The annual conference, taking place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 12-14 May brings together stormwater engineers, planners, iwi representatives and policymakers to share knowledge, explore innovation and develop practical solutions to improve community resilience to stormwater.

Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian Blythe says this year’s event comes at a critical time.

“Flooding and extreme rainfall events are becoming the new norm as the impacts of climate change intensify. This conference is about growing our understanding of the tools, knowledge and partnerships needed to respond.”

“Managing these challenges and opportunities will define how we build and manage future infrastructure, where we live, how we design our cities and urban environments, and importantly, how we value water.

Across three days, the conference will feature 65 technical presentations, seven keynote speakers, as well as workshops and site visits, covering topics such as flood forecasting, hazard mapping, extreme rainfall, and urban design approaches that better accommodate water.

This year’s theme recognises stormwater as wai - a taonga - and highlights the interconnected role of rainfall, runoff and waterways within the wider ecosystem and the challenges and opportunities of managing stormwater.

“Embedding nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk and improve environmental outcomes is now recognised as a key feature of building resilient communities”

The conference will highlight the importance of indigenous knowledge and perspectives, including kaitiakitanga and the role of mana whenua in shaping stormwater management.

“There is a need for a national, joined up approach to managing stormwater that includes good design, building in the right places, and allowing room for water.

“By bringing together expertise from across the country, the conference aims to drive collaboration and accelerate progress toward more resilient, sustainable water systems.

See the conference programme.