National Freshwater Conference

4 - 5 March 2025 | Crowne Plaza, Auckland

Why attend?

The 16th Annual Freshwater Conference to be held March 2025, will focus on ‘future-proofing New Zealand’s freshwater’ by exploring innovation, governance, and sustainability in water management. Key sessions will cover topics including policy updates on the Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms, Local Water Done Well (LWDW) initiatives, and integrating indigenous knowledge in water governance. Attendees will gain insights into digital transformation, innovative infra funding models, and climate change adaptation in the water sector.

The conference agenda includes keynote addresses, legal analysis, expert panels, and case studies that highlight the evolving challenges and opportunities in water infrastructure and management. It provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange best practices, collaborate on innovative solutions, and build partnerships to safeguard New Zealand’s freshwater resources.

Key Themes

The latest developments relating to RMA reform and there impacts on freshwater management and planning
The future of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM)
The delivery of Local Water Done Well
Water quality standards and frameworks for safeguarding drinking water
Infrastructure development & funding models
Sustainable water management
Digital transformation in water
Climate change adaptation and resilience

Agenda

8:50	Mihi Whakatau
9:00	Welcome note from the conference Chair David Allen, Partner, Buddle Findlay
9:10	Policy updates, latest regulations, governance and reforms in freshwater management Exploring national policy updates affecting freshwater, planning, management and protection and infrastructure development Analysing the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill Examining the Change to National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) relating to consenting Understanding the timeline for reviewing and replacing the NPS-FM - what does this mean for freshwater planning in the interim Analysing changes National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-F) Understanding the current status of Te Mana o te Wai Freshwater Farm Plans, stock exclusions and winter grazing Delivering Local Water Done Well to address New Zealand’s long-standing water infrastructure challenges Hon Andrew Hoggard, Associate Minister for the Environment
9:50	Delivering effective freshwater planning With the removal of the requirement to enact Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations within consenting, what continued tole are councils giving to Te Mana o te Wai within their freshwater planning? Working with communities to develop catchment plans that detail the actions the community wishes to take to improve freshwater Understanding how Regional Councils would potentially be responsible for setting environmental limits for freshwater under a proposed reformed RMA What mechanisms would Regional Councils have to move over-cap catchments back within environmental limits? Judge Laurie Newhook, Chief Freshwater Commissioner
10:30	Morning tea
11:00	Local Government Panel: Delivering reform in the management of freshwater Delivering Local Water Done Well to address New Zealand’s long-standing water infrastructure challenges Exploring the new water service delivery models that councils are deploying to unlock Local Water Done Well and assessing progress towards the creation of water council-controlled organisations (CCOs) Ensuring financial sustainability for councils in the face of rising infrastructure costs Examining the funding mechanisms that will provide access to finance that CCOs need to invest in critical water infrastructure Enabling the creation of financially sustainable water organisations and ensuring water revenues are ring fenced for water services Paula Southgate, Mayor, Hamilton City Council Weston Kirton, Mayor, Ruapehu District Council Rob Scott, Mayor, Southland District Council
12:00	RMA reforms: Impacts on water governance and future challenges Exploring the latest developments in RMA reform and analysing their impact on the governance and protection of freshwater Examining the updated process proposed within the Fast-track Approvals Bill and analysing the projects that have applied to be listed in Schedule 2 How effective will the expert panel process be in the safeguarding of environmental issues impacting freshwater? Exploring the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Reviewing progress in the development of the government’s second RMA reform Bill Simon Pilkinton, Partner, Russell McVeagh
12:40	Lunch break
13:40	Challenges in achieving water quality standards – A local government perspective The impact of agricultural runoff, industrial pollution, and urban water management on local water quality, with a focus on challenges faced by local governments Ongoing challenges in monitoring and enforcing water quality standards, including resource constraints and coordination across sectors Delivering improvement in monitoring practices and response at the local level showcasing successful initiatives to improve water quality
14:20	Integrating traditional knowledge with modern policy to protect wai, whenua and freshwater taonga for future tamariki Indigenous water rights, traditional knowledge, and their role in shaping modern water policies Analysing the legal and cultural issues surrounding indigenous water rights Exploring how mātauranga Māori systems can enhance water management strategies and decision-making Utilising mātauranga-based methodologies to improve freshwater biodiversity Partnering with tangata whenua in the governance of freshwater - examples of collaborations between Iwi groups, land users, local authorities, community stakeholders and the Crown to improve water governance
13:00	Afternoon tea
15:20	Water infrastructure delivery – where we are and where we need to go? Assessing the scale of the challenge – what is the current deficit for water infrastructure in New Zealand? What is our current capacity and capability to deliver large-scale water infrastructure projects in New Zealand? Drawing on both local experience and international best practice to fund and deliver water infrastructure – where can we learn from? Balancing the need for short-term infrastructure delivery with long-term climate adaptation requirements Establishing the National Infrastructure Agency – what role will they have in the delivery of enhanced water infrastructure?
16:00	Innovative funding and financing models for water infrastructure projects Understanding the future of New Zealand’s infrastructure funding system Assessing the opportunities for of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to deliver investments in critical water infrastructure Considering lessons from the funding and financing of successful water infrastructure projects Exploring alternative funding methods Analysing risk allocation and contracting mechanisms Funding and financing climate resilient water infrastructure and adaptation projects
17:00	Summary and close of day 1 followed by networking drinks

