Mō mātou About us

As Executive Director, Iain provides strategic direction and oversight for the activities of Te Uru Kahika. An ecologist by training, with a strong background in environmental science, policy development and regional government leadership, Iain is focused on strengthening and supporting the collective impact of regional and unitary councils.

Iain has extensive experience in local government, having led regulatory functions, policy development processes, biosecurity and biodiversity teams, rural partnerships and integrated catchment management programmes.  He has a track record of creating high-performing teams and leading national-scale programmes.

His work with Te Uru Kahika’s Special Interest Groups, including as a founding member of the Freshwater Implementation Directors and Convenor of both the Resource Managers SIG and a brief stint with the Bio-Managers SIG, reflects his deep commitment to advancing regional priorities and enabling regional communities.

Based in Hawke’s Bay, Iain is dedicated to fostering collaboration across councils, central government, industry, and communities to ensure value and impact while keeping regional expertise at the forefront of addressing environmental and resilience challenges.

Chris started a half-time secondment as Te Uru Kahika’s Chief Science Advisor in 2022. He is also Chief Science Advisor at NIWA, a role he has held since 2020. Originally from Canada, he completed his PhD at McGill University in Montreal and held post-doctoral fellowships at the University of British Columbia and the University of Ottawa before moving to New Zealand in 2002. 

Prior to joining NIWA, he held roles as Principal Analyst at the Ministry for the Environment, and as Director of the Environment and Materials Division within the Executive Team at GNS Science. Chris has had previous science advisory positions within central government, several regional councils, and the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency.  

He has research interests in freshwater science, especially in groundwater quality and microbiology.

Tom's role is to provide strategic advice to the Regional Chief Executive Officers' Group and support operational leadership across our Te Uru Kahika Special Interest Group network. Tom has a keen interest in system-level issues and he's operationalising how we perform as a regional sector, making sure we get the best return from working together. 

Tom's work spans the key challenges and opportunities facing regional government, and he works to ensure we're making progress on them for the benefit of New Zealand.

He leads the regional sector’s climate adaptation programme, with a focus on coordinating effort across the many specialist areas that contribute to our response.

Tom joined Te Uru Kahika in April 2024. He came to the sector office after ten years at Horizons Regional Council, and a decade and a half in central government prior to that. Over that time, he's worked on broad range of policy and evidence-related topics including climate change, organisational strategy, and environmental reporting. 

As Executive Policy Advisor, Liz provides Te Uru Kahika specialist policy expertise under our guiding principles.

Liz's leadership with the regional sector supported the establishment of key regional government priorities including climate adaptation, resource management replacement, freshwater, transport, and Kaupapa Māori. 

With her strong background in policy and her experience in regional council leadership, Liz deeply understands regional government and the benefits from councils working together.

Al brings three decades of experience in regional government across strategy and policy development, regulatory delivery and implementation of catchment operational programmes and strategies at scale; coming to Te Uru Kahika after nearly five years in the executive leadership team at Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Al’s role is to work with sector leaders and a wide range of regional government experts to bring together prioritised work programmes across Resource Management. This work also involves significant relationship building across a range of partners including central government agencies.

He is driven by helping our sector build connections across our networks, and working with external agencies to pave the way for our leaders and experts to influence the Government’s reform agenda to the benefit of our environment, mana whenua and regional communities.

Nicole works with the 16 regional and unitary councils, across the Special Interest Group Network, and externally to further Te Uru Kahika initiatives. An advocate for public engagement and evidence-based decision-making, she was naturally drawn to regional government.

Recognising the complexity of regional and unitary council responsibilities, Nicole is working towards greater awareness of the significant value our councils contribute. From climate adaptation and natural hazards resilience, through to resource management, biodiversity and biosecurity, and regional transport – the work of regional government matters. 

In addition to being Communications Lead for Te Uru Kahika, Nicole also works with science institutes and other forward-looking organisations through Memo Communications.

Nicole is originally from the UK and pleased to call New Zealand home. Through the collective efforts of Te Uru Kahika, she hopes we can help to safeguard the essence of what makes this place special for generations to come.

Graeme is working for Te Uru Kahika to support delivery of Before the Deluge 2.0 projects, development of further projects to reduce flood risk, and as Convenor of the River Managers Special Interest Group.

Graeme has a degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) graduating in 1981. He has 40 years experience, principally in the field of Floodplain Management Planning, Flood Risk Management and River Engineering.

Graeme has worked in Gisborne, including a range of river engineering and hydraulic modelling projects, as well as a number of projects relating to the recovery from Cyclone Bola. He has also spent a period of time overseas working as a consultant in England, before returning to New Zealand and continuing work here, as a consultant. His work has included a range of natural hazard related projects in New Zealand, the Pacific, Australia and Asia.

From 2006 to 2023 Graeme has been the Manager of the Flood Protection Department, Wellington Regional Council (including both the Wairarapa and Wellington Flood Protection staff). His experience in the field of river and floodplain hydraulics has included extensive studies of computer modelling of flood extents, river characteristics, sedimentation, channel management, risk and damage assessment, planning and project management. He has personally undertaken design and investigation work on rivers and floodplains across the North Island.

