WaterNZ Sign Up Information

Government's Water Reforms Update

Recently the Government unveiled its proposed reforms to the regulation of drinking water. Water New Zealand has been keeping a close watch on the developments and we’ve produced a short video detailing the proposed changes.

Link >  

Stormwater Conference 2020 Sponsorship Opportunities Available

If your company is keen on developing or enhancing business relationships at the Stormwater Conference, this document may be of interest to you.

Find out more > 

Expo site bookings are now live! 

Find out more > 

Productivity Commission - Draft Report 2 Released - Employment, Labour Markets And Income

Today the Commission released their second draft report for our Technological change and future of work inquiry looking at Employment, labour markets and income in New Zealand.

Link >  

Water New Zealand is proud to welcome Stormwater 360 as a premier partner for the Stormwater Conference 2020. 

If your company is interested in developing or enhancing business relationships at the Stormwater Conference then the sponsorship document may be of interest to you.

The EarthTech Challenge invites purpose-driven youth aged between 13 and 29 with a passion for solving our most pressing environmental and social issues, through the use of science, technology, communication and design.

Link > 

Modelling Symposium 2020

Abstracts close next Friday, don't delay submit yours today. 

Link >  

Pathogens and freshwater study

While many of us head to our favourite swimming spots in rivers around the country, a study is underway to better understand how best to accurately reflect the risk between pathogens in freshwater and people getting sick.

The study is being funded by the Ministry for the Environment, working alongside ESR, NIWA, Massey University and regional councils.

See the video presentation.

Entries for the 2020 Stormwater Innovations Showcase are now open

Link >  

Draft Submission on RMA Issues and Options Paper

Water New Zealand is currently drafting a short submission on the RMA Issues and Options Paper. 

Find Out More

Submission on Landfill Levy

Water New Zealand has made a submission on the Landfill Levy Expansion Consultation 2020. The submission was sent out to the Water Services Managers Group earlier for comment, due to short time frame. 

Review Submission

Climate Change Carbon Zero

11 February | Auckland

Water New Zealand and BECA invite you to the first Climate Change Carbon Zero meeting. You will be hearing from industry leaders who will provide information around what is currently being done and what problems we will face in the future.

Event Details

Australian Bushfire Crisis

Our thoughts go out to anyone who has been affected by the Australian Bush fires. We want to acknowledge the amazing efforts being put in by firefighters, volunteers, and community members who have been providing emergency care and recovery support.

We would also like to recognise the water industry professionals, operators, businesses and associates throughout Australia who have worked tirelessly to maintain essential water and sewer services for affected communities. 

The devastation has highlighted fire contamination risks to drinking water quality. Water Research Australia has put together a Bushfires and the Risks to Drinking Water Quality fact sheet.

Download Now

The first draft of the programme is now available. 

Time for Government to step up on Sea Level Rise

Local councils have been crying out for more central government help with planning for sea level rise. Now a series of independent reports has backed their call.

Councils don't have sufficient legal powers, money, or appetite for litigation to do what is needed to prepare - so the government needs to help them, research funded by the Deep South National Science Challenge has concluded. 

Read More

On-site Wastewater Management Systems Workshop

30 March | Palmerston North

For stakeholders to identify core On-site Wastewater Management Systems issues in New Zealand.

Outcomes will be:

1. a document outlining the OWMS issues as identified by each sector
2. creation of a network of key stakeholders to be involved in future discussions
3. setting the agenda for a second workshop in the future to help address some of the issues.

Event Details 

The Modelling Symposium Programme is now online including guest speakers, a field trip out to Auckland University - Fluids Lab, a workshop, networking events and a dinner. 

This two-day event dedicated to Hydraulic and Hydrological modelling is only occurring once this year so gets in quick before tickets sell out! 

Event details

Guideline for Assessing Technical Resilience of Three Waters Networks

The guideline has been prepared to support local authorities and the private sector (including asset managers, operators and engineers) at local and regional levels with assessing technical resilience and in developing strategies to improve network resilience, and inform pre-event planning and post-event emergency support and recovery.

Download Guide 

Draft Submission on Taumata Arowai — the Water Services Regulator Bill

The Association has drafted a submission on Taumata Arowai - the Water Services Regulator Bill. Input from members is sought. Please send feedback to ceo@waternz.org.nz by Friday 28 February. 