8:30	Coffee or Tea
9:00	Welcome back from conference chair and summary of day 1
9:10	Keynote: Embracing and achieving sustainable water management Exploring the principles of the circular economy applied to water, focusing on recycling and grey water systems Innovative wastewater treatment technologies that contribute to sustainable water management What are the barriers to implementing circular water systems, including infrastructure limitations, regulatory hurdles, and public perception of recycled water Grey water reuse, advancements in wastewater treatment, and the benefits of integrating circular practices into urban and rural water management systems
9:50	Digital transformation in freshwater Overview of challenges and advancements in water quality monitoring to protect freshwater systems Data innovations for monitoring water quality – the importance of real-time data and innovations in water quality monitoring for maintaining freshwater and supporting effective policymaking The essential role of AI, IoT, and data analytics in optimising water infrastructure, focusing on their potential to predict failures and enhance service delivery Identifying barriers to adopting digital technologies in water utilities, including cost, data security, and the need for skilled personnel Examining the integration of IoT devices including smart meters, sensors, and automated valves - illustrating how these technologies can transform water utilities through real-time monitoring and management
10:30	Morning tea
11:00	Understanding frameworks for safeguarding drinking water in Aotearoa Assessing and managing risks across your water supply through drinking water safety planning Understanding obligations to carry out drinking water safety planning as required by the Water Services Act 2021 Practical insights into tackling New Zealand’s unique drinking water safety challenges, focusing on regulation, technology, and community collaboration Exploring the water quality challenges facing drinking water safety in NZ, including agricultural runoff, contamination risks, and climate-related vulnerabilities Strengthening water treatment and quality monitoring - exploring advancements in water treatment technologies and monitoring systems
11:40	Panel: Climate change adaptation in freshwater management How is water infrastructure being redesigned to cope with climate challenges? Evolving strategies with innovative approaches to flood risk management and drought resilience, including nature-based solutions and community-led initiatives Successful climate adaptation projects in freshwater management, emphasizing practical strategies that can be replicated or scaled to other areas Andrew Chin, Head of Healthy Waters Strategic Initiatives, Auckland Council
12:40	Lunch break
13:40	Kaipara Moana remediation: A collaborative, catchment-wide approach to freshwater management Whole-of-landscape approaches to catchment management, balancing land use, water quality and biodiversity Demonstrating a diversity of approaches to improving water quality through sediment remediation Optimising wider, people-centred outcomes from environmental investment · Using smart digital tools to validate project progress and underpin market-led benefits Justine Daw, Pou Tataki / CEO, Kaipara Moana Remediation
14:10	Case study Community engagement in water conservation Developing a collaborative community initiative focused on water conservation during periods of drought Bringing together local schools, businesses, and iwi to promote water-saving techniques, including rainwater harvesting and low-water landscaping How integrating local solutions into a broader regional strategy can ensure that conservation is sustainable and that communities are prepared for long-term climate challenges
14:40	Protecting freshwater for recreation in Aotearoa Recognising that New Zealand’s freshwater resources play a pivotal role in not only ecological and urban systems but also in recreational activities dear to our communities Addressing increasing water quality concerns from those using our freshwater resources for recreation How can water management practices improve water quality for both ecological and recreational purposes? What are the current impacts of pollution on freshwater sports in Aotearoa? How can communities and policymakers work together to preserve recreational water spaces?
15:20	Close of conference

Speakers

Richard Waiwai

Tumuaki Rautaki ā-Iwi me ngā Hononga – Chief, Māori Strategy and Relationships

Watercare Services Limited

Read bio

Dedicated to bringing a greater understanding of the Māori world view to a corporate environment, Richie is responsible for ensuring Watercare has the structures and resources to meet its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. An advocate for te reo and tikanga Māori, he has extensive experience working with iwi and mana whenua across the private and public sectors.

Mike Chatterley

Director

Huruhi

Read bio

Neil Brown

Mayor

Ashburton District Council

Read bio

I am a born and bred Ashburton family man, having been married to Judy for 30 years and raised three children here. I’ve lived and worked on farms throughout the district and have business interests in our town. This is my second term as Mayor. I was initially elected onto Council in 2004, serving 12 years as a Councillor and three years as Deputy Mayor before being elected Mayor in 2019.

