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4-5 MARCH 2025 | CROWNE PLAZA, Auckland

Co-located with National Freshwater

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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

Dr Chris Cameron, Climate Change Specialist

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

Water City: 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

  • Addressing 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

11:30

Panel Discussion: Living with uncertainty and puting nature first

  • Understanding decision-making under deep uncertainty - working with uncertainty rather than trying to control it. How deep uncertainty approaches can be used as a form of institutional warning system

  • Complying with the principles of Te mana o te Wai – how are we doing?

  • Numerical modelling approaches - the benefits and challenges of incorporating numerical simulations

  • Living with our highly modified catchments – is 'room for the river' viable? Are we really embracing 'nature-based' solutions?

  • Balancing the role of science/analysis with community-led approaches

  • Aligning adaptation plans amongst industries and infrastructure providers

  • Early warning systems: Different responses likely for individual flood/erosion events, for adaptation planning for existing infrastructure, or for long-term land-use change planning

  • Dispelling common myths about early warnings and the importance of an integrated and all-society approach 

Mitchell Anderson, Managing Director, Urban Intelligence

Joseph Camuso, Rivers and Natural Hazards Manager, Northland Regional Council 

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

Enhancing Surveying and Mapping with Remote Data Capture: Benefits of Aerial and LiDAR Technology for Flood and Erosion Surveys

  • Discussing how remote data capture eliminates the need for staff to access hazardous or hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risk of injury

  • Understanding how drones and aircraft offer significant cost savings over traditional survey methods by reducing the need for on-the-ground equipment and labour

  • Exploring how Drone-mounted LiDAR technology delivers highly accurate data, even in challenging or remote locations, ensuring reliable results

  • How Aerial surveys enable the measurement and monitoring of difficult-to-reach areas, such as cliffs and structures, that are otherwise impossible to access physically

  • Highlighting how these technologies allow for rapid data collection, making them particularly valuable in post-event scenarios, such as after floods or storms, where timely information is critical

Jeremy Neilson, Surveyor / Director, Recon

14:30

Summary remarks from the Chair and end of the conference

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Speakers

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Matt Raeburn

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

Bronwyn Rhynd

Director
CKL
Bronwyn Rhynd holds a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) and Maters in Environmental Engineering Science (MEnvEngSc) and has over 20 years professional experience in the water resource area. Her expertise is in that area, with a focus on stormwater treatment, disposal, and management, as well as experience and expertise in flood management and regulation. She has been involved in many projects that have required an assessment of effects with regard to stormwater, flood and overland flow path management for projects and catchments that are either greenfields or have established land uses which vary from residential, commercial, and industrial. These projects have been throughout New Zealand. She has regularly liaised with other industry professionals and territorial authorities regarding appropriate stormwater and flood management solutions

Zeb Worth

Principal Environmental Engineer
CKL
Zeb Worth holds a Bachelor of Enginering (BE) and has over 18 years of experience in stormwater management and related disciplines. His experience ranges from catchment management, stormwater strategy development and flood modelling, through to detailed design and implementation of stormwater management infrastructure. He has worked on projects in several different sectors, including catchment planning, greenfield land development, major transportation, and large-scale municipal stormwater infrastructure. A common theme in successfully delivering stormwater management projects across these sectors has been his ability to understand, predict and manage flooding and overland flow patterns, and how these influence, and are influenced by land use and infrastructure design and planning.  

Derek Todd

Principal Coastal and Hazards Scientist
Jacobs New Zealand
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
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
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

Helen has  >30 years’ experience in hydrogeological research and consultancy. She has been assessing shallow groundwater hazards and impacts in both urban and rural areas for over two decades, having been involved in groundwater flooding in the chalk in the UK for the British Geological Survey prior to coming to New Zealand. More recently, she has been involved in shallow groundwater as a hazard in New Zealand and has researched this topic in Christchurch, Auckland and Napier.

Kali Mercier

Deputy Director
Helen Clark Foundation
Kali Mercier is the WSP Fellow and Deputy Director of the Helen Clark Foundation. She is passionate about social justice and improving public well-being through policy reform. Kali has an extensive background in law, policy, and international development, which has taken her to Berlin, London, Mexico City and Botswana. She has an LLB (Hons) majoring in international law, a BA in French and German, and a master’s in international development studies. Before coming to the Helen Clark Foundation, Kali worked as Principal Advisor at the Ministry of Justice, Policy Director at the NZ Drug Foundation and as a human rights advocate for Amnesty UK and other charities overseas.

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Water Technology

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