Christina is the Freshwater Implementation Director for Te Uru Kahika and based in Christchurch where she works independently out of Happen Consulting. Christina has a lifetime of experience in freshwater spanning regional councils, central government, and primary industry. She's worked in science, engineering, facilitation, strategy and even dabbled in plan writing. Christina understands what goes into an LTP! (and she never forgets about groundwater).

As Freshwater Implementation Director, Christina is always looking for opportunities to share experiences across councils to make it easier and more effective for them to do their jobs. She enjoys making connections between people and programmes, putting councils in touch with others facing similar challenges, and highlighting successes and challenges with central government.

Alongside a small group of directors from councils, Christina works to support the Regional Chief Executives in their desire for a collective approach and oversee a work programme on freshwater that is joint with councils, Ministry for the Environment, and with other government departments where beneficial.

Warwick's role with Te Uru Kahika is to coordinate the Freshwater Farm Plan legislation implementation across regional and unitary councils and support the development of shared services that councils need to implement the regulations.

Warwick has a natural resource management background. With a particular interest in ecology and land use, Warwick has held roles with Department of Conservation and as the General Manager of Integrated Catchments at Bay of Plenty Regional Council. For the past few years, he has worked as independently, mostly with the primary sector, supporting farmers in meeting their environmental obligations. 

He is strongly convinced about the power of relationships and the potential of council collaboration to learn together, create efficiencies, and reduce costs.

Nō Ōtautahi ahau

He Tangata Tiriti ahau

I tupu ake au ki Fiji

Nō Europe ōku tūpuna

Ko Miria Goodwin tōku ingoa

Miria provides dedicated policy, organizational and facilitation support for our Māori Special Interest Group Ngā Kairapu. Kaupapa Māori is a key priority for Te Uru Kahika, and Miria works alongside our sector’s kaimahi Māori to support their mahi. Miria works closely with Te Uru Kahika and other organisations to help understand what genuine Tiriti partnership looks like and to drive and embed systemic change for positive long-term outcomes. Miria has been in local government for 15 years in various roles including the Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury and Te Uru Kahika, with an environmental social science research focus prior to her time with local government. Miria brings an understanding of regional council governance, environmental policy and strategy, and community-council partnerships to her work for Te Uru Kahika and to the Ngā Kairapu goals of improving regional government outcomes for iwi and hapū. Miria works part time for Te Uru Kahika, with other engagements including facilitation mahi and being an active member of the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network in Ōtautahi.

He uri ahau o Te Waipounamu

Ko Tangata Tiriti ahau

I tipu ake ahau ki Hakatere, heoi, e noho ana ahau ki te Wairarapa

Ko Scott Summerfield tōku ingoa

Scott works for Ngā Kairapu, the Māori Special Interest Group, as part of Te Uru Kahika, alongside Miria Goodwin and other members of the virtual office. His mahi is on supporting a Māori capability programme across all regional and unitary councils, looking for ways to address sector-wide issues around Māori capability within councils, and nurturing the Māori workforce in regional government. Over the last twelve years Scott has worked across a variety of kaupapa, often at the intersection of local government and Te Tiriti o Waitangi issues (as well as a few other bits and pieces). This has involved time with the Office of Treaty settlements (now Te Arawhiti), Thames-Coromandel District Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council (twice!) and Ministry for the Environment. In his spare time, you'll find Scott enjoying art, gardening, hiking, reading, swimming, travelling, cooking, and enjoying the fermented grape lifestyle that's inherent in the Wairarapa.

Natasha provides administrative support to Te Uru Kahika as a collective. This includes support for the Regional Chief Executives Group as a collective, and the Virtual Team and Office.

It's a busy role that involves organising Te Uru Kahika related events such as our annual Leaders’ Plenary Events and Te Uru Kahika Roadshow, as well as being a first point of contact for general Te Uru Kahika enquiries.

Biomanagers is a lead Special Interest Group (SIG) made up of biodiversity and biosecurity leaders from across our member councils. We address strategic biodiversity and biosecurity issues and identify shared opportunities for action across our regions. Ultimately, we work to enable individual councils to improve biodiversity and biosecurity outcomes in their regions and for our sector to effectively play its role within the national biodiversity and biosecurity systems.

Our 2025-26 priorities include: developing consistent sector-wide methodologies, approaches and tools; ensuring that our system roles and responsibilities are clearly articulated and understood across the system; and providing a regional sector voice into central government reforms and other priority opportunities with system partners.

Biomanagers is a lead Special Interest Group (SIG) made up of biodiversity and biosecurity leaders from across our member councils. We address strategic biodiversity and biosecurity issues and identify shared opportunities for action across our regions. Ultimately, we work to enable individual councils to improve biodiversity and biosecurity outcomes in their regions and for our sector to effectively play its role within the national biodiversity and biosecurity systems.

