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	Ministerial address: 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 to the 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 role are councils giving to Te Mana o te Wai within their freshwater planning? 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	Planning for the delivery of Local Water Done Well Analysing the components of water services delivery under the Local Water Done Well plan Assessing progress towards the creation of water council-controlled organisations (CCOs) Examining the funding mechanisms that will provide access to finance that CCOs need to invest in critical water infrastructure Michael Lovett, Deputy Chief Executive - Ue te Hīnātore \| Local Government Branch Te Tari Taiwhenua \| The Department of Internal Affairs
11:40	Mayoral 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) How can councils best ensure their financial sustainability and keep rates affordable for the public in the face of rising infrastructure costs? 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 Neil Brown, Mayor, Ashburton District Council
12:40	Lunch break
1:40	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
2:20	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 Richard Waiwai, Tumuaki Rautaki ā-Iwi me ngā Hononga – Chief, Māori Strategy and Relationships, Watercare Services Limited
3:00	Afternoon tea
3:20	Panel discussion: Water infrastructure, funding, financing and delivery – where we are and where do 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 finance and 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? Understanding the changing landscape of New Zealand’s infrastructure funding system Innovative funding and financing models for water infrastructure projects Assessing the opportunities for of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to deliver investments in critical water infrastructure Examining critical risk allocation and contracting considerations Funding and financing climate resilient water infrastructure and adaptation projects Mike Chatterley, Director, Huruhi Further panellists TBC
4:20	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	International keynote address: 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 Professor Stuart White, Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures (Australia)
9:40	Managing freshwater resources Addressing ongoing challenges in the monitoring and enforcement of water quality standards Analysing the ecological science behind water management and planning in New Zealand Working with communities to develop catchment plans that detail the actions the community wishes to take to improve freshwater Exploring tools for partnership with iwi and collaborative engagement with stakeholders Showcasing successful approaches from around the country
10:30	Morning refreshments
11:00	Balancing environmental outcomes with productivity in agriculture to improve freshwater ecosystem health Improving the quality of freshwater policy and regulation – how can we reduce the complexity and duplication? Can we achieve the long-term consistency of regulatory approach that would provide farmers with the confidence to invest in sustainability outcomes? How can we achieve the doubling of exports in agriculture and deliver the required acceleration of on-farm productivity while balancing environmental impacts on freshwater? How have science, innovation and on-farm practices evolved in recent years to enable land use change while supporting freshwater ecosystem health? How can the agriculture sector demonstrate the freshwater outcomes required to maintain its social license and contribute to an honest conversation around water in New Zealand? Colin Hurst, National Vice President, Federated Farmers
11.40	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
12.20	Lunch break
1:20	Panel disussion: 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 Sam Parsons, Climate Change Specialist, Boffa Miskell
2:20	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
3:00	Case study Community engagement in freshwater Merging STEM education and sustainability to get ākonga out of the classroom and learn how they can make a positive difference in their local community Undertaking a stream restoration project in South Auckland - restoring the health of a polluted portion of the Waokauri Stream Monitoring the restoration using eDNA Aidan Kiely, Head of Department – Science, Aorere College
3:40	Close of conference

Speakers

Sam Parsons

Climate Change Specialist

Boffa Miskell

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I’m a climate change adaptation and mitigation specialist with experience in climate change response assessment, planning, and delivery across the New Zealand Government and private sectors. I have experience in the development and application of innovative climate change impact assessment approaches, with particular expertise in assessing climate change interactions and responses within the natural environment. I specialise in working collaboratively with government agencies and organisations alongside a diversity of community stakeholders for the delivery of climate change response initiatives in the natural and built environment. With a background in climate adaptation for biodiversity conservation and national park management, I advocate a strong nature-based solutions approach in the delivery of sustainable and resilient places and spaces. My approach to work emphasises the need for robust processes, developed on a foundation of best practice, that clearly communicate climate change response requirements to inform practical actions that make a difference.