Michael Lovett

Deputy Chief Executive - Ue te Hīnātore | Local Government Branch

Te Tari Taiwhenua | The Department of Internal Affairs

Read bio

Michael is Deputy Chief Executive for the Local Government branch – Ue te Hīnātore. Michael has worked in a variety of senior management roles in operational and policy agencies across the New Zealand public sector including the Ministry of Social Development, Ministry for the Environment and Department of Corrections. He started his career as a forensic psychologist and holds a Bachelor of Science and an Executive Master of Public Administration.

Andrew Chin

Head of Healthy Waters Strategic Initiatives

Auckland Council

Read bio

Paula Southgate

Mayor

Hamilton City Council

Read bio

Mayor Paula Southgate was first elected as Hamilton’s mayor in 2019, and then re-elected for a second term in 2022. Prior to this, she served as Councillor for Waikato Regional Council for 12 years, where she gained a reputation as a strong advocate for sustainable development and community engagement. Focused on improving Hamilton’s safety, affordable housing, and sustainable transport options, Mayor Southgate also champions the city’s response to the ongoing threat of climate change. Mayor Southgate is a passionate supporter of Hamilton’s arts and culture scene and is committed to making the city a more inclusive and equitable place for all its residents.

Simon Pilkinton

Partner

Russell McVeagh

Read bio

Simon is an environmental and resource management law specialist, with extensive experience in major infrastructure projects and commercial developments. Simon has significant experience advising on resource consent applications, notices of requirement and district and regional planning matters for a wide range of clients including infrastructure providers, network utility operators and commercial developers. Simon’s recent experience also includes assisting a range of clients across New Zealand on Resource Management reform and proposed national policy statements, with a particular focus on major freshwater and biodiversity reforms. Simon is also a specialist in Public Works Act matters. He has a particular focus on the integration of PWA acquisitions and assessments of compensation with the planning approvals required to enable major infrastructure projects. Simon began his career at Russell McVeagh and joined the partnership in 2020.

Robb Scott

Mayor

Southland District Council

Read bio

Weston Kirton

Mayor

Ruapehu District Council

Read bio

Judge Laurie Newhook

Chief Freshwater Commissioner

Read bio

Judge Laurie Newhook retired as Chief Environment Court Judge in July 2020, having headed the New Zealand Environment Court from August 2011 and been a Judge of the Court from 2001. Prior to that he was counsel and had over thirty years of advocacy experience to that point, with particular emphasis on environmental matters, land, property, and maritime laws. He graduated LIB (Hons) from Auckland University in 1972.Judge Newhook was appointed by the Minister for the Environment to be Convenor of Expert Panels under the Covid-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020, for the 3-year life of the Act. On 7 January 2022, he was appointed by the Minister for the Environment to be Chief Freshwater Commissioner for the freshwater planning processes under the Resource Management Act.

Hon Andrew Hoggard

Associate Minister for the Environment

Read bio

Hon Andrew Hoggard is the Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety and the Associate Minister of Agriculture (Animal Welfare, Skills) and for the Environment. Qualified in Applied Economics, Andrew is a lifelong dairy farmer who worked his way to the role of President of Federated Farmers of New Zealand. He held this role until 2023 and later the same year was elected to Parliament as an ACT Party MP.

Justine Daw

Pou Tataki / CEO

Kaipara Moana Remediation

Read bio

Justine began her career as a New Zealand diplomat, working on sustainable development, trade and environmental issues. She has also worked globally on environmental reporting and climate change. Returning to Aotearoa, Justine held senior roles in public policy and executive leadership roles in the environmental, science and innovation sectors. Currently, Justine serves as the Pou Tātaki (CEO) of Kaipara Moana Remediation, a collaboration between the Crown, iwi and councils to restore the Kaipara, the largest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. Among her governance roles, Justine has served as Deputy Chair of the World Wide Fund for Nature NZ and on the board of Reconnecting Northland. Currently, Justine is a Director of the NZ Institute for Plant and Food Research and sits on a national advisory committee for community research.

Exhibitor

Watercare Labs

Pen Sponsor

Hill-labs

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.

Exhibitor

Brightstar

Make an enquiry

email info@brightstar.co.nz

General Contact

Tagged National freshwater conference 2025

4 - 5 March 2025 | Crowne Plaza, Auckland

Why attend?

Key Themes

Agenda

Speakers

Richard Waiwai

Mike Chatterley

Neil Brown

Michael Lovett

Andrew Chin

Paula Southgate

Simon Pilkinton

Robb Scott

Weston Kirton

Judge Laurie Newhook

Hon Andrew Hoggard

Justine Daw

Exhibitor

Pen Sponsor

Sponsorship Opportunities

Exhibitor

Make an enquiry

General Contact

Want to know more?