Submission Information

Stormwater is a taonga: Managing challenges and opportunities

Join us to explore traditional knowledge (Mātauranga Maori) alongside new innovations, technical papers and engaging case studies, and consider how, by recognising stormwater as a taonga, we can help to create resilience and sustainable systems for our future

‘Ka ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora ngā tāngata’
‘If the water is healthy, the land is healthy, the people are healthy’

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Abstract portal is now closed.

Themes:

The Water New Zealand Stormwater Conference Committee invites you to submit a paper, poster, or workshop, which is in line with the following themes.

1. Working with Nature

The last decade has seen a continued shift toward systems and approaches that work alongside and complement natural processes. This subtheme is intended to showcase the latest thinking and successful projects in this space. Topics include:

  • Nature based approaches
  • Blue-green networks and infrastructure
  • Making space for water
  • Low impact design
  • Catchment planning and management

2. Resilient Communities

This subtheme is focused on adapting for the future, with a focus on resilient outcomes for our communities and environment. Topics include:

  • Flood risk management
  • Climate change
  • Carbon in stormwater
  • Sustainable funding and insurance
  • Engagement and community partnerships
    “He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata”

3. Kaupapa Māori

Inclusive of a range of views on Te Ao Māori, Mātauranga Māori, health and mauri (life force) of waterways, recognising the interconnectedness of all living things. Topics may include:

  • Mātauranga Māori
  • Bicultural design and iwi partnerships
  • Iwi-lead projects and programmes
  • Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and Manaakitanga (care and respect)

4. Technology and Digital Innovation

All things engineering, digital, and technology based; smart solutions which move our industry forward. Topics include:

  • Smart water and digital innovations
  • Modelling and data
  • Asset and infrastructure design and management
  • Excellence in operations
  • Industry capability and training

5. Wai Ora: Water Quality

This subtheme is focused on the health, biodiversity and ecology of our waterways, including emerging contaminants. Topics include:

  • Water quality and treatment
  • Emerging contaminants
  • Freshwater science and ecology
  • Rainfall and hydrology
  • Waterway health

6. Wildcard

Your topic doesn’t fit neatly into the above? We’d still love to review your abstract.

Why Present?

Presenting at the Stormwater Conference gives you the opportunity to:

  • Profile your research, project or initiatives
  • Expand your network connections with potentially hundreds of water professionals and exhibiting companies
  • Develop and share your professional experience

There are three main options:

  • Presentations – 20-minute PowerPoint presentations, and audience questions.
  • Poster Presentations – Design a poster to be displayed digitally on interactive screens, including a short 5-minute presentation.
  • Workshops – 1-hour workshops to engage a wider audience in tackling a topical issue (to be co-chaired with a member of the stormwater committee) – Expressions of interest should be emailed directly to Katrina Guy – katrina.guy@waternz.org.nz

Abstract portal is now closed.

Presentations

Submitting your Abstract

There are two options for submitting your Abstract:

  • Short Abstract, Full Paper & Presentation: A 500-word abstract is to be submitted for review. On acceptance to the programme, a full paper is to be prepared and submitted for review by Tuesday, 8 April 2026
  • Long Abstract & Presentation Only: A longer 1,500-word abstract is to be submitted for review. On acceptance to the programme, presentation materials are to be prepared and submitted for review by Tuesday, 29 April 2025.
  • Poster Presentation: a 500-word abstract (due Thursday, 29 January)
    Design a poster and submit it by the deadline. This year these will be displayed digitally on interactive screens so need to be in 9:16 aspect ratio (portrait), and .PDF file. Poster copy due 29 April 2026

Abstract submissions closed on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

Abstract Scoring and Acceptance

Each abstract is reviewed by multiple volunteers from the Water New Zealand Stormwater Group; often members of the SW committee, friends of the committee, or people who have volunteered through Water New Zealand callouts.

Abstracts are scored out of 10, against six criteria. These criteria are given equal weighting.

The scoring criteria are:

  • Clarity and Quality – Is the abstract clear and logically set out (i.e. does it clearly define the topic, findings and conclusions)? Is it of suitable quality for publication and presentation at a national conference?
  • Content, Including Innovation – Is the topic interesting, novel or innovative (or is it business as usual)? Does it appear that the paper/presentation will add to the available knowledge?
  • Demonstrated Results and Conclusions – Does the abstract summarise clear results, findings, or conclusions? Are these backed up?
  • Relevance to the Current State of the Industry – How relevant is the topic to current practice, developments in practice, or the future of the industry?
  • Wider Applicability – Does it appear that the paper/presentation will be useful to others in the wider industry? Does it have broader applications (i.e. education or community outcomes)?
  • Alignment with Themes – How well does the paper align with the overall theme, and subthemes?

The highest scoring abstracts (using averaged scores from all reviewers) are selected for the conference. For even more helpful information check out the Water New Zealand Presentation Guide: Water New Zealand (waternz.org.nz)

Presentation Format

  • All presentations MUST be in PowerPoint format (16:9 widescreen)
  • Logos may ONLY appear on the first and last slides of your presentation
  • Make sure your presentation is easy to read
  • Use readable fonts
  • Limit clashing colours

Poster Presentations

We are also opening up expressions of interest for the Stormwater Conference & Expo 2026 Posters.

Posters will be prominently displayed digitally at the conference. Poster presenters will also have the opportunity to address delegates and judges during a lunch break.  Following the judges’ review, the winner will be announced at the Conference Dinner.

Click the button below for the template. A 500-word Abstract should be submitted via the portal by Thursday, 29 January 2026.

All poster presenters agree to the following:

  • Design a poster and submit it by the deadline. This year these will be displayed digitally on interactive screens so need to be in 9:16 aspect ratio (portrait), and a .PDF file.
  • To be onsite for presentation of the poster to the delegation and to judges.

All poster summaries are subject to approval by Water New Zealand’s judging panel.

Entry Criteria

Entries are welcome on any topic of relevance to the water industry, with entries from students particularly encouraged.

The deadline for poster abstracts is Thursday, 29 January 2026 and entries must be submitted through the portal.

Judges and Judging Criteria

Posters are assessed by the technical committee on the following criteria:

  • Technical content
  • Practical content
  • Future use
  • Clarity and logic
  • Standard of the verbal presentation

Best Poster Award

The award for best poster will be presented at the Conference Dinner.

Timeline

  • Abstract portal opens: Thursday, 6 November 2026
  • Poster portal closes: Thursday, 29 January 2026
  • Poster copy due: Wednesday, 29 April 2026

Questions?
Please contact: waternz@avenues.co.nz