Review Submission 

Submission on The Urban Development Bill

Water New Zealand has made a submission on the Urban Development Bill. Water New Zealand supports the general intent of the Bill however as drafted the Bill does not appropriately provide for the input from water service providers upon whom the ultimate responsibility for water provision falls.

Read More 

Why $12B isn't enough to fill this Infrastructure Chasm 

Jacinda Ardern is about to launch her campaign for re-election by announcing how she'll spend $12b on infrastructure. That seems a lot, but Newsroom's Dileepa Fonseka shows why it's just one half of the funding jigsaw needed to build tens of billions worth of roads, railways and pipes.

Read More 

If your company is interested in developing or enhancing business relationships with any stormwater professionals then sponsorship at the Stormwater Conference may be of interest to you.

Sponsorship Prospectus 

Save the Date and Call for Abstracts | Industrial Waters 2020

9 - 11 June | Wellington 

Welcome to the 2020 Industrial Waters Conference in Wellington. We have entered a new era globally, where people are speaking up to enact change and expecting governments to do better, pollute less and provide leadership on issues such as climate change, sustainability and clean waterways. 

Event Details

Virtual Coffee Catch Up

Wednesday 22 July

Invitation to all Water New Zealand Members to join us for our Next Virtual Coffee Catch-up

We want an opportunity to talk with you about upcoming activities and new ideas on how we can continue to support all our members. The catch-up will also be an opportunity to “virtually meet” our new CEO, Gillian Blythe, and tell us what industry-related topics are most interesting and relevant to you.

We hope you can join us!

Register Here

Annual Conference & Expo

Earlybird and Group Registrations: closing this week!

Individual Earlybird and Group registrations close this week on Friday, 17 July 2020 for the 2020 Water New Zealand Conference & Expo at the Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton from 16-18 September.

Register today to secure your Individual Earlybird rates and Group Packages. 

Click Here to Register 

Call for Poster Abstract Submissions is still open

We are excited to be able to showcase speakers who might have missed out on making the technical programme or those who just want to do something a little different - submit a poster today.

Please note the submission closing date for posters has now changed to 5pm on Friday, 31 July.

Click here for more up-to-date information regarding your poster submission.

Water New Zealand Awards 2020 

Water New Zealand''s Awards Programme plays an important role in promoting excellence and the contributions our members make, not only to the industry, but also to the community. The awards showcase outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations, and promote the water sector as a desirable place to work through our young water professionals awards.

All awards are open to Water New Zealand members only unless otherwise stated.

Nominations for the 2020 Awards are open. Nomination details for each award can be found here.

Stormwater 2020 Awards Nominations Extended

Entries Close 24 July

Give your teammate and your organisation the recognition they deserve by submitting an entry to the Stormwater 2020 Awards. A Stormwater Industry Award is the ultimate accolade; recognition for expertise and contribution to the sector.

The categories are:
•Stormwater Professional of the Year
•Young Stormwater Professional of the Year
•Stormwater Conference - Paper of the Year
•Innovation Showcase Award

Enter Now 

Overhauling Water Infrastructure & the Quid Pro Quo

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta discusses the challenges and options ahead for three waters reform, including the $761-million to councils for immediate repairs, maintenance and renewals. 

Click here to listen to the interview on RNZ’s Nine to Noon programme.

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Government Funding Signals Pathway to Safer Drinking Water 

Water New Zealand says the Government’s $761 million investment in drinking water infrastructure will provide much-needed assistance to help ensure safe drinking water across the country.

Read Media Release 

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Water New Zealand TechWeek Webinar: How Digital Technologies are helping the Water Sector

Wednesday, 29 July 10:00 - 11:00 am

Water New Zealand and the Digital Water Special Interest Group is pleased to host the following webinar:

• Laying the Foundations: A Minimum Viable Standard for Asset Data - Greg Preston, Quake Centre
• Optimising Pipeline Routes - Thomas Joseph, Mott Macdonald
• From National Performance Review to National Performance Optimisation - Lesley Smith, Water New Zealand

Register Now

Water New Zealand Weekly Webinar Series

Stay connected and up to date with the latest information on the water industry through Water New Zealand’s new weekly webinar series, every Wednesday at 10 am. Thanks to all our members who provided feedback on the topics you want to discuss or know more about, especially in our current COVID-19 situation.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first webinar on the Status of Water Policy and Regulatory Reforms. We hope everyone found it valuable!