Professor Stuart White

Director

Institute for Sustainable Futures

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Professor Stuart White is Director of the Institute for Sustainable Futures where he leads a team of researchers who create change towards sustainable futures through independent, project-based research. With over twenty years experience in sustainability research, Professor White’s work focuses on achieving sustainability outcomes at least cost for a range of government, industry and community clients across Australia and internationally. This includes both the design and evaluation of programs for improving resource use efficiency and an assessment of their impact. Professor White has written and presented widely on sustainable futures and is a regular commentator on sustainability issues in the media.

David Allen

Partner

Buddle Findlay

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David specialises in all aspects of resource management, environmental and natural resources law. He is a leading adviser on complex and large scale infrastructure projects and has particular experience in wastewater and freshwater, roading and energy projects (having advised on geothermal, wind, hydro and thermal projects). David understands the unique challenges of large projects and works collaboratively with his clients, their advisers and other parties to ensure his clients’ outcomes are achieved in the most effective and efficient manner. David is an accredited chair of RMA hearings panels and has chaired a number of hearings. He is also a presenter of the Ministry for the Environment’s “Making Good Decisions” programme required for all resource management decision-makers.

Aidan Kiely

Head of Department – Science

Aorere College

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Aidan has been teaching at Aorere College since 2016, and has been the Head of Science since 2023. He leads a stream restoration project involving 300 year 9 students every year that uses environmental DNA monitoring alongside conventional techniques. Other projects include collaborating with plant biologists on myrtle rust and pōhutukawa, AUT marine geologists on estuary monitoring and launching hot air balloons from the school field. In his spare time he enjoys football, family and making desserts.

Richard Waiwai

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

Watercare Services Limited

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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

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Neil Brown

Mayor

Ashburton District Council

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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. Throughout my farming life my farms have been watered through spray irrigation for crops and pastures. I am currently a director of the Board of Acton Farmers Irrigation who use 3 cumecs of water from the Rakaia River to irrigate approximately 6,000 hectares, and a Director on the Rangitata Diversion Race board who use 32 cumecs from the Rangitata River for irrigation and generation. I am also a Trustee on the Hinds Hekeoa Water Enhancement Trust that use water to mitigate high nitrate levels in the aquafiers throughout the Hinds district.

Michael Lovett

Deputy Chief Executive - Ue te Hīnātore | Local Government Branch

Te Tari Taiwhenua | The Department of Internal Affairs

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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

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Paula Southgate

Mayor

Hamilton City Council

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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

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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.

Weston Kirton

Mayor

Ruapehu District Council

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Exhibitor

Watercare Labs

Pen Sponsor

Hill-labs

Sponsorship Opportunities

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

Exhibitor

Brightstar

Tickets

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

$ 1349.50 Per Person +gst

The price displayed is the effective rate per person, based on a minimum purchase of 2 tickets equaling 1 full price ticket. For valid ticket, payment by 20 December 2024.

$2699

$ 2499 +gst

Save $200 off Full Price Tickets. Available until 7 February OR until 40 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 7 February 2025.

$ 1899 Per Person +gst

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

$ 2699 +gst

For valid ticket, payment by 4 March 2025.

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General Contact

Tagged 4-5 March 2025, National freshwater conference 2025

4 - 5 March 2025 | Crowne Plaza, Auckland

Why attend?

Key Themes

Agenda

Speakers

Sam Parsons

Professor Stuart White

David Allen

Aidan Kiely

Richard Waiwai

Mike Chatterley

Neil Brown

Michael Lovett

Andrew Chin

Paula Southgate

Simon Pilkinton

Weston Kirton

Exhibitor

Pen Sponsor

Sponsorship Opportunities

Exhibitor

Tickets

Click the following button to secure your spot:

Individual tickets

2 for the price of 1

Early Bird

Multi-Buy 3+ Tickets

Full Price

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

2 for the price of 1

Early Bird

Multi-Buy 3+ Tickets

Full Price

Registration Conditions

Make an enquiry

General Contact

Want to know more?