Our 2025-26 priorities include: developing consistent sector-wide methodologies, approaches and tools; ensuring that our system roles and responsibilities are clearly articulated and understood across the system; and providing a regional sector voice into central government reforms and other priority opportunities with system partners.

patrick.whaley@waikatoregion.govt.nz

The Biosecurity SIG brings together biosecurity professionals from regional and unitary councils across New Zealand to collectively address cross-region pest management challenges.

Regional and unitary councils are key players in the national biosecurity system, and it is essential that we work in a coordinated way to respond to pest threats. The Biosecurity SIG shares intelligence, co-designs shared tools, information platforms, and develops shared approaches to help us deliver our biosecurity activities in a smarter and more cost-efficient way.

claire.brown@wcrc.govt.nz

The Coastal Special Interest Group (CSIG) brings together the 16 regional and unitary councils who manage the effects of activities, resource use, and development within the Coastal Marine Area.

The CSIG plays an important role in providing a robust and consistent knowledge base for the benefit of the environment and communities, while facilitating the sharing of expertise and knowledge. Our purpose is to enhance regional coastal policy, planning, and resource management across Aotearoa New Zealand through a collaborative approach to research, data sharing, upskilling and communication for improved decision-making. Some recent outputs include the CSIG Coastal Taxonomic Resource Tool, the drafting of guidance for council seagrass monitoring, and a position piece on policy effectiveness monitoring.

The Coastal Special Interest Group (CSIG) brings together the 16 regional and unitary councils who manage the effects of activities, resource use, and development within the Coastal Marine Area.

The CSIG plays an important role in providing a robust and consistent knowledge base for the benefit of the environment and communities, while facilitating the sharing of expertise and knowledge. Our purpose is to enhance regional coastal policy, planning, and resource management across Aotearoa New Zealand through a collaborative approach to research, data sharing, upskilling and communication for improved decision-making. Some recent outputs include the CSIG Coastal Taxonomic Resource Tool, the drafting of guidance for council seagrass monitoring, and a position piece on policy effectiveness monitoring.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini - My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective.

The purpose of the Communications Special Interest Group (SIG) is to provide strategic and proactive communications and engagement advice on issues and risks, helping to protect and enhance the awareness and relevance of regional government.

We focus on areas such as public engagement, digital communication, and crisis management, aiming to strengthen the sector's ability to connect effectively with diverse audiences.

Mainly comprised of the Communications Managers from each member council, the SIG has become a strong professional network fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and driving innovative communication solutions that benefit the sector.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini - My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective.

The purpose of the Communications Special Interest Group (SIG) is to provide strategic and proactive communications and engagement advice on issues and risks, helping to protect and enhance the awareness and relevance of regional government.

We focus on areas such as public engagement, digital communication, and crisis management, aiming to strengthen the sector's ability to connect effectively with diverse audiences.

Mainly comprised of the Communications Managers from each member council, the SIG has become a strong professional network fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and driving innovative communication solutions that benefit the sector.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini - My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective.

The purpose of the Communications Special Interest Group (SIG) is to provide strategic and proactive communications and engagement advice on issues and risks, helping to protect and enhance the awareness and relevance of regional government.

We focus on areas such as public engagement, digital communication, and crisis management, aiming to strengthen the sector's ability to connect effectively with diverse audiences.

Mainly comprised of the Communications Managers from each member council, the SIG has become a strong professional network fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and driving innovative communication solutions that benefit the sector.

The Compliance and Enforcement Special Interest Group (CESIG) brings together regulatory managers from New Zealand’s 16 regional and unitary councils to support and strengthen environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement (CME) activities across the country.

CESIG plays a key role in developing and promoting CME best practice.

While acknowledging Aotearoa is regionally diverse; the group works to ensure consistency in how councils carry out their CME responsibilities and identifies opportunities to improve systems and outcomes. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, CESIG helps councils sustainably manage natural resources, uphold environmental standards, and deliver more effective regulatory services—benefiting communities and ecosystems.

CESIG produces an annual Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Metrics Report, a comprehensive overview of the performance of the sector. The aim of the report is to deliver insightful analysis, promote consistency and encourage best practice across the sector, while also identifying opportunities for improvement.

The Compliance and Enforcement Special Interest Group (CESIG) brings together regulatory managers from New Zealand’s 16 regional and unitary councils to support and strengthen environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement (CME) activities across the country.

CESIG plays a key role in developing and promoting CME best practice.

While acknowledging Aotearoa is regionally diverse; the group works to ensure consistency in how councils carry out their CME responsibilities and identifies opportunities to improve systems and outcomes. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, CESIG helps councils sustainably manage natural resources, uphold environmental standards, and deliver more effective regulatory services—benefiting communities and ecosystems.

CESIG produces an annual Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Metrics Report, a comprehensive overview of the performance of the sector. The aim of the report is to deliver insightful analysis, promote consistency and encourage best practice across the sector, while also identifying opportunities for improvement.

The Consent Managers Group, established in 1999, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of resource consent application processing. The group's primary objectives include:

• Promoting Consistency: aiming for uniformity in the processing of resource consent applications across different regions.
• Sharing Innovative and Cost-Effective Methods: Exchanging best practices and innovative approaches to deliver services more efficiently and economically.
• Exchanging Resources and Knowledge: Facilitating the sharing of valuable resources, expertise, and knowledge among members to improve overall service delivery.
• Engaging with Ministries: engaging with government ministries to influence and respond to legislative and policy changes that impact resource consent processes.

