Our draft Stormwater Conference programme is now out – take a look at the great line-up, new Cultural Significance and Importance of Wai learning module starts soon and time is running out to enter our photo competition and the chance to win a free conference registration – so don’t miss out!
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Latest Updates
Take a look at our programme and keynote speakers
Stormwater 2024 is about healthy liveable water-resilient communities across Aotearoa New Zealand and we're delighted to have some exceptional keynote presenters including the co-producer of Our Blue World, Paul O'Callaghan. This latest film follows the highly acclaimed Netflix documentary, Brave Blue World and features a story from Aotearoa New Zealand - see more below. You can join us for this exclusive screening.
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.
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 as part of the Water New Zealand Stormwater Conference and Expo in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.
Film-makers explored many parts of the globe in the making of the film, taking a deep dive into the lives of dynamic and visionary people around the world. Water New Zealand is pleased to support this beautiful film, which will show that every one of us are and can be part of building a new future where water always wins.
After the floods; looking backwards to go forward. What have we learnt from the floods and what can we do differently? This workshop brings 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.
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.
The Fast Track Approvals Bill had its first reading and been referred to the Environment Committee for submissions. The government has recently announced the application process for fast track projects to be considered. See more here.
Water New Zealand is drafting a submission. If you would like input please contact Nicci Wood.
The Government has also announced that the next steps for resource management reform will be via two bills which make targeted changes. The first bill, promoted as amending the NPS-FW, is expected to be introduced to Parliament in May. The Minister Responsible for RMA reform has invited our input into the drafting of the second bill. See the letter to the Minister
New training opportunities - what would help you?
As part of the evolution of our digital learning we are keen to develop a raft of new online training opportunities. Finding out what is needed is key before we leap in. So, we are asking for five minutes of your time to tell us what you want from the Water New Zealand training team.
Please click here to do the quick survey and check further down under Upcoming Events for further learning opportunities.
Water New Zealand's photo competition closes soon - don't miss out
We're still looking for great water shots. If you've got some great photos you could be in to win a free conference registration.
We know water makes for beautiful images and we want to see them. That's why we're running our competition again this year. There are four categories - our people, assets, innovation and natural environment and the winners are chosen by popular vote. Prize winners get free registration at either our Stormwater Conference and Expo or the Water New Zealand Conference and Expo - valued at more than $1500
So get snapping and get your entries to Pip Donnelly by 12 April. Find out more, including our terms and conditions, by clicking here.
The government has extended its transition for new lead in plumbing products to May 2026 to align with Australian provisions.
In 2022, MBIE consulted on changes to the Building Code, including a proposal to limit the lead content in plumbing products. More than 100 detailed submissions and comments were received. As a result changes to Acceptable Solution G12/AS1, limiting the maximum quantity of lead in plumbing products were proposed to be enforced by September 2025.
However, this date has been extended by eight months in order to be aligned with the transition period end date in Australia.
MBIE is also consulting on:
a proposed definition of the term "lead free"
extending the transition period end date for the new dezincification resistant copper alloy provision
editorial changes to Building Code clause G12 Water Supplies.
The annual meeting of the Modelling Group will be held online on Thursday 23 May at 11:00. Register here
The group is calling for nominations from energised and committed modellers. 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. Nominees must be Water New Zealand members.
Charleston Water System (CWS) settled its class action lawsuit against all remaining defendant wipe manufacturers and retailers. This ensures that nearly all flushable wipes available to consumers across the country will truly be flushable and that packaging for all non-flushable wipes will clearly indicate they should not be flushed.
Ozwater'24 invites Water New Zealand members to enjoy special rate
Water New Zealand members can receive a special discounted deal to attend OzWater - 30 April – 2 May, Melbourne.
If you are interested in attending and would like to benefit from the Water New Zealand discounted rate please contact enquiries@waternz.org.nz
Reservoir Maintenance and Security Guidelines
This guide is an owner’s manual for operations and maintenance of existing drinking water reservoirs. It focuses on closed, potable water reservoirs, not raw water lakes and dams, nor reticulated networks.
It describes best-practice reservoir maintenance, inspection and management activities to reduce the risk of contamination. Free to members.
Our Water Directory platform is being given an overhaul to make it even better, more informative and provide more information about the suppliers who can help you solve your problems and supply what you need. Watch this space!
