2021 has been a year unlike any other from many perspectives. That ‘C’ word has affected much of our movements and travel again this year, but our industry has been proven to be essential and a backbone to communities as we have stayed at home and focused on reform and improvement.
The government reform with the most traction and media this year has been the Three Waters reform. In response to this IPEWA NZ have established Wai Kotahi, a new special interest group which I am proud to be a part of. This will be an ongoing evolution, and our consultation with members will continue to make sure that the industries needs are meet and we can support you through this once in a generation change.
In 2021 I was very pleased to be able to present in person at the first Water Asset Management Forum run by IPWEA NZ and Water New Zealand, and 2022 is looking promising with another in person event to kick it off in the Future-Fit Aotearoa conference. I am involved with the organising committee for our next annual conference – to be held in Christchurch in October 2022 at the new convention centre – so it promises to be another busy year of activity with IPWEA NZ.
I am working on a schedule for branch meetings and will publish these later in February so please watch this space.
I look forward to connecting with many of you at Future-Fit Aotearoa in Auckland.
Regards,
Hugh Blake-Manson
Upper South Island Branch Chair