The group circulates new case law, legislative amendments, and national policy changes to its members and shares interpretations and lessons. This proactive approach helps members stay updated and adapt to evolving legal and regulatory landscapes.

Additionally, the Consent Managers Group is committed to continuous learning and professional development. Training and guidance materials are regularly shared within the group to ensure all members are well-informed and equipped to handle their responsibilities effectively.

The group convenes online on a monthly basis, providing a platform for members to discuss current issues, share insights, and collaborate on solutions.

The Consent Managers Group, established in 1999, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of resource consent application processing. The group's primary objectives include:

• Promoting Consistency: aiming for uniformity in the processing of resource consent applications across different regions.
• Sharing Innovative and Cost-Effective Methods: Exchanging best practices and innovative approaches to deliver services more efficiently and economically.
• Exchanging Resources and Knowledge: Facilitating the sharing of valuable resources, expertise, and knowledge among members to improve overall service delivery.
• Engaging with Ministries: engaging with government ministries to influence and respond to legislative and policy changes that impact resource consent processes.

The group circulates new case law, legislative amendments, and national policy changes to its members and shares interpretations and lessons. This proactive approach helps members stay updated and adapt to evolving legal and regulatory landscapes.

Additionally, the Consent Managers Group is committed to continuous learning and professional development. Training and guidance materials are regularly shared within the group to ensure all members are well-informed and equipped to handle their responsibilities effectively.

The group convenes online on a monthly basis, providing a platform for members to discuss current issues, share insights, and collaborate on solutions.

The Contaminated Land and Waste Special Interest Group (CLW SIG) is made up of professionals across different teams within Regional and Unitary Authorities from Regulatory Compliance and Consents to Science and Engineering. This breadth of personnel gives the CLW SIG a broad perspective on contaminated land and waste challenges, and the potential opportunities, in Aotearoa.

The CLW SIGs main purpose is to support the implementation of a circular economy approach to contaminated land and waste management while ensuring contaminated land and waste management does not pose an unacceptable risk to human or environmental health.

The CLW SIG collaborates and provides feedback on guidelines such as the 2025 Water NZ Guidelines for Beneficial Use of Biosolids on Land which are now being used to frame the proposed national wastewater environmental performance standard. This type of feedback is vital for helping shape contaminated land and waste management into the future, providing scientific and regulatory input from professionals that observe the cumulative effects of the activities and industries operating across Aotearoa.

Current projects the SIG is involved in includes MfE’s update to the Landfill Climate Risk Tool and Regional Services Holding’s Limited IRIS Next Generation Selected Land Use Sites (SLUS) development.

The Digital Solutions Group are co-creating future digital, information and technology outcomes for the sector.

The group are a dynamic group of 15 CIOs, each bringing unique backgrounds and decades of collective experience to the table. Our wider team includes over 400 technology and information specialists, offering unparalleled sector knowledge and expertise.

We provide strategic and thought leadership, focusing on future-oriented digital solutions. Our teams collaborate across all business areas, understanding the diverse pressures our organisations face.

With a horizontal view across the SIG network, we enable solutions to be reused across various areas. As a SIG, we also support and nurture talent, creating spaces for teams to innovate and explore new technological possibilities.

Consistency and standards are the foundation of our collaborative efforts, allowing us to pursue shared solutions and work across boundaries. We develop our teams through shared projects, mentoring, and opportunities to work in different teams.

The Digital Solutions Group are co-creating future digital, information and technology outcomes for the sector.

The group are a dynamic group of 15 CIOs, each bringing unique backgrounds and decades of collective experience to the table. Our wider team includes over 400 technology and information specialists, offering unparalleled sector knowledge and expertise.

We provide strategic and thought leadership, focusing on future-oriented digital solutions. Our teams collaborate across all business areas, understanding the diverse pressures our organisations face.

With a horizontal view across the SIG network, we enable solutions to be reused across various areas. As a SIG, we also support and nurture talent, creating spaces for teams to innovate and explore new technological possibilities.

Consistency and standards are the foundation of our collaborative efforts, allowing us to pursue shared solutions and work across boundaries. We develop our teams through shared projects, mentoring, and opportunities to work in different teams.

The Environmental Data SIG vision is to be recognised leaders in the provision of trusted environmental data.

Our scope spans the safe collection and management of environmental data across air quality, freshwater quality & quantity, rainfall, groundwater, ecology, climate, soil, geothermal

features, coastal profiles and terrestrial biodiversity. As a sector we have the most comprehensive environmental datasets and the largest collective of monitoring expertise. Some of our closer Te Uru Kahika connections are with the SWIM sub-group, EMaR, National Flood Warning, and River Managers.

We promote best practice and consistent sector wide data collection and management. A key part is supporting the development and adoption of National Environmental Standards and contribution to technical workshops that build capability across the sector. A key focus is making our regionally focused monitoring data more accessible for national reporting.