Upcoming Events

COVID-19 Response is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Water Sector

Water New Zealand says the Government’s post-COVID-19 response is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the sustainable long term performance of the water sector.

Read More 

Improving current Enteric Viral Surveillance through Wastewater Monitoring

Enteric viruses are becoming increasingly commonplace in both community and healthcare settings. Clinical samples, collected from hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, are generally used to trace and identify viral outbreaks. However, by sampling wastewater, enteric viruses can be identified at a population level.

Read More 

Webinar 2 | Infrastructure Delivery during COVID Recovery

In order to stimulate the economy and get the country working again after the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, the Infrastructure Minister, Hon Shane Jones and Economic Development Minister, Hon Phil Twyford, tasked the Infrastructure Industry Reference Group to put together a list of large scale projects (over $10m) from the public and private sector, that could be “shovel ready” within six months.

This Webinar will discuss the options available for the efficient management of such a comprehensive programme of work in an emergency response environment.

Register Now

Stormwater Conference Confirms New Dates

26-28 August 2020

Due to COVID-19, the Conference has now been postponed from both its original date in May and alternative July date. The new date for Stormwater Conference is now 26 - 28 August 2020.

Earlybird and Corporate Registrations are extended to 26 June. If you are already registered you do not need to do anything further.

Water New Zealand remains excited to host the Stormwater Conference and we look forward to meeting all our delegates, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers at our new dates in August. 

Find Out More 

COVID-19 Identifying Essential Services Staff

We have received the following advice from Police:

In terms of identification for your workers who are required to be out in the community delivering essential services, there is no ‘official’ or standard identification card or similar that is required. Rather, Police will take a reasonable approach and endeavour to confirm the role of anyone spoken to, for example by the individual producing:

- A letter of authorisation on company letterhead, or

- A company identification card, or

- A business card with company logo, or

- A copy of an email from a company manager.

If in doubt, our officers have been directed to make enquiries by telephone to confirm identification.

For more information on COVID-19 click here. 

The latest National Performance Review is now available online! 

2018/2019 National Performance Review is available. 

The Review provides a performance assessment of the critical aspects of water, wastewater, and stormwater service provision, and the protection of public health and the environment in a reliable, resilient, economically sustainable, resource-efficient, and customer-focused manner. It also looks at the capacity and capabilities of the sector’s workforce.

This report includes a high level summary of data, shows several promising trends, recurring themes from last year’s report and highlights issues and opportunities for the sector to improve its performance.

Many industry leading groups all draw on information in this report to inform the sector''s performance improvement initiatives.

We encourage all water professionals to use the data as an evidence base for all 3 water''s-related decisions.

View Online 

International "Flush Wisely" Message

As we know, inappropriate flushing of wipes has led to an increasing number of blockages in recent weeks as people respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s also been a big international problem. 

Click here to see WEF’s latest update. 

Stormwater Conference Postponed

 15-17 July 2020 | Tauranga

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Water New Zealand has decided to postpone the Stormwater Conference.

We have managed at this stage to reschedule the conference to 15 - 17 July 2020 in Tauranga. However, should that not be viable we are investigating alternative methods of delivering our fora and services, such as webinars and e-learning options.

We will keep you informed as further developments unfold.

Find Out More

Annual Conference & Expo Postponed 

Water New Zealand has postponed this year’s Annual Conference and Expo following the announcement by the Prime Minister that COVID-19 alert levels will remain as they are until at least mid-September.

The new dates are 17-19 November, with the pre-conference workshop now to be held on Monday, 16 November. We look forward to seeing you then. 

Read More

Important Notice: Annual General Meeting

As a result of the Water New Zealand Annual Conference & Expo 2020 being postponed, the Annual General Meeting of Water New Zealand, the trading name of the New Zealand Water and Wastes Association Incorporated, will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, 17 September at 12.30 pm.

Register your attendance here. Once you have registered you will be sent the link to join via Zoom.

Stormwater 2020 Award Winners 

Congratulations to our Stormwater2020 Award Winners! The Water New Zealand Stormwater awards recognise expertise and contribution to the stormwater sector.

