I can’t put my finger on the reason, but I feel a strong sense of optimism about 2012. Perhaps it is because New Zealand’s economic outlook is strong and we have so far been relatively isolated from the financial turmoil in Europe. Perhaps it is because despite the tragedy that has befallen it and the inevitable frustrations that follow, the recovery in Christchurch has begun. Many of our members are in the thick of it, rising to the challenges of rebuilding the infrastructure for what will be a glittering new city in the future. Or perhaps it’s just the lingering glow from a summer spent with friends and family.
For Water New Zealand too the year ahead looks bright. There is a sense of opportunity for change, whatever that may be, and we are well positioned to make your voice heard. We have been assigned a senior and well-informed Minister for Local Government which bodes well for a reasoned debate and then sensible, pragmatic changes where necessary.
In addition 2012 will provide plenty of learning and networking opportunities too. Water New Zealand’s Annual Conference returns to its usual timing of September this year and planning for our smaller specialty conferences is well in hand. Visit http://www.waternz.org.nz/events.html for details.
NZWETA continues to provide excellent training courses that are widely recognised in our industry. It has added eagerly anticipated new courses in Wastewater Microbiology, Farm Effluent Treatment Design and Pipeline Condition Assessment this year. In addition, the Pacific Water & Wastes Association is in the throes of organising its Conference in Auckland in November this year, providing our members with the opportunity to learn from their activities and to market our products and services to the key players in this significant market. Ozwater too is more accessible this year, Sydney being scarcely more difficult than a trip between New Zealand cities.
The WATER journal is also an opportunity for members to share the things we have learnt. This issue features the themes of Rainwater Harvesting, Water Storage and Modelling. The themes for the balance of this year are:
May Issue: Stormwater and Flood Management
July Issue: Wastewater Design and Small Water Systems
September Issue: Urban Metering, Demand Management, Governance and Training & Recruitment
November Issue: Water Quality and Community Awareness & Engagement of Water Issues
The articles that appear in the journal are not limited to these topics and I encourage you to think about the work you are currently doing and whether others could benefit from what you have learnt. Writing an article is not difficult and the more we each contribute, the more we all learn. Perhaps a younger member of staff might benefit from this task and in so doing enhance their own profile in our industry?
In the year ahead Water New Zealand may need to consider changes to evolve to meet the changing nature of our industry. Your board is considering options to provide asset owners (local authorities and CCOs) a special position within the organisation that enables them to collectively voice their specific interests and combine their resources to seek solutions to the particular challenges and opportunities they face. A variety of organisational structures provide this in other countries with whom New Zealand often compares itself. Keep an eye on the Water New Zealand website where we will be seeking your views on this.
So there is much to look forward to in the year ahead. I look forward to crossing paths with many of you as the year unfolds.
I can’t put my finger on the reason, but I feel a strong sense of optimism about 2012. Perhaps it is because New Zealand’s economic outlook is strong and we have so far been relatively isolated from the financial turmoil in Europe. Perhaps it is because despite the tragedy that has befallen it and the inevitable frustrations that follow, the recovery in Christchurch has begun. Many of our members are in the thick of it, rising to the challenges of rebuilding the infrastructure for what will be a glittering new city in the future. Or perhaps it’s just the lingering glow from a summer spent with friends and family.
For Water New Zealand too the year ahead looks bright. There is a sense of opportunity for change, whatever that may be, and we are well positioned to make your voice heard. We have been assigned a senior and well-informed Minister for Local Government which bodes well for a reasoned debate and then sensible, pragmatic changes where necessary.
In addition 2012 will provide plenty of learning and networking opportunities too. Water New Zealand’s Annual Conference returns to its usual timing of September this year and planning for our smaller specialty conferences is well in hand. Visit http://www.waternz.org.nz/events.html for details.
NZWETA continues to provide excellent training courses that are widely recognised in our industry. It has added eagerly anticipated new courses in Wastewater Microbiology, Farm Effluent Treatment Design and Pipeline Condition Assessment this year. In addition, the Pacific Water & Wastes Association is in the throes of organising its Conference in Auckland in November this year, providing our members with the opportunity to learn from their activities and to market our products and services to the key players in this significant market. Ozwater too is more accessible this year, Sydney being scarcely more difficult than a trip between New Zealand cities.
The WATER journal is also an opportunity for members to share the things we have learnt. This issue features the themes of Rainwater Harvesting, Water Storage and Modelling. The themes for the balance of this year are:
The articles that appear in the journal are not limited to these topics and I encourage you to think about the work you are currently doing and whether others could benefit from what you have learnt. Writing an article is not difficult and the more we each contribute, the more we all learn. Perhaps a younger member of staff might benefit from this task and in so doing enhance their own profile in our industry?
In the year ahead Water New Zealand may need to consider changes to evolve to meet the changing nature of our industry. Your board is considering options to provide asset owners (local authorities and CCOs) a special position within the organisation that enables them to collectively voice their specific interests and combine their resources to seek solutions to the particular challenges and opportunities they face. A variety of organisational structures provide this in other countries with whom New Zealand often compares itself. Keep an eye on the Water New Zealand website where we will be seeking your views on this.
So there is much to look forward to in the year ahead. I look forward to crossing paths with many of you as the year unfolds.
Clive Rundle
President, Water New Zealand