We are supporting the development and implementation of an Environmental Data Management System (EDMS) for New Zealand. The initial focus will be on hydrological data (e.g. rainfall and river levels) and then expand out to include other environmental domains in a modular approach.

The Geospatial SIG aims to enhance the use of geospatial information and technology across councils.

We bring together geospatial professionals and support councils in delivering efficient geospatial services. We provide advice, assistance, and technical GIS capabilities to benefit both our sector and New Zealand.

Our SIG works closely with Central Government, acting as a central point of contact for agencies such as Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) and Ministry for the Environment (MFE).

Current projects for our SIG include enhancing the Retrolens website for public access to historic aerial imagery from the crown archive, creating a national aerial imagery standard with LINZ to consistently procure high-resolution public imagery, and offering technical advice on the IRIS/GIS integration work and supporting implementation.

We are particularly interested in collaborating with other SIGs considering the acquisition of systems or data with a geospatial component. We can provide help and guidance, saving valuable time and resources.

The Geospatial SIG aims to enhance the use of geospatial information and technology across councils.

We bring together geospatial professionals and support councils in delivering efficient geospatial services. We provide advice, assistance, and technical GIS capabilities to benefit both our sector and New Zealand.

Our SIG works closely with Central Government, acting as a central point of contact for agencies such as Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) and Ministry for the Environment (MFE).

Current projects for our SIG include enhancing the Retrolens website for public access to historic aerial imagery from the crown archive, creating a national aerial imagery standard with LINZ to consistently procure high-resolution public imagery, and offering technical advice on the IRIS/GIS integration work and supporting implementation.

We are particularly interested in collaborating with other SIGs considering the acquisition of systems or data with a geospatial component. We can provide help and guidance, saving valuable time and resources.

The Groundwater Special Interest Group (Groundwater Forum) brings together the 16 regional and unitary councils who manage the effects of activities, resource use and development on groundwater resources and groundwater-dependent services. 

The Groundwater Forum, a collective of groundwater and freshwater experts from each member council, has grown into a strong network for collaboration, sharing expertise, and advancing research in the fields of Groundwater Science and Freshwater Management.

Our two main purposes are to initiate research of regional and national relevance on sustainable groundwater management and to support decision-making processes related to freshwater management.

We work closely with Public Research Organisations (previously Crown Research Institutes) and have developed a research strategy to encourage applicable, widely supported groundwater research.

The Groundwater Special Interest Group (Groundwater Forum) brings together the 16 regional and unitary councils who manage the effects of activities, resource use and development on groundwater resources and groundwater-dependent services. 

The Groundwater Forum, a collective of groundwater and freshwater experts from each member council, has grown into a strong network for collaboration, sharing expertise, and advancing research in the fields of Groundwater Science and Freshwater Management.

Our two main purposes are to initiate research of regional and national relevance on sustainable groundwater management and to support decision-making processes related to freshwater management.

We work closely with Public Research Organisations (previously Crown Research Institutes) and have developed a research strategy to encourage applicable, widely supported groundwater research.

iain.dawe@gw.govt.nz

The Health & Safety SIG serves as a collaborative forum for health, safety, and wellbeing professionals within New Zealand’s regional and unitary councils. Our primary purpose is to share knowledge, best practices, and innovations that promote safe and healthy workplaces across the sector. We provide leadership on emerging health and safety challenges, foster sector-wide collaboration, and support compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Our membership includes health and safety advisors, managers, practitioners, and other related roles, all committed to advancing the health, safety and wellbeing of council staff and the communities they serve. Key areas of interest span a wide range of topics, including strategic risk management, wellbeing, regulatory compliance, incident investigation, safe systems of work, and workforce capability.

As a group, we aim to work together to develop shared resources, such as aligned policy approaches, that can be used across regions, helping to share the load and promote efficiency and consistency. One example of this is a current sub working group focused on contractor management, which is developing practical tools and guidance that can be applied sector wide. By working collaboratively, the SIG contributes to Te Uru Kahika’s drive for efficiency and effectiveness as we create safer environments across New Zealand.

The HR SIG brings together human resources and organisational development professionals from all 16 regional and unitary councils. Our purpose is to strengthen the capability and cohesion of the regional sector’s people and culture/capability functions through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and supporting the progression of people-related strategic initiatives.

We support Te Uru Kahika’s shared vision by advancing workforce development, leadership, culture, and values-led HR practices that help councils attract and retain talent, build resilient teams, and respond to the evolving needs of their communities. Our current work includes supporting the development of the Te Tiriti Capability Programme (in partnership with Ngā Kairapu SIG), connecting with the Taituarā Workforce Reference Group, and working with the Communications SIG to enhance career branding across the sector.

The HR SIG also plays a key role in fostering cross-council collaboration, alignment, and professional development. Our annual forum is a cornerstone event designed to grow capability, explore emerging challenges, align on people related strategic priorities, provide collaboration and network opportunities, and exchange insights that support consistent, values-led approaches across councils.

