4-5 MARCH 2025 | CROWNE PLAZA, Auckland

Co-located with National Freshwater

Floods, Erosion & Catchment Management

Delivering solutions to safeguard New Zealand

The Floods, Erosion & Catchment Management conference convenes experts, policy makers, and stakeholders from diverse fields to address critical issues related to flood resilience, erosion control, and sustainable catchment management. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, promoting knowledge sharing, and showcasing best practices, the conference contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable future and safeguarding New Zealand’s communities and landscapes in the face of growing environmental challenges.

Reasons to attend:

Gain insights into the latest research, technologies, and methodologies in flood management, erosion control, and catchment management from leading experts in the field
Connect with passionate professionals and thought leaders
Understand current trends in policy and planning
Learn about new methods to improve flood forecasting and erosion monitoring
Learn from New Zealand’s unique approaches and experiences
Explore real-world case studies and success stories offering practical insights and lessons that can be applied to your own work

Agenda

8:30	Registration and Coffee
8:45	Mihi Whakatau Opening remarks from the Chair
9:10	Future flooding and future advocacy: how can professions help break the disaster-response cycle Linking flood risk to housing development, climate change, and planning/regulatory trends A review of 'Wake up' calls, the politics of risk, and our success in breaking the disaster response cycle Learning how various professional groups have advocated for policy change in response to environmental risks Emphasising the need for professions to reflect on their traditional remit and become more politically active in advocating for more sustainable futures Iain White, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Impact, Professor of Environmental Planning, University of Waikato
9:50	Addressing environmental risks and adaptive management: the legal perspective Discussing the importance of the language of risk and resource management responses to address flood risks Exploring the interconnectedness of relevant regulatory risk management provisions in a catchment context Implications of legislative and system reform in emergency management Address the legal gaps and compliance issues Philip Maw, Partner- Environment & Planning and Local Government, Wynn Williams
10:30	Morning refreshments
11:00	From Risk to Resilience: an update on RMA advancements in flood prevention and Infrastructure An update on recent advancements and strategies implemented under the Resource Management Act (RMA) aimed at enhancing flood prevention and infrastructure resilience Discussing case studies, innovations, and policy frameworks contributing to improved flood management and resilient infrastructure development Policies and strategies under the RMA to address changing environmental conditions Exploring innovative technologies used in flood prediction, monitoring, and early warning systems Examples of infrastructure projects supported by the RMA aimed at enhancing resilience Helen Andrews, Director, The Environment Lawyers
11:40	Adapting to Escalating Flood Risks: Local and International Perspectives on Community-Driven Solutions Provide an overview of the escalating flood risk in Aotearoa and internationally, with a focus on vulnerable communities Share applied research outcomes that demonstrate successful community-driven flood adaptation strategies Highlight the role of international frameworks, including the UNESCO guidance, in shaping local and global flood management practices Discuss key lessons learned from both local and international flood adaptation efforts and how they can inform future policies and practices Raise awareness about the importance of global collaboration in addressing the growing threat of flooding Bruce Glavovic, Professor, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University
12:20	Integrated catchment modelling for flood prediction in New Zealand Discuss the importance of integrated catchment modelling for flood prediction Overview of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and hydrological challenges they present for modelling and prediction Discuss data collection and calibration Overview of hydrological models and modelling techniques Importance of predictive capabilities: Assessing flood flows under different scenarios (land use changes, climate variations) Discuss land use planning and flood risk assessment Using modelling to inform emergency response planning and evacuation strategies Bronwyn Rhynd, Director, CKL Zeb Worth, Principal Environmental Engineer, CKL
13:00	Lunch
14:00	Panel Discussion: Flood risk assessment and mitigation strategies: Explore innovative approaches to flood risk assessment and management Importance of proactive flood risk assessment and mitigation Discussing the differences between localised and riverine flooding. Understand its impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment Discussing structural mitigation strategies - Floodwalls, seawalls, and levees Discussing non-structural measures such as: - Property buyouts and permanent relocation from risk areas - Elevated structures and zoning regulations - Building codes for flood-resistant construction Discussing green infrastructure solutions Discussing innovative approaches - Probabilistic models and machine learning for flood forecasting - Geospatial data-driven risk assessment for urban areas Chantez Connor-Kingi, Kai whiri iwitunaSenior Advisor – Rivers & Natural Hazards, Northland Regional Council Fiona MacDonald, Principal – Flood Risk, Auckland Council Dr Chris Batstone, Senior Research Associate, Lincoln University Sue Ira, Director, Koru Environmental Consultants
14:40	Enhancing land use practices in New Zealand for flood protection, erosion prevention, and improved catchment management Highlighting the importance of sustainable land use practices to address flood risks, erosion, and water management Exploring flood-prone regions in New Zealand and their vulnerability and discussing the concept of land use planning for flood protection Discussing effective erosion control measures, such as reforestation, riparian buffers, and terracing Discussing catchment management and water quality. Highlight sustainable land use practices that minimize runoff and pollution Daniel Harrison, Director - Operations, Taranaki Regional Council
15:20	Afternoon break
15:40	Beneath the surface: Groundwater’s influence on urban flooding patterns Defining urban flooding and its impact on communities Highlighting the economic and social consequences of flooding in urban areas Understanding the role of climate change in exacerbating flood risks Explaining how urban flooding occurs when stormwater exceeds drainage system capacity Discussing factors such as heavy rainfall, storm surge, and high tides Emphasising the importance of groundwater infiltration and drainage systems Describe how impervious surfaces (e.g., pavement, buildings) reduce groundwater infiltration Discussing the effect of urbanization on peak flow, flood volume, and groundwater extraction Discussing strategies for sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure, and flood resilience Helen Rutter, Senior Research Scientist, Lincoln Agritech
16:20	Natural based solutions for coastal erosion and flooding events Aims of natural-based solutions in a coastal setting Types of natural-based solutions for coastal environments The role of engineering in hybrid solutions The likely challenges for natural-based solutions with climate change International Examples New Zealand examples and opportunities Todd Derek, Principal Coastal and Hazards Scientist, Jacobs New Zealand
17:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks

8:50	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcome back remarks from the Chair
9:10	Integrating climate change scenarios for effective flooding, erosion and catchment Management Understanding the impact of climate change on flooding, erosion, and catchment management Exploring methods and tools for integrating climate change scenarios into management strategies Discussing case studies and best practices for effective implementation Matt Raeburn, Principal – Climate Change and Sustainability - Asia-Pacific Climate Scenarios and Disclosures lead, WSP
9:50	Erosion control in New Zealand’s vulnerable landscapes The sensitive nature of the Gisborne region from the clearing of the indigenous bush and the influence of our underlying geology and climate What has been done to address the issue: the successes, the not so successful. Papatuanuku is telling us that a lot that has occurred is not working, unless we change direction the aftermath of heavy and intensive rainfall events will continue to be just as devastating What we have learnt and what we need to do to build a resilient, sustainable Tairawhiti. An outline of initiatives in our hill country to reduce impacts on our valuable alluvial flats, urban areas and our Flood Control Scheme How we have looked at transitioning from existing land uses to a sustainable, resilient future and retaining existing land uses with appropriate soil conservation works to further protect our region Kerry Hudson, Team Leader Soil Conservation, Gisborne District Council
10:30	Morning refreshments
11:00	A Shared Future: working with communities to adapt to a changing climate Discussing climate change and its impact on communities Discussing the key challenges and benefits of community engagement Discussing the best-practice principles, tools, and case studies for community engagement in climate adaptation
11:30	Panel Discussion: Integrated early warning systems for resilient flood, erosion, and catchment management Understanding early warning systems: Definitions and core competencies Dispelling common myths about early warnings and the importance of an integrated and all-society approach Numerical modelling in early warning systems Discussing the benefits and challenges of incorporating numerical simulations The Importance of community engagement and resilience building Aligning technical systems with overall flood and drought management policies Mitchell Anderson, Managing Director, Urban Intelligence
12.10	Urban sustainable drainage systems for NZ Cities Highlight the purpose of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) Importance of managing surface water sustainably in urban areas Benefits of SuDS for cities in New Zealand Discussing the Components of SuDS such as permeable paving ,green roofs , rain gardens, swales and bio-retention basins Discuss site- specific considerations and integration with existing infrastructure Case studies of some successful SuDS projects in New Zealand cities Discuss local regulations and guidelines supporting SuDS adoption Peter Christensen, Technical Director – Surface Water, Storm Environmental
12:50	Lunch break
13:50	WaterCity: Innovations in urban flood management Defining the concept and critical principles of flood-resilient cities and their role in sustainable urban development How green infrastructure and nature-based solutions can be used to mitigate the effects of urban flooding Presenting real-world examples of nature-based solutions, such as naturalised rivers and constructed wetlands in Europe, China and NZ Highlighting the benefits of the flood-resilient city, including flood reduction, improved water quality, ecological restoration, increased biodiversity, and the creation of new public space Address the challenges of implementation costs, maintenance, and community engagement Discussing the impact of flood-resilient city strategies on future urban form What happens when green infrastructure isn't enough? Will managed retreat help save our cities? Matthew Bradbury, Associate Professor- School of Architecture, UNITEC
14:30	Insurance strategies for mitigating Flood risks in vulnerable catchments Explore the unique challenges posed by flood risks in vulnerable catchments. Discuss the factors contributing to increased vulnerability Discuss the current insurance practices and their effectiveness in managing flood risks Analysis of challenges such as affordability, coverage limitations, and risk assessment accuracy Discuss innovative insurance practices Case studies of successful & unsuccessful insurance approaches Kali Mercier, Deputy Director, Helen Clark Foundation
15:00	Summary remarks from the Chair and end of the conference