• Stormwater Professional of the Year - Clare Feeny of Environmental Communications Ltd
• Young Stormwater Professional of the Year -  Matthew Lillis of Engineering Leadership Services
• Stormwater Conference Paper of the Year - “Does your Retention meet your Intention”. It is written collaboratively by Mark Groves (WSP), Bodo Hellberg (Tauranga City Council), Brendon Schicker (WSP), Warren Bird (WSP)
• Innovation Showcase - FenceTank from Stormwater Systems.

Read More

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) starts on Monday

Help celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori - 14-20 Mahuru (September). Waiora Aotearoa (Water New Zealand) is proud to once again tautoko (support) Māori Language Week. We''ve prepared a poster for you that we hope will help in understanding the importance of water and the words we can use to describe water from a Māori perspective. The theme for this year’s poster is ‘Te Mana o te Wai’.

Click here to download the poster and please share it so we can all strengthen our understanding of wai in Aotearoa. 

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New rules in place to restore healthy rivers

This includes the new National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management (NPS-FM), National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-FW), stock exclusion regulations, and regulations in the measurement and reporting of water takes.

Find out more 

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Stormwater 2020 On-Demand

This year’s Stormwater conference was brought to all our delegates and attendees in real-time online. Our keynote speakers beamed in from the all over the country and as far away as the US. Four conference streams ran in succession and COVID-19 lockdown meant that our 60-plus presenters were able to share their knowledge and expertise from the comfort of their own homes, not forgetting the showcasing of seven creative innovations.

If you''ve missed the conference, you can still watch the whole conference or even single sessions on-demand.

Find out more at Stormwaterconference.org.nz

COVID-19 Webinar: Significance and impact of the Pandemic for the Water Sector

As a result of the current coronavirus pandemic and the necessity to better understand, monitor and respond to the situation, Prof. Rosina Girones, Research Group Leader at the University of Barcelona, and Prof. Gertjan Medema, Principle Microbiologist at KWR, share in-depth insights on the latest research and outlook for the whole water sector.

Duration: 1 hour
Watch Now

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COVID-19 Essential Workers Guidance 

Water Services Association of Australia and Dr Dan Deere have produced this guidance material for keeping essential workers safe in the workplace. 

Read More 

New campaign to raise awareness around flushing Wet Wipes 

Bin it, Don’t block it.

Water New Zealand has prepared a social media infographic emphasising the importance of keeping our emergency workers safe by keeping pipes free from wipes. Only flush the 3p''s: poo, pee and toilet paper, everything else, including paper towels, and tissues must go in the bin.

Please share this social media infographic and help keep our emergency wastewater workers safe.

Read more 

Countdown Supports Efforts to Reduce Wastewater Blockages 

Countdown is supporting efforts to stop wet wipes ending up in New Zealand''s wastewater systems by rolling out signage in all of its stores reminding customers not to flush them.

Read More

Latest Coronavirus Research Update Webcast 

Friday, 17 April, 7:30 am (NZST) 

The Water Research Foundation is hosting this webinar as part of a series to provide technical updates and information on COVID-19. 

The presenters are experts in infectious disease control, virology, water and wastewater engineering, personal protective equipment (PPEs), outbreak epidemiology, pandemic trends, and risk emergency response. The presenters will provide participants with up-to-date technical details, resources, and published public health recommendations as they continue to learn more about this ongoing pandemic.

Register Here

New CEO appointed to Water New Zealand

Water New Zealand is pleased to announce that it has appointed Gillian Blythe as the Association''s new CEO.

View Media Statement

More Water Sector Representation needed in new Fast-track Bill

Water New Zealand says the new legislation aimed at speeding up consenting processes for infrastructure and development lacks adequate water sector representation.

In a submission on the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Bill, Water New Zealand says the legislation does not adequately allow for the integration of water infrastructure and services in considering proposed projects.

Read More  

2020/21 Membership Renewals are now Due

Membership renewals are now due for the 2020/21 year. Invoices will be sent out in the next couple of weeks.  

Please contact accounts@waternz.org.nz if you require a purchase order number on your invoice. 

Meet Taumata Arowai Establishment CEO Bill Bayfield 

In May this year, Bill Bayfield was appointed Establishment Chief Executive of the new drinking water regulator, Taumata Arowai. His appointment is on a fixed-term basis to December 2021 and he will lead the establishment of Taumata Arowai through its first six months of ‘going live’ in 2021 as the new drinking water regulator. The Taumata Arowai board will consider a permanent appointment for 2022 and beyond. An establishment Māori Advisory Group will provide guidance to the establishment board and chief executive on tikanga, mātauranga and Te Mana o Te Wai.