By mobilising our collective expertise, we contribute to a connected, future-ready regional sector that delivers greater value back to councils, ratepayers, and communities - ensuring our people strategies are as resilient and adaptive as the environments we serve.

The Land Managers Special Interest Group (LMG) is a network aimed at improving the sustainability of land and catchment management across Aotearoa. It consists of regional council/unitary authority managers responsible for resource management, and operates under the Resource Managers Group (RMG) with Te Uru Kahika.

The Land Managers Groups vision is to enhance land and catchment management through collective expertise and collaboration. It aims to provide professional advice, influence policy, engage stakeholders, and deliver projects to achieve environmental outcomes.

LMG Goals:

1. Technical Expertise: Develop and share technical knowledge to improve land management capabilities and provide trusted advice.
2. Science and Policy Influence: Work with the Chief Science Advisor to apply new scientific developments and influence policy at national and regional levels.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Lead behaviour change by engaging with landowners and communities to operationalize policy directions.
4. Project Implementation: Deliver projects that achieve catchment outcomes, often in collaboration with councils and co-governance entities.
5. Supportive Network: Maintain a network of professionals to facilitate sustainable land use, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity.

LMG aims to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and drive sustainable land management practices across New Zealand. Meetings are held regularly to discuss and coordinate efforts.

The Land Monitoring Forum (LMF) is a Te Uru Kahika Special Interest Group that facilitates the interaction and collaboration of council staff whose work relates to the broad field of soil and land resource science and policy.

The purpose of the LMF is to: “improve the management and monitoring of soil and land resources throughout New Zealand by sharing and coordinating soil and land science and policy information between regional and unitary councils, and with other organisations where appropriate (e.g. Ministry for the Environment, Stats NZ, research organisations, etc.).”

The LMF is focused on the provision of the robust science-based information needed to support sustainable soil and land resource management in New Zealand. Our work involves the development, improvement, and reporting of state of the environment indicators, monitoring and modelling approaches, and resource inventory information around (for example) soil quality and trace elements, highly productive land, soil stability/erosion, suspended sediment, land fragmentation, land cover/use, and more.

We are integrated with the Environmental Monitoring and Reporting (EMaR) Land project. Council representatives involved in the LMF are predominantly staff in soil and land science/monitoring roles or in more applied land management roles.

The vision and purpose of the National Air Quality Group (Air Quality SIG) is clean air throughout Aotearoa that supports the health and wellbeing of people and the environment. Woodburning for domestic heating is the main issue in most regions, and so our primary focus is reducing air pollution while ensuring people still have warm, dry homes.

The membership of the group is made up of a wide variety of roles, including scientists, policy planners, consents planners, and compliance officers. The group meets twice a year in Wellington to work through how each council is managing air quality, share results and updates on research and projects, and provide support for each other by maximising strengths and knowledge across the group. Sub-groups enable more focussed work on specific air quality areas, including transport, policy and climate change.

The Air Quality SIG is important because while there is national direction on managing air quality in New Zealand, every council still has to approach with consideration for their specific local conditions, available funding, and staffing arrangements. Having every council connected around air quality means we can share resources and learnings, collaborate on submissions,

highlight best practice, and ensure that we are all doing the best we can, with the most up-to-date information to improve air quality in our regions, and in Aotearoa as a whole.

The vision and purpose of the National Air Quality Group (Air Quality SIG) is clean air throughout Aotearoa that supports the health and wellbeing of people and the environment. Woodburning for domestic heating is the main issue in most regions, and so our primary focus is reducing air pollution while ensuring people still have warm, dry homes.

The membership of the group is made up of a wide variety of roles, including scientists, policy planners, consents planners, and compliance officers. The group meets twice a year in Wellington to work through how each council is managing air quality, share results and updates on research and projects, and provide support for each other by maximising strengths and knowledge across the group. Sub-groups enable more focussed work on specific air quality areas, including transport, policy and climate change.

The Air Quality SIG is important because while there is national direction on managing air quality in New Zealand, every council still has to approach with consideration for their specific local conditions, available funding, and staffing arrangements. Having every council connected around air quality means we can share resources and learnings, collaborate on submissions,

highlight best practice, and ensure that we are all doing the best we can, with the most up-to-date information to improve air quality in our regions, and in Aotearoa as a whole.

The Navigation Safety SIG is concerned with the safe movement of vessels of all types and sizes around our coasts, in our ports and some of our lakes and rivers as well. It is made up of the Harbourmasters around the country. 

We collaborate on Navigation Safety Bylaws, provide input to Maritime Rules and interact with Port companies and the maritime industry. On a different level we also work with domestic commercial vessels of all sizes and recreational users of our waterways. 

Our primary legislation is the Maritime Transport Act, Local Government Act (mainly for the Bylaw making process) and our Navigation Safety Bylaws and Directions. The Harbourmasters main touch point with central government is via Maritime NZ.

While we are involved in some environmental protection work in terms of oil spill prevention and response, our contribution to the environment is by working to keep all size vessels from damaging themselves and causing problems.

We will often provide Navigation Safety advice on coastal permits and developments and of late there is some overlap with international emission regulations from shipping  and possible safety implications. 

