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Latest Updates
Happy Holidays from all of us
It goes without saying that 2020 has been a challenging year. As we round off the year, I would like to wish you a happy and safe holiday from all of us at Water New Zealand.
Water New Zealand will be closed over the holiday season from 23 December 2020, and return on the 5 January 2021.
Watch End of Year Message from Gillian Blythe, Chief Executive
Importance of Health & Safety
Our thoughts are with Wessex Water (UK) following the sad news that four people have died, and another is seriously injured after an explosion in a biosolids silo at a wastewater treatment plant.
While the investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, it is a reminder about the potential risks associated with biosolids and methane.
Despite systems, procedures, training and protocols incidents of this sought can and do occur. If you haven’t reviewed your health & safety procedures for a while, take the opportunity to do so. All of us want everyone to return home safely.
Water New Zealand outlines key issues in Briefing to the Incoming Minister
In a briefing document to the new government, Water New Zealand says workforce capability and capacity, infrastructure challenges and water reforms will be key issues facing the sector as we head towards 2021.
The document also outlines what steps we are taking to help members address these issues.
View Document
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Get your course listed on WIPA
Water New Zealand has been working hard to formalise sector training. We now promote sector training through the Water Industry Professionals Association (WIPA). Find out how to get your training course listed on WIPA by contacting our training manager Mumtaz. New courses added to the platform will be promoted across our communication channels (pipeline, social media, website).
Get in contact
The NZ Infrastructure, Water & Environment Directory 2021
Have you confirmed your listing for the 2021 edition of The NZ Infrastructure, Water & Environment Directory? It gets very rushed towards deadline in January, so if you intend to relist, please try to get back to us this side of Christmas. The directory, published in print and online, is a targeted place to have your products and services found and every member of Water New Zealand receives a copy.
Please contact Debbie Laing, advertising@waternz.org.nz, or 0274 550 223.
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It's Photo Competition Time
One of our favourite tasks at Water New Zealand is to go through the fantastic range of photos we see each year in the competition. As we are all about the three waters, we particularly love seeing photos of projects and people working in the sector. But great holiday snaps of gorgeous water spots are also very welcome. We try to use as many of the photo competition entries as we can in our publications throughout the year.
The competition will be open for most of the summer months but get in early and send your best photos to us at enquiries@waternz.org.nz. The winner is decided by online voting and will receive a free registration to the Water New Zealand Conference & Expo 2021 including the Gala Dinner, valued at $1700.
Find out more
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Industry News
Water Services Bill submissions close 2 March 2021.
The closing date for submissions is midnight on Tuesday, 02 March 2021. This omnibus bill will implement the Government's decision to reform the drinking water regulatory system and improve the performance of wastewater and stormwater networks. Water New Zealand has been working with a group of members to pull together a submission on the new legislation. We will seek feedback from members in the new year. We encourage everyone to read the legislation. If you have any feedback please contact Gillian Blythe.
Find out more
Citycare Water and Citycare Property Announce CE Appointments
Water New Zealand board member, Tim Gibson has been confirmed as Chief Executive of Citycare Water and Peter Lord has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Citycare Property. This follows the recent departure of Onno Mulder as CEO of Citycare Group.
In addition, the Citycare Civil Operations have been incorporated into the property team to better capitalise on workplace synergies and streamline operations.
Tim was previously Executive General Manager of Citycare Water and Peter was most recently Executive General Manager of Citycare Property. Tim and Peter take up their new roles immediately.
Read more
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Watercare releases its pandemic plan to help other utilities prepare for future events
Watercare, New Zealand’s largest water and wastewater utility, has released its interactive pandemic plan under the Creative Commons license (CC BY), with the aim of helping other utilities and large organisations anywhere in the world better prepare for future pandemics.
Read more
Working together to reduce plastic pollution
Smart Wai Summer campaign – an opportunity for councils to be part of a national campaign and target your local communities.
RefillNZ is doing a national campaign to encourage people to drink wai on tap. The aim is to change people's behaviour from drinking bottled beverages to refilling with water on tap. People will be challenged to go without bottled water or soft drinks for 30 days. Using an online calculator they can also track the amount of $$ and plastic they save. If you are a council, DHB or have multiple venues and want to find out more contact – jill@refillnz.org.nz
Have your say - Consultation opens on the WDC Orders in Council proposals
The Construction & Infrastructure Workforce Development Council (WDC) is one of the six industry-governed WDCs that will play a vital role in helping industry set a vision for the skills and training needed for Aotearoa’s workforce, and influence the vocational education and training system.
