4 - 5 March 2025 | Crowne Plaza, Auckland

Why attend?

The 16th Annual Freshwater Conference 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 Natalie Summerfield, Senior Associate, 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
9:40	Managing freshwater to meet our values and expectations What are our shared visions and values for freshwater? Does politics have a role? What does science tell us about meeting our expectations? How are we tracking on achieving long-term values for freshwater? Previous approaches to working together Partnering with Te Iwi Māori and collaborative engagement with stakeholders - successful approaches from around the country Kate McArthur, Freshwater Expert, KM Water
10:20	Morning tea
10.50	Leveraging novel technology to solve global environmental problems How can a systems approach to technology improve New Zealand's global position as a forward-thinking environmental nation? Exploring how emerging biosensing and molecular-level biomonitoring technology can open up the "Information Stratum" and allowing for a greater granularity of information to become available to inform environmental planning, policy and decision making Analysing how to use R&D processes effectively to meet super use cases for environmental improvements Sharing examples of how this technology is driving changes Aaron Middleton, Chief Technology Officer, Cucumber
11:20	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 Jaron Shaw, Chief Advisor Water Services Reform, Te Tari Taiwhenua\|The Department of Internal Affairs
11:50	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
12:50	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 Nick Davis. Partner \| Hoa Pakihi, MartinJenkins Lorraine Kendrick, Business Director - Water, Beca Brad Tiller, Sustainable Infrastructure Finance Lead, Tonkin + Taylor
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: Pathways to a sustainable water future: A case of system transition For nearly 200 years, the water, sewerage and drainage systems in most cities of the world have had the same basic form and operating principles. This has provided obvious benefits, including improvements in public health, fire protection, flood management, water security and environmental outcomes. It has enabled cities to grow, with the economic benefits that accrue from increased density and the opportunities for exchange. However, in many respects we are reaching the limits of these systems to meet these needs without the need for change. The environmental impacts, resource implications, climate impacts and increasing cost are creating pressure for a new way of thinking about the water system. This presentation will address the changes that are occurring and those that will be needed for this transition. Making the case for applying systems thinking and integrating all the parts of the water cycle, including water, sanitation and stormwater, as well as agriculture and urban water use Providing examples of what the future could look like - drawing lessons from other utility sectors, such as the electricity industry Sharing real world examples of sustainable practice and from the experience of recent history including the Millennium Drought Considering the role of water efficiency, water reclamation and reuse, source substitution and new supply Analysing the role of digital systems and Industry 4.0 Creating hope for the future - identifying pathways to a sustainable water future if we are prepared to shift our thinking and to change the system Professor Stuart White, Director - Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney (Australia) -Presenting remotely
9:40	Digital transformation in freshwater 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 Illustrating how these technologies can transform water utilities through real-time monitoring and management Abi Croutear-Foy, Managing Director, AquaWatch Ebi Hussain. Chief Science Officer, AquaWatch
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 Natasha Berkett, Principal Policy Advisor, Federated Farmers
11.50	Case study: 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
12.30	Lunch break
1:30	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 Lisa Dowson, Water Sector Lead, Tonkin + Taylor

2.30	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
3:50	Close of conference

Speakers

Lorraine Kendrick

Business Director - Water

Beca

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With over 23 years’ experience working across many disciplines, Lorraine’s passion lies in the water sector, actively contributing to our community’s commitment to safe drinking water and a sustainable environment. Lorraine is the a past President and current Board member of Water New Zealand and is also on the committee of Water Services Managers Group. A Chartered and International Professional Engineer, Lorraine provides strategic advice responding to legislative and regulatory requirements, and the planning and delivery of water planning and infrastructure programmes to meet the needs of the community. Lorraine is dedicated to supporting the water sector to continue its journey of transformation and the critical implementation of the Towards 2050: Transformation vision for the water sector, with Beca supporting Water New Zealand in the delivery of this vision.

Lisa Dowson

Water Sector Lead

Tonkin + Taylor

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Natalie Summerfield

Senior Associate

Buddle Findlay

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Natalie specialises in resource management, environmental and local government law. She has represented public and corporate clients with large-scale infrastructure projects, property developments, commercial contracts and due diligence investigations. Natalie advises government agencies involved in major infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on roading, working with in-house counsel, project managers, planners and technical experts. With extensive experience on regional and district plan reviews and a sound understanding of planning rules, Natalie provides clients with strategic advice about the use and development of their properties. Natalie also has experience in Resource Management Act prosecutions, providing strategic advice to help avoid prosecutions and defending clients when the unfortunate happens. Prior to joining Buddle Findlay, Natalie worked as a resource management solicitor at two other leading New Zealand law firms.

