The call for abstracts for the Stormwater Conference & Expo 2025 is open.
Click Here to download the Abstract Template.
Click here to view some Example Abstracts.
Click here to submit your Abstract.
The 2025 stormwater conference represents key milestones for the stormwater special interest group, under WaterNZ. This year will be the 25th year of the Stormwater Special Interest Group, and the 20th year of the Stormwater Conference. It is an appropriate time for our industry group, as wide as it is, to look back and reflect on what has happened before with a positive tone, celebrating the people, projects and policies that have helped us get to where we are today.
Celebrating 25 Years
Themes:
Kaupapa Māori
Inclusive of a range of stakeholders and views on Te Ao Māori, Mātauranga Māori, health and mauri (life force) of waterways, recognising the interconnectedness of all living things, principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (care and respect) etc.
Nature-Based Solutions
Using natural processes and ecosystems to address broad stormwater challenges, stormwater quality, mitigate flooding and erosion, enhance biodiversity, create green spaces, and sequester carbon contributing to climate resilience. Video link
Stormwater Futures
Recognises that stormwater impacts a wide range stakeholders, and the future is what we shape today. This broadly includes integrating community engagement, resilience, climate adaptation, diversity and inclusion, infrastructure, policy and decision-making, seeking outcomes that are equitable, culturally inclusive, and sufficient for future generations.
Sustainable & Innovative Funding
Based on the success of the ‘enabling investment’ sub-theme to the 2024 conference, this pillar has been retained to build upon. Many local councils will be developing their Water Service Delivery Plans, with 3 Waters funding set to be determined by these plans. The industry is pushing for alternative solutions alongside these legislative requirements which have received criticism in the political space. The conference invites this discussion amongst its delegates.
Abstract Scoring and Acceptance
Each abstract is reviewed by two 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 five criteria. These criteria are given equal weighting.
The 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)?
The highest scoring abstracts (including scores from both 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)
PowerPoint Requirements
- 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
There are two options:
- 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 2025
- 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.
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
Abstract submissions close on Friday, 31 January 2025.
Click Here to download the Abstract Template.
Click here to view some Example Abstracts.
Click here to submit your Abstract.
Workshops
We are also opening up expressions of interest for the Stormwater Conference & Expo 2025 Workshops.