Stormwater is a taonga: Managing challenges and opportunities

Stormwater is wai and wai is a taonga. This year’s theme recognises rainfall, runoff, and our waterways as an inextricable part of our ecosystem.

We acknowledge the challenges, especially the recent tragic and devastating events, when extreme storms intersect with our communities, and where human activities continue to pollute and degrade our waterways and receiving environments. 

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.

At Stormwater 2026 we will look to the future and opportunities, where stormwater is given the space, the custodianship and the status required to deliver positive outcomes for both our communities and the environment. The mauri and mana of water are interwoven throughout Te ao Māori, reflecting the connectivity of water, people, and the environment. By respecting and acknowledging stormwater as a taonga we can help ensure healthy and resilient communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Stormwater 2026 brings professionals together to seek solutions and share learnings and opportunities around one of our most pressing challenges.