Ko te kairapu ko ia te kite – the one who seeks shall find

Ngā Kairapu, or ‘the wayfinders’, are the regional sector’s Māori Special Interest Group, dedicated to guiding councils in upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and fostering genuine relationships with iwi and hapū.

We champion strong kaupapa Māori advice and expertise, system design, and Te Tiriti capability. While we do not represent iwi/Māori, we bring leadership and influence for authentic Te Tiriti partnerships.

Our mahi is shaped by our Position Statements, including:

· Give effect to Te Tiriti: Support Te Uru Kahika to enable and develop enduring platforms for Te Tiriti partnerships

· Relationship-based decision making: Promote and champion equitable decision making based on respect for relationships and recognition of te ao Māori, te taiao, te reo and tikanga Māori

· Mātauranga Māori: Support, enable and promote the integrity of mātauranga Māori, recognising that the use and interpretation of mātauranga Māori is by direction of the iwi and/or hapū to which it belongs

· Rangatiratanga: Recognise the autonomy of whānau, hapū, and iwi, supporting their right to self-determination and prioritising equitable solutions

· Climate resilience: Recognise that climate change challenges are likely to disproportionally affect Māori and support a collaborative approach that ensures environmental, social and economic resilience for Māori

Our Rōpū Tātaki/leadership Group guides our mahi and our members are senior experts across governance, partnerships, Māori and Treaty relationships, strategy, policy, and mātauranga Māori. Together, we collaborate with various SIGs across the network and sector groups on key issues. This keeps our councils aligned with Te Tiriti and connected to the aspirations of Māori communities.

Ko te kairapu ko ia te kite – the one who seeks shall find

Ngā Kairapu, or ‘the wayfinders’, are the regional sector’s Māori Special Interest Group, dedicated to guiding councils in upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and fostering genuine relationships with iwi and hapū.

We champion strong kaupapa Māori advice and expertise, system design, and Te Tiriti capability. While we do not represent iwi/Māori, we bring leadership and influence for authentic Te Tiriti partnerships.

Our mahi is shaped by our Position Statements, including:

· Give effect to Te Tiriti: Support Te Uru Kahika to enable and develop enduring platforms for Te Tiriti partnerships

· Relationship-based decision making: Promote and champion equitable decision making based on respect for relationships and recognition of te ao Māori, te taiao, te reo and tikanga Māori

· Mātauranga Māori: Support, enable and promote the integrity of mātauranga Māori, recognising that the use and interpretation of mātauranga Māori is by direction of the iwi and/or hapū to which it belongs

· Rangatiratanga: Recognise the autonomy of whānau, hapū, and iwi, supporting their right to self-determination and prioritising equitable solutions

· Climate resilience: Recognise that climate change challenges are likely to disproportionally affect Māori and support a collaborative approach that ensures environmental, social and economic resilience for Māori

Our Rōpū Tātaki/leadership Group guides our mahi and our members are senior experts across governance, partnerships, Māori and Treaty relationships, strategy, policy, and mātauranga Māori. Together, we collaborate with various SIGs across the network and sector groups on key issues. This keeps our councils aligned with Te Tiriti and connected to the aspirations of Māori communities.

The Policy Managers SIG brings together senior policy professionals from regional and unitary councils across New Zealand to strengthen the regional policy voice and support better outcomes for our communities and environment.

Our core purpose is to share expertise, build capability, and collaborate on complex policy issues that cross council boundaries. Members typically hold roles such as Policy Manager, Team Leader, or Principal Advisor and bring extensive experience in regional planning, environmental management, climate resilience, coastal and marine matters, resource management reform, and integrated land use.

We work together to align approaches, identify shared challenges, and develop innovative solutions. Our SIG recognises that many of the issues we face are regional in scale, but national in impact. The SIG also serves as a platform for engaging with central government, contributing to submissions, and supporting joint research and projects.

We welcome collaboration with others in areas such as land use integration, climate adaptation, biodiversity, freshwater policy implementation, and legislative reform.

Our work directly supports the goals of Te Uru Kahika by promoting cohesive, future-focused policy that strengthens the impact of the regional sector. By working collectively, we’re helping shape a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous New Zealand.

The Policy Managers SIG brings together senior policy professionals from regional and unitary councils across New Zealand to strengthen the regional policy voice and support better outcomes for our communities and environment.

Our core purpose is to share expertise, build capability, and collaborate on complex policy issues that cross council boundaries. Members typically hold roles such as Policy Manager, Team Leader, or Principal Advisor and bring extensive experience in regional planning, environmental management, climate resilience, coastal and marine matters, resource management reform, and integrated land use.

We work together to align approaches, identify shared challenges, and develop innovative solutions. Our SIG recognises that many of the issues we face are regional in scale, but national in impact. The SIG also serves as a platform for engaging with central government, contributing to submissions, and supporting joint research and projects.

We welcome collaboration with others in areas such as land use integration, climate adaptation, biodiversity, freshwater policy implementation, and legislative reform.

