Wellington has secured the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) Asia Pacific Division Conference for 2028.
IAHR brings together specialists in water and environmental engineering to share the latest research and technology contributing to the sustainable management and optimisation 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 Dr De Costa.
“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% of its water is supplied by ground water from the Waiwhetū aquifer right beneath the city.
“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.”
Taking place in October 2028 on the Pipitea campus of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, it is expected to deliver an economic impact of close to $1 million to the city.
“This win is a good example of us focusing on our intellectual capital in New Zealand to attract conferences that align with the expertise we have here as well as the needs we have,” said Business Events Wellington Manager, Irette Ferreira.
Dr De Costa said that hosting the event locally will 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.
“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,” said Tourism New Zealand Global Manager Business Events, Penelope Ryan.