Brad Tiller

Sustainable Infrastructure Finance Lead

Tonkin + Taylor

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Brad is the Sustainable Infrastructure Finance Lead at Tonkin + Taylor. He has ten years’ experience across water infrastructure investigations, water quality monitoring, catchment planning, civil engineering design and project delivery. He understands both the engineering imperatives of construction projects, but also the financial, environmental, social and planning context the engineered solutions need to operate within. Brad values interdisciplinary thinking to look at the big picture around the way Aotearoa values water, especially remedying long-standing environmental challenges. He’s currently exploring how sustainable finance can widen the pool of capital to enable outcomes through impact investment, particularly channelling Aotearoa’s sovereign wealth funds to create change at scale.

Aaron Middleton

Chief Technology Officer

Cucumber

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Aaron brings over 15 years of experience in applied science and product development within a range of countries, ranging from Sweden to Switzerland. With degrees in Physics and Business Administration, he’s led a variety of projects in industries like green metals (i.e. Vanadium) and defense, focusing on novel materials and deploying physics-informed machine learning within steel production plants. Passionate about co-developing sustainable solutions that benefit people and the environment but maintaining a strong emphasis on systems thinking. Raised within a Welsh farming community, enjoys learning languages and likes to attend shearing events with his family.

Ebi Hussain

Chief Science Officer

Aquawatch

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Ebi has an extensive background in environmental policy, water quality, and ecology, cultivated through roles spanning government, private sector, and nonprofit initiatives across Aotearoa New Zealand. Renowned within the industry, Ebi has pioneered environmental consulting and citizen science initiatives which have garnered global recognition. His s expertise will enable AquaWatch to advance scientific research, strategy, and product innovation for the preservation of aquatic ecosystems worldwide.

Abi Croutear-Foy

Managing Director

Aquawatch

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Abi finds water eternally fascinating. She is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems, and is focused on helping AquaWatch make water quality monitoring more accessible and affordable. In her role at AquaWatch, Abi is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that can tailor solutions to enable many diverse sectors to improve water health.

Nick Davis

Partner | Hoa Pakihi

MartinJenkins

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Nick is a highly experienced economist and public policy advisor, with a track record of successfully leading and managing significant policy reviews and evaluations. Nick is an experienced economist and public policy expert who has advised governments on a wide range of economic, regulatory and machinery-of-government issues. His key skill is breaking down problems to their essence, drawing on evidence and analysis to identify the best solutions, and packaging advice to decision-makers in ways that enable them to make confident decisions. Nick has specialist skills in public policy analysis and evaluation, public sector financial management, and economic and financial analysis. Before joining MartinJenkins in 2004 he held senior policy roles at the New Zealand Treasury and Ministry of Economic Development, and worked as a regulatory analyst at Merrill Lynch International in London. Since joining us Nick has led an extensive portfolio of high-profile public policy and evaluation assignments across a diverse array of sectors, including business and regional development, science and innovation, building and construction, education, justice, and international development.

Kate McArthur

Freshwater Expert

KM Water

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Kate has a background in freshwater ecology and natural resource management and has worked as a senior scientist for regional councils. She has a deep interest in tangata whenua relationships with water and the environment and works with iwi Māori to develop water frameworks and cultural assessment tools. Kate is the immediate past President of the New Zealand Freshwater Sciences Society and was appointed by the Previous Minister for the Environment as a Freshwater Commissioner.

Natasha Berkett

Principal Policy Advisor

Federated Farmers

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Natasha is a Principal Policy Advisor for Federated Farmers, covering the portfolio areas of freshwater and biodiversity. She has a Masters in Resource Management Planning and has many years’ experience working with local and central government organisations, as well as private businesses. Natasha is a firm believer in using good quality technical data and evidence in policy-making and decision-making processes, and in understanding how scientific evidence and societal values can ‘collide’, for example when there is competition for spaces or resources. Natasha is no stranger to highly contentious freshwater issues, most recently, she was Project Manager for Waimea Irrigators Limited, joint funders and developers (along with Tasman District Council) of the Waimea Community Dam, which was constructed as a long-term solution to urban and rural water shortages on the Waimea Plains.

Colin Hurst

National Vice President

Federated Farmers

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Policy responsibilities: Essential Freshwater Regulations (Water Quality and Quantity), Biodiversity, Food Safety.

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.

Exhibitor

Watercare Labs

Pen Sponsor

Hill-labs

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General Contact

Tagged National freshwater conference 2025

4 - 5 March 2025 | Crowne Plaza, Auckland

Why attend?

Key Themes

Agenda

Speakers

Lorraine Kendrick

Lisa Dowson

Natalie Summerfield

Brad Tiller

Aaron Middleton

Ebi Hussain

Abi Croutear-Foy

Nick Davis

Kate McArthur

Natasha Berkett

Colin Hurst

Sam Parsons

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

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