Our work directly supports the goals of Te Uru Kahika by promoting cohesive, future-focused policy that strengthens the impact of the regional sector. By working collectively, we’re helping shape a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous New Zealand.

The Resource Managers Group (RMG) provides strategic leadership and unified advice on resource management across New Zealand. Its goal is to collaborate on policies and practices that ensure effective and sustainable outcomes for the environment and communities now and in the future.

RMG focuses on key areas requiring coordinated action. It leads strategic planning in the Resource Management System, supports sustainable freshwater initiatives, contributes to climate adaptation policy, and enhances regional development through shared services and processes.

Through this work, RMG supports Te Uru Kahika by advising central government, raising the regional sector’s profile, and fostering collaboration. It also plays a vital role in building strong relationships to improve efficiency and informed decision-making across regions.

A core part of RMG’s approach is embedding Te Ao Māori values and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. By supporting iwi/Māori partnerships and inclusive governance, RMG helps create better outcomes for all New Zealanders.

The Resource Managers Group (RMG) provides strategic leadership and unified advice on resource management across New Zealand. Its goal is to collaborate on policies and practices that ensure effective and sustainable outcomes for the environment and communities now and in the future.

RMG focuses on key areas requiring coordinated action. It leads strategic planning in the Resource Management System, supports sustainable freshwater initiatives, contributes to climate adaptation policy, and enhances regional development through shared services and processes.

Through this work, RMG supports Te Uru Kahika by advising central government, raising the regional sector’s profile, and fostering collaboration. It also plays a vital role in building strong relationships to improve efficiency and informed decision-making across regions.

A core part of RMG’s approach is embedding Te Ao Māori values and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. By supporting iwi/Māori partnerships and inclusive governance, RMG helps create better outcomes for all New Zealanders.

The River Managers Special Interest Group (SIG), part of Te Uru Kahika, has developed five priority workstreams aimed at building flood resilience and adapting to climate change. Recent severe weather events, including Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland floods, have reinforced the urgent need for robust river management and flood mitigation infrastructure.

The SIG advocates for a long-term, scaled-up investment in flood protection—$400–$500 million per year for the next 15 years—building on the $300 million currently spent annually by regions and the Crown over the last 5 years. It supports a ten-year action plan backed by strong leadership, funding, and regional collaboration to ensure communities are safer, better protected, and more climate-resilient.

Key challenges remain: securing long-term central government co-investment, developing national infrastructure standards, enhancing legislation, and growing skilled workforce capacity. The SIG champions a ‘PARA’ approach—protect, avoid, retreat, and accommodate—to improve resilience and safeguard livelihoods.

Effective project delivery, inter-regional support, and engagement with Tangata whenua and communities are essential. The SIG is committed to delivering infrastructure that is fiscally responsible, environmentally sound, and fit for the future.

The River Managers Special Interest Group (SIG), part of Te Uru Kahika, has developed five priority workstreams aimed at building flood resilience and adapting to climate change. Recent severe weather events, including Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland floods, have reinforced the urgent need for robust river management and flood mitigation infrastructure.

The SIG advocates for a long-term, scaled-up investment in flood protection—$400–$500 million per year for the next 15 years—building on the $300 million currently spent annually by regions and the Crown over the last 5 years. It supports a ten-year action plan backed by strong leadership, funding, and regional collaboration to ensure communities are safer, better protected, and more climate-resilient.

Key challenges remain: securing long-term central government co-investment, developing national infrastructure standards, enhancing legislation, and growing skilled workforce capacity. The SIG champions a ‘PARA’ approach—protect, avoid, retreat, and accommodate—to improve resilience and safeguard livelihoods.

Effective project delivery, inter-regional support, and engagement with Tangata whenua and communities are essential. The SIG is committed to delivering infrastructure that is fiscally responsible, environmentally sound, and fit for the future.

The Science Advisory Group works across domains and regions to maximise the efficiency, credibility, and influence of regional sector science. Our members are science managers operating at a strategic level, with influence on science prioritisation and investment decisions.

We are focused on influencing research, science and technology funding decisions (central and regional Government, and research providers), and maintaining and enhancing regional sector science capacity and capability.

We collaborate and coordinate to identify emerging research needs and deliver transdisciplinary science that informs decision making. Our work addresses climate adaptation, resource management, biodiversity and biosecurity challenges and we are keen to promote science outcomes and demonstrate the value of regional sector science both for communities and the environment.

The Science Advisory Group works across domains and regions to maximise the efficiency, credibility, and influence of regional sector science. Our members are science managers operating at a strategic level, with influence on science prioritisation and investment decisions.

We are focused on influencing research, science and technology funding decisions (central and regional Government, and research providers), and maintaining and enhancing regional sector science capacity and capability.

We collaborate and coordinate to identify emerging research needs and deliver transdisciplinary science that informs decision making. Our work addresses climate adaptation, resource management, biodiversity and biosecurity challenges and we are keen to promote science outcomes and demonstrate the value of regional sector science both for communities and the environment.

shirley.hayward@ecan.govt.nz

Stefan.Beaumont@ncc.govt.nz

oliver.haycock@boprc.govt.nz