Here is a video introducing Bill as Taumata Arowia’s kaiwhakahaere and providing context around Taumata Arowai’s remit and what their commitment and focus will be.

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Water New Zealand TechWeek Webinar: How Digital Technologies are helping the Water Sector

Wednesday, 29 July 10:00 - 11:00 am

Water New Zealand and the Digital Water Special Interest Group is pleased to host the following webinar:

• Laying the Foundations: A Minimum Viable Standard for Asset Data - Greg Preston, Quake Centre
• Optimising Pipeline Routes - Thomas Joseph, Mott Macdonald
• From National Performance Review to National Performance Optimisation - Lesley Smith, Water New Zealand

Register Now

''Game of Thrones'' Annual Quiz Night

Wednesday, 29 July | Wellington 

You need to book out your evening on 29 July because it is the annual Wellington Region ‘Game of Thrones’ Pub Quiz. And no, this is not a quiz about the Games of Thrones TV Programme... as you are a water expert you should get the clever play on words! This event is open to members and non-members within your organisation to form a team of six (maximum). 

Register Now

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More info and other water qualifications www.connexis.org.nz/water/

Bin it, don''t block it

A reminder to everyone as we change alert levels to only flush the 3p''s: Poo, Pee and Paper (toilet) down the loo. We don''t want to see another big spike in blocked pipes due to people using toilet paper alternatives such as wet wipes, paper towels and tissues. We have created an infographic that you can share on your social media channels to get the message out there. 

Share infographic

Annual General Meeting 

Notice is given for the 2020 Annual General Meeting of Water New Zealand, the trading name of the New Zealand Water and Wastes Association Incorporated, is to be held at Claudelands Arena on Thursday, 17 September 2020 at 7.30 am.

Notices of Motion are due today 

A reminder that Notices of Motion for this meeting are due no later than 4.00 pm today (Thursday, 13 August 2020). Please note that all notices of motion shall be in writing to the Chief Executive and be dated and signed by the mover and seconder, both of whom must be financial members of the Association. Please include an explanation for the reasons of the motion. Any notices of motion submitted after 4.00 pm on Thursday, 13 August will not be accepted.

Water New Zealand Award Nominations Deadline Extended 

Great news everybody, we’re extending the deadline for nominations for the Water New Zealand Awards , which is now Friday, 21 August 2020. This gives you two extra weeks to get your nominations in. We understand this has been an extremely busy period for everyone in the water industry and we feel like this will alleviate some of the pressure.

We want to ensure that all the amazing work our members have been doing is celebrated, so make sure you take the opportunity to nominate a workmate, organisation or friend who deserves to be recognised on an industry-wide scale.

If you have already made a nomination and would like to utilise this extension, please contact amy.samuelu@waternz.org.nz

www.waternz.org.nz/awards

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Code of Practice for the Implementation of the New Zealand Asset Metadata Standards for 3 Waters 

The Quake Centre’s Building Innovation Partnership (BIP) has published the first part of a National Standard for 3 Waters Asset Data. The Code of Practice (CoP) has been developed by BIP and a broad range of industry partners to set out a minimum viable standard for as-built data for 3 Waters pipe networks.

Find Out More 

Stormwater 2020 Conference Update

We are watching developments closely following the move to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 in Auckland and Level 2 across the rest of New Zealand. We will assess the situation again at the end of the week following further updates from the Government.

Fortunately, our planning has included a change in COVID-19 alert levels and we will update you early next week if there is a need to make changes to our delivery of the Conference.

In the meantime, stay safe. 

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Virtual Coffee Catch-Up 

19 August

Invitation to all Water New Zealand members to join us for our next virtual coffee catch-up.

This catch-up will be an opportunity for you to hear from Lesley Smith, our Principal Data Scientist on the 2019/2020 National Performance Review and, as always, a chance for you to ask us any questions you may have.

If you are a Water New Zealand member and would like to register please email renee.butler@waternz.org.nz

Recognise Excellence in Water

The countdown has begun, and we''re gearing up for a big celebration. The Water New Zealand awards programme plays an important role in promoting excellence and the contributions our members make, not only to the industry but also to the community. 

