WELLINGTON’S connection to the water has helped the New Zealand capital secure the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) Asia Pacific Division.
IAHR 2028 will gather specialists in water and environmental engineering to share the latest research and technology for the sustainable management of the world’s water resources.
The successful bid was made by past chair of IAHR’s Asia Pacific Division, Dr Gregory De Costa from the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, in collaboration with Prof Alan Brent of the Faculty of Engineering of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. The bid was supported by Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
“It’s an opportunity for New Zealand to showcase itself as a key player in this area, particularly with the 2028 Congress central theme being ‘Water Our Treasure’; very timely with climate change and water-related issues so prominent,” said De Costa.
CaseStudy… Ozwater’21 taps into Adelaide
“Wellington is an ideal size with all the modern conveniences, perfectly positioned and very close at heart with water. It’s surrounded by a beautiful harbour, and 40 per cent of its water is supplied by ground water from the Waiwhetū aquifer right beneath the city,” he said.
“It’s a city that directly relates to all water issues – flooding, drought, tsunami, surface water, ground water, and coastal, and hence a very good location for the conference.”
The conference is due to take place at the Pipitea campus of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington in October 2028, and is expected to deliver an economic impact of close to NZ$1 million (about US$590,000) to the city.
More… New Zealand taps talent with BE Mentored
De Costa added that hosting the event locally would give New Zealand researchers and industry an opportunity to gain knowledge and build networks in this field.
“Further, this congress will highlight New Zealand as a country for cutting-edge research and technology dissemination which will help boost it as a destination for tertiary study, particularly for many Asian students contemplating overseas study,” he said.
Tourism New Zealand global nanager for business events, Penelope Ryan, added: “Hosting this conference will ensure an influx of international visitors in October, one of New Zealand’s off-peak months, and provide longer term benefits for Wellington and New Zealand in terms of attracting knowledge and talent.”
Main image: View over Wellington Harbour from Mount Victoria… Credit: WellingtonNZ
