Special Interest Groups An introduction to the communities shaping our water sector
Kia ora, welcome Water New Zealand's Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are member-led communities that bring together people who share a passion for advancing different areas of the water sector. Open exclusively to Water New Zealand members, SIGs provide opportunities to build professional networks, share knowledge, discuss emerging challenges, and contribute to industry initiatives. Through events, working groups, resources, and sector conversations, SIGs play an important role in supporting collaboration and helping shape the future of water services in Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you're looking to learn from peers, contribute your expertise, or stay connected with developments in your field, joining a SIG is a great way to get involved and make an impact. 2
About Water New Zealand Water New Zealand is the country’s largest water industry body and provides leadership in the water sector through collaboration, professional development and networking. As a not-for-profit organisation, we have over 3400 corporate and individual members drawn from all areas of the water management industry including regional councils and territorial authorities, Public Research Organisations, consultants, suppliers, government agencies and scientists. Water New Zealand promotes the sustainable management and development of the water environment. This includes the promotion and support of best practice and management of the Three Waters – drinking, waste and stormwater. We work across five strategic pillars, Workforce, Advice & Advocacy, Transformation 2050, Events and Relationships which our Special Interest Groups help us deliver on. You can read more about these pillars here. 3
Our groups Water New Zealand is largely a volunteer driven organisation, supported by a small team.
Backflow Group Climate Change Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Drinking Water Quality
Here is an outline of the different groups within our association. Modelling Special Interest Group (SIG) Chairs Forum
WNZ Staff WNZ Board
Onsite Wastewater
Conference Technical Committee
Smart Water Infrastructure
Awards Committee
Stormwater
Water Utilities Association
Volunteers
Water Services Managers Group
Paid employees
Chief Executives Forum
Te Ama | Aukaha te Wai Wastewater Water Efficiency & Conservation Young Water Professionals
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Why join a SIG Build your professional network Contribute to the advancement of water services delivery Stay up to date with sector news Advocate on sector issues Get to know who’s who in the water sector Gain peer recognition for your work 5
What SIGs do Each SIG determines the activities it undertakes to achieve its objectives. Water New Zealand provides a range of platforms, resources and support to help SIGs deliver value to members and the wider sector. Common examples include:
Knowledge sharing Articles in Water Episodes of Tāwara o te Wai Contributions to Pipeline SIG newsletters and member communications
Technical Resources Development of Training materials Standards working groups Sector guidance documents Good practice resources
Events Regional meetings Conferences and symposiums Webinars and online workshops Networking events
Advocacy Submissions on sector issues Engagement with policymakers Media commentary and press releases Public thought leadership
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SIG Roles While each SIG determines its own priorities and ways of working, there are a number of common roles found across most SIGs. These roles help ensure they are well governed, connected to members, and able to deliver activities that support their objectives.
Chair Provides leadership for the SIG and oversees the delivery of the group's work programme. Chairs committee meetings, represents the SIG where appropriate, and serves as the primary point of contact with Water New Zealand.
SIG Committee Members Work together to guide the direction and activities of the SIG. Committee members contribute ideas, lead initiatives, and help deliver events, resources and member engagement activities.
Water New Zealand Liaison Provides administrative and operational support to the SIG and its committee. They help coordinate meetings, communications, records, budgets and alignment with Water New Zealand processes.
SIG Members Water New Zealand members who have joined the SIG to stay informed and engage with activities. Members can participate in events, contribute ideas, and connect with others interested in the SIG's focus area. 7
SIG Roles Young Water Professional Liaison Acts as a connection between the SIG and the Young Water Professionals network. They help identify opportunities for YWP engagement, participation and collaboration in SIG activities.
YWP Steering Group They provide national coordination, leadership development, and strategic engagement opportunities for emerging professionals across the water sector.
Subgroup Chair / Friends of the Committee Lead Leads a subgroup or Friends of the Committee group and coordinates its activities and meetings. They act as the link between the subgroup and the SIG committee.
Subgroups / Working Groups Small groups formed to focus on a specific topic, project or area of interest. They support the wider SIG by progressing work and reporting back to the committee. 8
Support staff
Dr Belinda Cridge
Dr Susan Willis
Dr Tega Ogbuigwe
Gillian Blythe
Technical Lead Drinking Water Quality & Education
Technical Lead Projects & Sustainability
Technical Lead Policy & Regulatory
Chief Executive
Belinda.Cridge@waternz.org.nz
Susan.Willis@waternz.org.nz
Tega.Ogbuigwe@waternz.org.nz
Gillian.Blythe@waternz.org.nz
Mumtaz Parker
Katrina Guy
Frances Sheriff
Debra Harrington
Head of Corporate Services Mumtaz.Parker@waternz.org.nz
Internal Events & Logistics Coordinator Katrina.Guy@waternz.org.nz
Marketing Lead Frances.Sheriff@waternz.org.nz
Communications Manager Debra.Harrington@waternz.org.nz