Get your nominations in by 7 August here.

Register to attend and help celebrate the great achievements of this fantastic sector.

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Latest Water Journal is out now

Our July/August issue of Water is out now.

Our cover story discusses how testing wastewater could help detect the presence of COVID-19 in a community.

Our Journal features: 

• Real-time data - freshwater solution
• Solutions for freshwater - lessons from the Upper Clutha 
• Talking with an emerging leader - Chris Maguire
• Wastewater project - innovative pipe relining 
• Asset modelling through IDS planning

Click here to view the Water Journal. 

Reminder: Please complete the 2020 Annual Membership survey 

The Water New Zealand Annual Membership Survey was sent out to all members via email on Tuesday. Thank you to the more than 300 members who have already completed the survey. If you have not completed the survey please take the time to help us continue to provide you with a great value membership.

If you get your responses in by Friday the 7 August, you will be in the draw to win a free registration to a Water New Zealand conference of your choice (either in 2020 or 2021 - Stormwater or Annual Conference and Expo).

If you haven''t received an email or you have any queries please contact Renee.butler@waternz.org.nz. 

''Game of Thrones'' Annual Quiz Night Winners

Our 7th annual ''Game of Thrones'' quiz was held last night, and the trophy changed hands! Congratulations to Wave Runners from Tonkin & Taylor who took the ''throne'' home this year - awesome work Melissa Fortune, Hannah Jagvik, Emily Wright, Reuben Ferguson and Tung Hoang.

Thank you to all the teams who attended last night, it was a great turn out and we hope everyone had fun. 

New Water Services Bill for Safe Drinking Water

On Tuesday, the Water Services Bill was tabled in Parliament. This is the complementary bill to the Taumata Arowai – the Water Services Regulator Bill which was passed on Friday last week.

Water New Zealand has released the following press release and a link to the Water Services Bill is attached here for your information.

Next week Stormwater 2020 is adding Online Options

26 - 28 August 

If you cannot be one of the nearly 300 people attending the Stormwater Conference in person, we have options for you. 

Attend the whole conference, attend for a day, or tune in for a session. Attend live or check it out in your own time on demand. Meet sponsors and exhibitors in our virtual spaces. 

Pricing (Online or On-demand – excluding GST)

• Full Conference Registration - $300.00
• Day Registration - $160.00
• Per session - $20.00
• Keynotes - $50.00

Need an ONLINE or ON-DEMAND corporate package? Please contact us at waternz@avenues.co.nz if you are interested.

Online and On-demand Stormwater 2020 Conference registrations will go on sale next week. 

Water New Zealand Conference & Expo

Make sure you register for the biggest three waters event of the year! And don’t forget that this year we also have a full day Taumata Arowai workshop so if you want to know how the new regulatory environment might affect you – this is your opportunity to find out what you need to know.

Then, for the next two and a half days we have a great line up of keynote and thought leadership speakers, technical presentations, 180 exhibition stands as well as plenty of opportunities to network and socialise.

Click here to find out more and register.

W-Lab supporting technology and innovation for the New Zealand water industry

Water New Zealand has joined WSAA’s new industry-leading technology innovation programme, W-lab, which aims to give water utilities access to global innovation experiences and set new standards in industry-led technology and innovation.

We will be presenting the W-Lab offering at the Water New Zealand Water Services Managers Group (WSMG) webinar on the 15th of October.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Noel Roberts.

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Biggest solar farm in the country installed on Auckland''s wastewater lake

Watercare''s new 1MW solar array floats on treated wastewater at Rosedale. The plant could power the equivalent of 200 homes, but will generate energy to run the sewage treatment plant where it was installed, saving about $150,000 a year in electricity costs.

Source: stuff.co.nz

Read more 

Brave Blue World Virtual Screening

12- 15 October - Online

We are thrilled to be bringing you a virtual screening of Brave Blue World, the first global water industry documentary that shows how technological innovation offers hope in the age of water scarcity.

You will be given a 72-hour view window to watch the documentary and we encourage you to watch the documentary at your workplace, school or organisation.