Speakers

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Matt Raeburn

Principal – Climate Change & Sustainability, Asia-Pacific Climate Scenarios and Disclosures lead

WSP

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Matt is WSP’s Climate Scenarios and Disclosures lead, Asia-Pacific, and a Principal – Climate Change with the firm’s Strategic Advisory team. With 18 years of experience – including from EY, Beca, the Ministry for the Environment’s (MfE’s) Sustainable Finance and Adaptation teams, and the US Postal Service as its lead environmental counsel – Matt brings insights into climate change strategy that few specialists can claim. Matt immigrated with his family from Portland, Oregon, to Auckland in 2016. He now calls Pōneke Wellington home.

Fiona MacDonald

Principal - Flood Risk

Auckland Council

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Fiona is Principal for Flood Risk in Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters department. Her role involves understanding existing and future flood risk across the region and working with other parts of Council to manage this risk. Since the Anniversary floods she has been working on Council’s flood response and recovery. With a PhD and diverse cross-sector experience in civil engineering and infrastructure management, Richard works with clients across the asset lifecycle to make sense of complex, organisational problems, articulate strategy, and find pragmatic solutions to enable better decision-making and effective governance of operations.

Chantez Connor-Kingi

Kai whiri iwituna\Senior Advisor – Rivers and Natural Hazards

Northland Regional Council

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Connor-Kingi is a dedicated Kai Whiri Iwituna, leading the kōrero in Māori hapū engagement. With a deep understanding of both Māori and Crown perspectives, Chantez excels at bridging these worlds in partnership, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. She has a unique talent for breaking down complex scientific concepts into accessible language, making them understandable and relevant to the communities she works with. Chantez’s work is a testament to the benefits of effective collaboration between Māori and the Crown, fostering relationships that uphold the mana of tangata and support the well-being of our people.

Daniel Harrison

Director - Operations

Taranaki Regional Council

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In his role as Director – Operations at Taranaki Regional Council, Daniel is responsible for river and flood control, sustainable land management, biodiversity, biosecurity, and regional gardens. Prior to starting his current role in 2020, Daniel spent 12-years as a regional council river, drainage, and flood control practitioner in Canterbury and Taranaki. Daniel started his career in local government in 2006 as a consents planner. Daniel is an active member of the NZ regional council River Managers’ Special Interest Group (SIG), representing River Managers on the NZ Poplar and Willow Research Trust; and is the deputy convenor of the NZ regional council Biomanagers (biodiversity and biosecurity managers) SIG.

Peter Christensen

Technical Director – Surface Water

Storm Environmental

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Peter is a Chartered Professional Engineer with over 25 years’ experience in water resources engineering. He has specialist knowledge in stormwater and flood management. Peter’s project experience has included flood hazard analysis, hydrological and hydraulic modelling and analysis, catchment plans and stormwater treatment. He is a passionate advocate for blue-green place-making where water, nature and people meet.

