Operators, engineers, suppliers and water professionals from across Aotearoa New Zealand gathered in Rotorua in May this year for the 2026 Water Industry Operations Group New Zealand Conference and Awards, one of the country’s key events for the water and wastewater sector. The event brought together industry leaders to share knowledge, celebrate excellence and discuss the future of water operations.
Held from 13–15 May at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre, the annual Water Industry Operations Group (WIOG) New Zealand Conference and Awards brought together industry representatives from local authorities, contractors, consultants and regulatory organisations for three days of technical presentations, networking, and professional development. The event is unique in its strong operational focus, with many presentations delivered by frontline water industry staff sharing practical experiences, innovations and lessons from the field.
This year’s programme reflected the challenges and opportunities facing Aotearoa New Zealand’s water sector, including infrastructure resilience, water treatment technologies, workforce development, health and safety and operational excellence. The conference also featured a large trade exhibition showcasing new equipment, services, and technologies designed to support water and wastewater operations.
A highlight of the event was the annual WIOG Awards, which recognise outstanding achievement, innovation and leadership across the industry. The awards celebrate individuals and teams who have demonstrated excellence in areas ranging from mentoring and operational performance to technical innovation and knowledge sharing.
The Operator of the Year Award, a prestigious peer-nominated award, celebrates an individual who consistently demonstrates outstanding performance, initiative, and dedication in water or wastewater treatment operations. This year, the award went to Robert Dijkstra, Network Operations Supervisor (Pumping) at Dunedin City Council.
Also announced during the conference were the winners of the National Live Tapping Competition, in which teams of two race against the clock to connect a household-sized water service to a live, high-pressure water main.
The award this year was presented to Hayden Quartley and Phoenix Murray-Witana from the Water Construction team at Palmerston North City Council, who beat six other teams by two seconds. Theirs was also the only team to finish without any penalties for leaks, tool handing or insufficient penetration. Quartley and Murray-Witana will now represent New Zealand in a competition against Australia at the Water Industry Operators Association Conference.
Palmerston North City Council staff member Treatment Plant Maintenance Supervisor Hamish Meiklejohn also claimed an award – Mentor of the Year – for his commitment to training and supporting others in the water industry.
WIOG says the awards play an important role in promoting high standards and recognising the contributions of those working throughout the water sector.
Among the most anticipated events was the IXOM National Water Taste Test, a lighthearted but fiercely contested competition that shines a spotlight on the quality of drinking water supplied to communities across New Zealand. Water suppliers from around the country submitted samples for blind judging, with finalists representing Napier City Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, Manawatū District Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
The competition culminated during the conference awards dinner, where Manawatū District Council’s Stanway-Halcombe water scheme won New Zealand’s best-tasting tap water. The winning sample then faced Australia’s champion in the annual Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test, often dubbed the ‘Bledisloe Cup of tap water’.
While New Zealand narrowly missed out on the international title – which went to the Northern Territory’s Katherine water treatment plant – the competition highlighted the expertise and commitment of water operators on both sides of the Tasman.
‘Many of us turn on taps for a drink, to cook, and to shower, with little thought about the complexities involved in operating and maintaining the water infrastructure,’ said Joshua McIndoe, Chair, WIOG. ‘This competition highlights the dedication of individuals and organisations that work tirelessly to provide their communities with safe, high-quality drinking water every day.’
Beyond the formal programme, the conference reinforced WIOG’s role in supporting professional development and knowledge-sharing across the industry. The organisation continues to provide opportunities for operational staff to present technical papers, exchange ideas and develop networks that strengthen water services.
As New Zealand continues to invest in water infrastructure and environmental stewardship, events such as the WIOG New Zealand Conference and Awards remain important forums for recognising excellence, encouraging innovation, and supporting the people responsible for delivering safe and reliable water services to communities nationwide.
Pictured: Jake Stevens (left) and Adam Jamieson (right), both from Manawatū District Council, receive New Zealand’s Best Tasting Tap Water award from Seaton Rolleston (centre) from IXOM