening on 14 May prior to the Water New Zealand Stormwater Conference and Expo in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.

Where:
 Te Papa – Soundings Theatre
When: Tuesday, 14 May
Welcome Drinks and Nibbles (in Icon) from 5:15pm
Screening begins at 6:00pm
Cost: $10 for Stormwater Delegates

Please email us if you require further information.

Sponsored by

 
 
 

WaterAid Breakfast | 15 May | Tākina Convention Centre

Join us for breakfast on Wednesday, 15 May, 7.30am – 8.30am at Tākina in room Matiu and learn more about the wonderful work that WaterAid Australia does in the Pacific and Melanesia.

Water New Zealand is proud to support WaterAid’s efforts to bring clean safe drinking water and sanitation to communities in our wider Pacific region.

Come along, meet others and find out how you can get involved.

Find out more

 

Recent graduate or student conference prize

The 5S (Gold Shovelers) Emerging Water Professional prize offers a Water New Zealand student or recent graduate member the opportunity to attend the Water New Zealand Conference and Expo 2024 or the Water New Zealand Stormwater Conference 2025.

Nominations are welcomed from recent graduates, tertiary students and/or individuals who have recently studied or are studying for a certificate or diploma in a water-related field.

Nomination form will be live on Monday 6 May 


Nominations and entries close on Friday 31 May

 

Photo Competition 2024 - VOTE NOW 

Thank you to those who submitted their ‘water’ photos for our 2024 Photo Competition. We asked you for great photos that showcase water in one of four categories - our people, assets, innovation and natural environment.

Have a look and choose your favourites:

Click here to vote

Cut the waste from Water, try our new cost saving calculator

 

Cultural Significance and Importance of Wai Module

Last chance to register or else you’ll have to wait until August to join our popular Cultural Significance and Importance of Wai Module – our next course starts on 9 May.

Deepen your knowledge and understanding of wai (water) through a Te Ao Māori lens.

The course consists of two hours of interactive online learning and discussion per week, over a 9-10 week period.

This fascinating and insightful course is a valuable learning opportunity for anyone with an interest in water in Aotearoa New Zealand, especially people working in partnership with iwi and other stakeholders.

Register now

 

Public consultation on the Fire and Emergency levy for 2026-2029

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has started public consultation on proposed levies for the period 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2029. Consultation closes at 5pm on 17 May 2024. 

Our draft submission is available here: Public consultation on the Fire and Emergency levy for 2026-2029.

The submission addresses the proposal to expand the levy to include insurance of water reticulation pipes, as well as functions of FENZ which interface with water service delivery.

Members comments can be provided to Lesley Smith

 

Introducing Smart Seeds

GHD’s six-week innovation programme is open for expressions of interest. Guided by industry experts, participants collaborate to develop solutions, to address pressing community challenges, culminating in a pitch to a judging panel of industry and leaders. Smart Seeds offers a platform for growth, learning and mentorship.

Express your interest in their Auckland or Wellington programme kicking off later this year: Smart Seeds 2024

 

Revamped Water Directory - find the services and suppliers you need

We’re super excited to be launching our much-improved online Water Directory. We want to make sure that you can quickly find the people, suppliers and services you need to get your job done.

Take a look, then tell us what you think and be into win a free registration for the biggest water event this year.

Click here

 

Government Inquiry into the North Island Severe Weather Events

Released last week, the inquiry into the response to last year's North Island storms makes 14 recommendations; improve coordination and representation across the system this includes three water services, recognise a wider group of critical infrastructure including flood protection systems, clarify roles, and  increase capability and capacity, in emergency management.  Many of these recommendations echo Water New Zealand advocacy across policy, flooding and emergency management.

Read the enquiry's report back here: Report of the Government Inquiry into the Response to the North Island Severe Weather Events

As a Lifelines Utility and as a national Sector Coordinating Entity (‘Water SCE’)
Water New Zealand addressed the inquiry last year. The points we made are here: 

Inquiry into the North Island Severe Weather Events

 

Summary of responses and government response

The UK Government, Welsh Government, Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are all committed to tackling plastic pollution and its impact on our environment, economy and health. Across the UK, they have introduced bans on a range of unnecessary single-use plastic items.

View here

 

Industry News

Water recycling across New Zealand: The opportunities are here, the time is right, so what are we waiting for?

New Zealand’s precious water resources are finite, with a growing need for action to conserve and manage our water supply. By learning from international practices in recycled water use, we can develop customised standards for New Zealand’s unique needs to effectively manage our water supply into the future.

Read more here

 

Councils hope budget will answer flood defence funding call

Regional councils have made the case for nearly $200 million in funding from the Government to deliver 80 flood protection projects quicker. “We can’t do this alone," Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Daran Ponter said. “We're hopeful that either via the budget or through a separate funding arrangement the Government will put co-investment into 80 flood protection schemes in most regions of the country."

Read more here


Hydroflow Civil: future proofed today for a more sustainable tomorrow

Drinking water standard for nitrate needs review - Canterbury public health expert

There is growing evidence the maximum allowable level of nitrate in drinking water should be halved, a Canterbury public health expert says.

It comes off the back of Greenpeace writing to Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand over its "serious public health concerns" about Canterbury's drinking water.

Read more

 

Tina Porou on Te Mana o te Wai

Poipoia founder, Tina Porou talks on Waatea News about the challenges to iwi and hapu posed by fast track legislation and rebalancing Te Mana o te Wai.

Read more

 

Upcoming Events

Career Stories from the Water Industry

9 May - Christchurch | 5:30 - 7:30pm 

The Christchurch Young Water Professional (YWP) Committee is excited to present our second event of the year: "Career Stories from the Water Industry" Calling all young water professionals in Christchurch!

Click for more information >

 

Interflow is Creating the Future of Water – find out how

 

Annual Meeting of the Modelling Special Interest Group

23 May - Online | 11 - 12pm

Join the Modelling Committee for around of the events from the 2023 year.

The Group are calling for nominations from energised and committed modellers to help progress their work. We are seeking talent from across Aotearoa New Zealand, especially the South Island, representing all modelling disciplines. Nomination forms are here – and close on Wednesday 8th May at 17:00

Click for more information >

 

An online Microbial Risk Assessment Tool to manage the discharge of microbial pathogens to land near drinking water wells

29 May - Online | 12 - 1pm 

Brought to you by the Drinking Water Quality Special Interest Group

Click for more information >

 

Valuing Water Community of Practice - Making the Case for Water Literacy

18 June - Online | 2:30-4pm

This event is for practitioners interested in building water literacy and promoting water efficiency and conservation. Its purpose is twofold. Firstly, to bring practitioners together to share backgrounds and experiences with a view to establishing an ongoing community of practice. Secondly, to explore how to sell decision-makers on the benefits of campaigns that build water literacy amongst customers and the community.

Click for more information >

 

Job Vacancies

Data & Analytics
Specialist

We have an opportunity for an experienced Data and Analytics Specialist to join our team in providing expert advice and assistance while spearheading business improvement activities within the Three Waters domain. 

Click here for more information

 

Senior Advisor Reticulation and Maintenance

Are you an engineer with a passion for water and wastewater reticulation? Would you like to join an organisation that makes a difference? We manage water and waste to sustain life and protect our environment. 


Click here for more information