Submissions close on 5 February 2021.
Kōrero mai. Have your say.
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How many deaths does it take? Oxidation, Effluent and Water Storage Ponds
Presented at IPWEA Conference, Dunedin, New Zealand – June 2020
Fourteen people have drowned in effluent and oxidation ponds in the last decade alone. The inadequacy of fencing and egress provisions were noted in coronial reports in all cases. As professionals involved in designing, detailing, reviewing, and operating ponds of all types, we have a duty to learn from these unfortunate past events so risks of further fatalities are reduced.
Associate Environmental Engineer at Beca, Graeme Well's paper looks at what can be learnt from past fatalities, what guidance exists and what design and operational improvements we can make.
View paper
Building our role in Risk Reduction & Resilience
Source: Earthquake Commission (EQC)
EQC is concerned about the growing liability Central Government is carrying. A Resilience Strategy for Natural Hazard Risk Reduction 2019-2029 has been produced.
This presentation shows why they are concerned and provides an indication of what they are proposing.
Locating utilities - have your say on a new standard
The Surveyor-General is developing a Standard that can be used to define the location of utility assets. They are inviting individuals and organisations involved in asset management and surveying to take a look at the draft Standard and provide feedback.
Find more information
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Upcoming Events
Stormwater 2021
Call for abstracts & Innovation Showcase now open
We’re inviting water professionals and anyone with an interest in stormwater to submit an abstract proposal that presents a challenging and practical perspective. Present a paper and share your experiences globally.
The call for abstracts is now open for the 2021 Stormwater Conference and will close at 5pm on Thursday, 21 January.
Call for abstract reviewers
We're inviting friends of the Stormwater Committee who would be interested in reviewing abstracts for Stormwater 2021 to get in touch with Katrina Guy.
Expo sales are now live
Expo sites for the Stormwater 2021 Conference & Expo are now live. We are pleased to be able to offer all Corporate Members of Water New Zealand the opportunity to exhibit at the 2021 Stormwater Conference. You will need to have your corporate membership number available at the time of registration
Find out more
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Weak Points in the Flood Risk Modelling Chain
Friday 18 Dec | 2-3:30 am
In the webinar, three eminent members of FRM-TC, namely Alastair Barnett (chair), Marian Muste (past chair) and Daniela Molinari (vice chair) will point out three of these weak points, with particular reference to: discharge estimation, monitoring unsteady flows and damage modelling.
Find out more
Water Loss Training
25-26 February | Auckland
Another course added to the Water Industry Professionals Association (WIPA): Water Loss Training is an opportunity for water network staff and management to learn more about water loss and the management of water supply networks.
Find out more & register
Head to www.wipa.co.nz to see what other courses are available.
Modelling Symposium 2021
10 - 11 March | Christchurch
Get your tickets before the end of the year to avoid missing the only Modelling Symposium of its kind in New Zealand. All Water New Zealand members receive a great member discount on tickets.
Get your tickets here
Abstract Deadline Extended. The Modelling Committee has extended the deadline for abstract submissions to Friday 15th January 2021. Applications need to be sent to Katrina Guy
Find out more
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On-Site Wastewater Management Systems (OWMS) Workshop
3 May | Palmerston North
Come join the all day workshop for On-site Wastewater Management (OWMS) to determine what are the OWMS issues in New Zealand.
Specialists from each industry sector have been invited to make 15-min presentations focused on core OWMS issues followed by 10 min of questions and answers.
Find out more
Industrial Waters 2021
15- 17 June | Wellington
The conference subcommittee and the conference organisers have been working behind the scenes and are very pleased to announce that the 2021 Industrial Waters conference will be held at the James Cook Hotel in Wellington, 15 to 17 June 2021.
Find out more
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Tauranga City Council
Tauranga City Council is seeking to appoint an independent panel to assess applications to the Environmental Mitigation & Enhancement Fund (EMEF) and make recommendations to the Wastewater Management Review Committee (WWMRC) regarding eligible projects.
Applications close: 29 January 2020
Tauranga City Council
We are looking for a Wastewater Treatment Technician who will bring their passion for the environment, excellent team work credentials and can-do attitude to our high performance team.
Applications close: Sunday, 20 December 2020
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Waitaki District Council
Are you an experienced water professional wanting to make a positive contribution to one of New Zealand's most scenic and vibrant districts?
Applications close: 5pm, Monday 18 January 2021
Matamata Piako District Council
We are looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic person to join our Water and Wastewater team on a permanent, full time basis.
Applications close: Friday 8 January 2021
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