Mitchell Anderson

Managing Director

Urban Intelligence

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Mitchell Anderson is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Intelligence, an innovative research and software start-up based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. For the past three years, Mitchell has led this firm and worked alongside CDEM groups, central government agencies, councils, iwi/hapū, infrastructure owners, businesses, and communities to enable evidence-based decision-making for a more resilient future. With a strong background in Civil Systems Engineering, including Humanitarian Engineering, Mitchell brings technical expertise and practical insight to his work. His doctoral research advanced quantitative methods in spatial risk analysis, focusing on the intersection of built and human systems.

Bronwyn Rhynd

Director

CKL

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Zeb Worth

Principal Environmental Engineer

CKL

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Derek Todd

Principal Coastal and Hazards Scientist

Jacobs New Zealand

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Derek is a coastal geomorphologist with over forty years’ experience in managing coastal resources, monitoring and investigating coastal processes and hazards, and assessing the potential future changes in coastline and river mouth stability. This experience includes time working in consultancy, local and central Government, and universities in both New Zealand and Australia.

Matthew Bradbury

Associate Professor- School of Architecture

UNITEC

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Dr. Bradbury is an Associate Professor at the School of Architecture, UNITEC, New Zealand and director of the Master of Landscape Architecture / Architecture by Project programme. Matthews recent research has been into adapting urban development to the challenges of climate change. By understanding the hydrological landscape that underlies the city, a new city master plan can emerge, one that increases green space, encourages biodiversity, makes new public space for citizens and helps to reduce water contamination and flooding. Matthew published Water City. Practical strategies for Climate Change, with Routledge in 2020. The book demonstrates how to manage the environmental effects of climate change through urban design. Matthew Bradbury is a principal in BMLA.The practice specialises in the integration of landscape, infrastructure, and urban development. Matthew has over twenty years of experience on a wide range of projects, domestic, commercial and civic in New Zealand, PR China, and the EU.

Bruce Glavovic

Professor- School of People, Environment and Planning

Massey University

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Over the last four decades, Bruce has worked as a policy advisor, consultant planner, and academic in South Africa, the USA, and New Zealand. His research centres on how to make societal choices in turbulent times, with a focus on: Adapting to climate change; natural hazards planning; coastal governance; and collaborative planning and conflict transformation. In 2022, Bruce received the New Zealand Planning Institute’s Distinguished Service Award and the Individual Research Award from Massey’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He was listed in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists in 2023. He received a Distinguished Scientist award from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2023 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the IDSVA (USA) in 2024.

Helen Rutter

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Exhibitors

Bluemont

Water Technology

Hydro Response

Lanyard sponsor

Hydro Response

Sponsorship Opportunities

Reach out to us with any enquiries about sponsorship opportunities.

We look forward to discussing how we can collaborate and maximise your brand’s visibility at this upcoming event.

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$ 2199 +gst

Save $500 off Full Price Tickets. Available until 20 Dec OR until 40 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 20 December 2024.

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$ 1899 Per Person +gst

Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid ticket, payment by 4 March 2025.

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Make an enquiry

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4-5 MARCH 2025 | CROWNE PLAZA, Auckland

Co-located with National Freshwater

Floods, Erosion & Catchment Management

Delivering solutions to safeguard New Zealand

Reasons to attend:

Agenda

Speakers

Matt Raeburn

Fiona MacDonald

Chantez Connor-Kingi

Daniel Harrison

Peter Christensen

Mitchell Anderson

Bronwyn Rhynd

Zeb Worth

Derek Todd

Matthew Bradbury

Bruce Glavovic

Helen Rutter

Exhibitors

Lanyard sponsor

Sponsorship Opportunities

Tickets

Click the following button to secure your spot:

Individual tickets

2 for the price of 1

Super Saver

Full Price

Multi-Buy 3+ Tickets

Local, Central Govt, NGO & Maori Trusts - Individual tickets

2 for the price of 1

Super Saver

Full Price

Multi-Buy 3+ Tickets

Registration Conditions

Make an enquiry

General Contact

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