On behalf of the organising committee, we invite you to this year’s NZ Hydrological Society | NZ Rivers Group Joint Conference in Whakatū | Nelson.
 
The theme, “Ripple Effects – understanding the impacts of today’s decisions in a changing environment,” highlights how societal choices affect our water. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can better understand and manage these impacts.
 
This conference aims to bring our fields together to address current challenges, celebrate achievements, and explore future opportunities. Alongside technical sessions, there will be networking events and a field trip on Friday to the Waimea Dam and its downstream users, including orchards, industry and market gardens.
 
2026 marks the 65th Anniversary of NZHS. This is the third time NZHS has hosted the conference in Nelson (previously in 1993 and 2012), and the Rivers Group last held their conference here in 2023. There are strong synergies between NZHS and the Rivers Group, and we are pleased to offer another joint conference to strengthen our collaboration.
 
We look forward to welcoming you to Whakatū | Nelson

Damian Vellupillai - Tonkin+Taylor | NZ Rivers Group
Joseph Thomas - Tasman District Council | NZ Hydrological Society
2026 Conference co-chairs