On Thursday 15 October at 12 Noon there will be a panel discussion with: 

• Robert Blakemore | Wellington Water
• Joan Davidson | Morrison Low
• Clare Feeney | Environment and Sustainability Strategic Training Institute
• Christine McCormack | Water Cycle Consulting Limited

Absolutely everyone is welcome to join. Please share with others. Instructions on streaming the video and joining the Zoom panel discussion will be emailed to you. One registration provides access to both the screening and online panel discussion. 

Register here to watch and take part in the panel discussion

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 

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 

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

Stormwater Conference

Tauranga, 26-28 August 

We’re excited that Covid-19 Level 1 will mean we can all get together in Tauranga. The Stormwater Conference will be a huge opportunity to catch up with the latest in stormwater management, innovation and technology. So get ready to come to Tauranga to hear the success stories, share ideas and meet new people in what’s looking to be a great post-lockdown get-together.

We’ll be bringing you more on this next week so look out for that. In the meantime, you can go to our website to check out the programme. 

Photo Competition Winner Announced 

And the winner of Water New Zealand''s Photo Competition, receiving the most votes, goes to John McCann from Watercare, who captured the image (above) of Army Bay''s Wastewater Outfall Pipe.

Since the winner receives a full registration to our Annual Conference & Expo, we look forward to seeing John in September.

We would like to say thank you to everyone who participated in our photo competition. We had so many fantastic entries and we look forward to using the images as part of our Image suite.

View All Entries

Our May/June issue of Water is out now

Our cover story discusses a bold Christchurch Green Infrastructure stormwater re-design project that reflects the urban environmental design challenges of the future.

You can read it online here

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Sensible Plan For Freshwater Clean-Up

Water New Zealand says the Government’s Action for Healthy Waterways package provides a sensible and realistic way forward and will result in much-needed improvements in freshwater quality.

Acting CEO John Mackie says it’s vital that there is no further degradation of water quality and that there is a workable plan in place to ensure long term improvements in the state of our water.

Find Out More

Drinking-Water Online Webinar 

17 June,  2-4 PM, via Zoom 

Drinking-Water Online is provided by the Ministry of Health to support water suppliers and drinking water assessors. Drinking-Water Online records supply structure details and can be used to record test results and details of compliance with the Health Act and Drinking Water Standards which informs the annual report on drinking water quality

Prior to the 2019-2020 annual compliance survey period, the Ministry of Health, Water New Zealand and Beca are offering an interactive training and Q&A session on the use of Drinking-Water Online. This training will focus on completing the Annual Survey and cover some of the newer features of Drinking-Water Online. 

Register Now

Annual Conference and Expo 

16-18 September 2020, Hamilton

The Water New Zealand Annual Conference and Expo is scheduled to take place 16 – 18 September 2020. Planning for the Conference has been underway for months and the programme is well developed. Water New Zealand is excited to host this conference and we will update you on any changes to the Conference delivery or schedule if necessary as New Zealand moves through the COVID-19 Alert System.

Head to our Website to find out more.

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Less than two weeks to go to the Annual Modelling Symposium and there are still a few spaces available! 

Take the opportunity to come along and learn the importance of hydraulic and hydrological modelling and how decision-makers within the water industry implement the tools - bring along any questions you might have too!

Register Now

Pressure Sewer National Guidelines 

The demands and expectations of New Zealand wastewater networks systems are increasingly coming under pressure. In some situations the traditional gravity sewer network is no longer the best solution to provide communities the public health benefits that a wastewater network provides.

Download Guide 

Water Qualifications Review Outcome 

Connexis has reviewed all of the water treatment-based qualifications. While there were no substantive changes to the outcome of the qualifications, there is now a slightly different suite of qualifications aimed at future-proofing the qualifications pathway in the long term.

Click here to see the results of the Review

Volunteer in Vanuatu 

Engineers Without Borders New Zealand and VSA are looking for a volunteer to work on strengthening the capacity of the Provincial Water Office (PWO) in Malampa and assist them in implementing a Drinking Water Safety and Security Plan (DWSSP).

They are looking for water professionals who are passionate about safe water outcomes and are willing and able to travel to remote locations.

Application closing date is 16 March 2020.

Find out More

Wellington''s Water Woes Reflect National Problem

Water utilities right across the country face major challenges to upgrade and maintain their underground three waters network.

Water New Zealand’s Technical Manager, Noel Roberts, says Wellington’s wastewater woes are not unique to the capital city.

Learn More