National Freshwater Conference
Degraded, vulnerable, fixable – these were the main words used to describe the physical state of our water environment, according to delegates attending the National Freshwater Conference in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington last week.
In her opening address to the conference, Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian Blythe said that the time to act is now.
She said that drinking, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure has an obvious impact on the freshwater environment.
And that we urgently need to unlock funding to invest in much needed improvement in infrastructure, provide for sufficiently trained people to deliver water services and ensure quality and compliance through a robust regulatory framework..
Industry News
Australia could soon be hit by 'megadroughts' lasting 20-plus years
Decades-long "megadroughts" could hit Australia, including the biggest agricultural region, in the near future as climate change continues to worsen severe weather conditions.
Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says.
“The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.
A small North Canterbury coastal community, working alongside the Hurunui District Council, is addressing climate change issues in preparation for the future.
Los Angeles $12.5-billion climate change infrastructure bill
Los Angeles County communities face a massive $12.5 billion bill to protect residents and infrastructure from the worsening impacts of climate change through 2040, according to a new study we released today with Resilient Analytics.
That major price tag is a conservative estimate of what it will cost to begin to protect communities from a handful of climate impacts, and yet it could have calamitous impacts on the budgets of Los Angeles County communities.
Regional council loses landmark legal challenge to mega-irrigation scheme
A court has ordered Canterbury’s regional council to reconsider a decision to allow the discharge of nitrogen and other contaminants from irrigated dairy land.
Unveiling the Success of Green Rainwater Infrastructure: Insights from Vancouver's Monitoring Programme
10 April | 12-1pm | Webinar
This webinar, hosted by the Water New Zealand Stormwater Group, delves into the transformative journey of implementing Green Rainwater Infrastructure (GRI) in the vibrant City of Vancouver. Guided by the visionary Rain City Strategy, Vancouver has embarked on a mission to revolutionize rainwater management practices, setting ambitious targets for capturing and cleansing rainfall while mitigating urban runoff.
Unlocking the Potential of Microbiological Testing: A Path to Enhanced Drinking Water Quality
11 April | 12-1pm | Webinar
Microbiological tests have long been a core piece in the toolkit for ensuring drinking water quality. Join Neil Leat, Watercare Head of Microbiology, for this session exploring how we can enhance our use of microbiological tests. Relevant for all those responsible for using or reporting on microbiological tests, or developing drinking water policy.
How the Telecommunications sector and telemetry works and it’s limitations
12 April | 12-1pm | Webinar
A presentation by the Telecommunication Forum on how their sector operates, responds to events, the various communication options with their pros and cons (cell phones, IOT, fibre, copper, broadband, satellite, microwave, radio). What is fit for purpose for various telemetry requirements. This webinar is an initiative from Water New Zealand’s SWIG (Smart Water Infrastructure Group) and fits with the Towards 2050 transformation - Digitally Enabled vision.
Māori Engagement by the Engineering Profession - A Three Waters Case Study
24 April | 12-1pm | Webinar
Meaningful and effective Māori engagement in engineering infrastructure projects is essential to their success, especially within New Zealand’s water infrastructure sector. This sector currently faces significant deterioration of both above and below ground water assets across the domains of stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water, known as the three waters.
Speakers: Alex Hynds and Lucy Gray recently graduated from the University of Canterbury, each earning a bachelor’s degree - Alex in Civil Engineering and Lucy in Natural Resources Engineering.
We have a big range of digital badges - from drinking, waste and stormwater through to rural water supplies, water sampling and more.
These badges are designed to ensure that, wherever you are, you can get a better understanding of the different parts that make up this dynamic industry. Plus the great thing is that you can do them fully online and at times that suit you.
The latest badges also include new workbooks that provide a framework for suppliers to develop their own operation and maintenance manual.
Cultural Significance and Importance of Wai Module
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ARE CALLED FOR: Wastewater Industry
We are looking to fill a single vacancy but are considering any level of expertise, from Cadet through to an experienced Engineer. We are looking for expressions of interest from people interested in, and willing to engage in training, or suitably qualified professionals interested in joining our 3 Waters team at our Wastewater Treatment facility.
Are you Hamilton City Council’s next Network Operations Engineer? You will be one of four operations engineers and will join a vibrant team of professionals. The team have a diverse range of experience and work very well together, sharing knowledge and experience to ensure the best outcomes for the customer.
