The 2026 Water New Zealand Stormwater Conference was a memorable event for the Stormwater360 team, providing an opportunity to share knowledge, celebrate industry achievements, and connect with stormwater professionals from across New Zealand and beyond.
This year's conference was particularly significant for Stormwater360, with our team contributing across multiple sessions and celebrating a major milestone for one of our founders.
Opening the Conference
Stormwater360 Co-Founder and Technical Director, Mike Hannah, had the honour of delivering the Conference Opening Address, helping set the scene for a programme focused on innovation, collaboration, and the future of stormwater management.
Drawing on decades of industry experience, Mike reflected on the progress the stormwater sector has made and the opportunities ahead as communities continue to respond to increasing environmental expectations, urban growth, and climate resilience challenges.
Sharing Innovation Through Better Asset Management
As part of the Innovation Showcase, Mike also presented on the Stormwater360 Certified Maintenance Provider (SWCMP) Program.
The presentation highlighted the importance of maintenance in achieving long-term stormwater treatment performance and demonstrated how the SWCMP Program is helping asset owners improve outcomes through standardised maintenance practices, trained service providers, and better asset stewardship.
The session generated strong interest from councils, consultants, and asset managers looking for practical ways to maximise the performance and lifespan of stormwater treatment assets.
Maintenance Progranne
Turning Compliance into Value
Stormwater360's technical expertise was also showcased through a presentation by Mike Hannah and Yohanus Bogale, Stormwater Design Engineer, titled:
Turning Compliance into Value: A Practical Green Star Stormwater Case Study
The presentation explored how thoughtful stormwater design can move beyond simply meeting compliance requirements to deliver broader project benefits.
Using a real-world Green Star case study, Mike and Yohanus demonstrated how integrating stormwater treatment solutions early in the design process can help projects achieve sustainability objectives, improve environmental outcomes, and create long-term value for developers, asset owners, and communities.
The session reinforced an important message for the industry: stormwater infrastructure should be viewed not just as a compliance requirement, but as an investment in the future performance and sustainability of our built environments.
A Well-Deserved Honour
One of the highlights of the conference was the recognition of Mike Hannah's outstanding contribution to New Zealand's water sector.
During the conference, Mike was awarded Honorary Life Membership of Water New Zealand, one of the organisation's highest honours.
This recognition reflects Mike's decades-long commitment to advancing stormwater management, supporting industry education, mentoring professionals, and driving innovation across the water sector. Through his leadership at Stormwater360 and his ongoing contributions to the wider industry, Mike has played a significant role in shaping stormwater best practice in New Zealand and internationally.
The award was a proud moment for Mike, the Stormwater360 team, and the many industry professionals who have worked alongside him throughout his career.
Celebrating 30 Years of Stormwater360
This year's conference also marked another important milestone—30 years of Stormwater360.
For three decades, Stormwater360 has partnered with councils, consultants, developers, and contractors to deliver innovative stormwater treatment solutions that improve water quality and protect receiving environments.
The conference provided an opportunity to reflect on how far the industry has come and to celebrate the relationships, projects, and people who have contributed to that journey.
Looking Ahead
The Water New Zealand Stormwater Conference continues to be one of the most important events on the industry's calendar, bringing together professionals who are passionate about creating better outcomes for communities and the environment.
We would like to thank Water New Zealand, the conference organisers, speakers, exhibitors, and attendees for making this year's event such a success.
As we celebrate 30 years of Stormwater360 and look ahead to the future, we remain committed to supporting innovation, sharing knowledge, and helping deliver smarter stormwater solutions that create lasting value for our communities and waterways.
We look forward to continuing the conversation and seeing everyone again at next year's conference.