“Career reflections: Career journeys and how do we work for inclusion?”

Summary

This brought together colleagues of all genders to discuss how our profession can move positively forward in promoting equal opportunity for all. We discussed the challenges associated with stereotypes – from young females being given ‘pink tasks’, to gay men being excluded from social networking events at work as they were perceived to not enjoy sports, to those navigating how to be true to all facets of one’s culture and history. Despite these challenges, we also heard how our panelists have moved beyond them and have advocated for others and called out unacceptable behaviour. We thank our panelists for being so open, vulnerable and generous with their stories and furthering discussion on how we can (and must) work better for inclusion in the future.

Panel Chair: Assoc Prof. Kristen Splinter, Water Research Laboratory, University of New South Wales

Panel Coordinator: Dr Shari Gallop, University of Waikato

Panel Participants:

• Manea Sweeney, Pou Ārahi: Director, Engagement and Environments, Tonkin + Taylor
• Mandi Thran, Research Associate, Water Research Laboratory, University of New South Wales
• Michael Sanders, Director Maritime, Royal Haskoningdhv
• Derek Todd, Principal Coastal And Hazards Scientist, Jacobs New Zealand Ltd
• Kelly Dombroski, University of Canterbury

With sea levels projected to rise by up to 400 mm within 30 years and up to a metre by 2100, many low lying coastal and inland communities across the country need to understand and plan for increased flooding, erosion and rising groundwater. The theory behind adaptation planning has been extensively outlined in national guidance and is a strong focus for the research community. However, the practical realities of applying this approach to communities remains an issue. The focus of this special topic has been turning theory to practice for adaptation planning including establishing and building a mandate for adaptation work, keeping communities engaged and empowered throughout the process, minimising equity issues, and consideration of funding and implementation commitments. The panel brought many different perspectives and experiences to this debate.

Panel Chair: Derek Todd, Principal Coastal Scientist, Jacobs

Panelists:

• Sara Templeton, Christchurch City Council
• Katherine Wilson, Director, Climate Adaption & Evidence, Ministry for the Environment | Manatū Mō Te Taiao
• Dr Rob Bell, Managing Director Bell Adapt Ltd.
• Stuart Bettington, Technical Director Coastal and Maritime, Royal HaskoningDHV
• Angus Jackson, Principal Engineer ICM.

The Pacific Ocean, Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, is vast and its indigenous peoples have always been closely connected to the sea, both through long ocean going voyages and more locally through coastal settlements, livelihoods, and practices. The recognition of indigenous rights and the value of indigenous knowledge systems are integral features of coastal and port environmental management. This panel discussion covered theory and practice of planning and decision-making that recognises and accommodates indigenous and non-indigenous world views in addressing environmental management in port and coastal contexts.

Panel Chair: Andre Konia, Pou Ārahi, NIWA Taihoro Nukurangi

Panelists:

• Makarini Rupene, Pou Matai Ko – Cultivating & Understanding of Mahinga Kai – Northern Environment Canterbury
• Tahu Stirling, Māori Development Advisor at Lyttelton Port Company
• Courtney Bennett, Director, Senior Advisor Kete Planning Consultancy.

At approximately 5pm local time (04:00 UTC) on 15 January 2022 the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted explosively sending a volcanic plume over 55 km into the atmosphere and sending atmospheric pressure waves around the world several times over. The sound of the eruption was heard as far away as Canada. The volcanic eruption also generated a local tsunami that inundated substantial parts of Tongatapu and other islands in the Tongan Archipelago with runup over 15 m above sea level in places and a global tsunami that was measured all around the world. The local tsunami was likely generated by a range of mechanisms including the explosive eruption, pyroclastic flows from column collapse, as well as caldera and flank collapse and was reinforced by the atmospheric pressure wave. The far-field tsunami was generated as a volcanic meteo-tsunami by the rapidly moving atmospheric pressure disturbance – a phenomenon first identified in the 1883 Krakatau eruption in Indonesia. This special session brought together experts from Tonga, Aotearoa and Australia to discuss all aspects of the event including the impacts of the volcano and tsunami in Tonga, the ongoing recovery and the relief efforts, as well as the best scientific understanding to date about the volcanic eruption, the mechanisms involved in the local and the far-field tsunamis and the observations and impacts of the tsunami in Aotearoa and Australia.

Session Chair: Dr Shaun Williams, Scientist Natural Hazards & Risks, NIWA Taihoro Nukurangi

Session Invited Speakers:

• Taaniela Kula, Deputy Secretary at Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Tonga
• Ofa Fa’anunu, Director of Meteorology and Coast Watch Services at Tonga Meteorological Services
• Siautu Alefaio, Assoc. Prof., Massey University, Psychology
• Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o & Sana Vaifoou, Affirming Works
• James White, Prof., Univ. of Otago
• Emily Lane, Principal Scientist, NIWA Taihoro Nukurangi
• Prof Charitha Pattiaratchi, The University Of Western Australia
• Gareth Davies, Geoscience Australia
• Jose Borrero, Director – ECoast

The Christchurch and Kaikōura Earthquakes caused significant impacts to the natural and built environments that include lasting changes to coastal communities and ecosystems at a considerable scale. While much of the initial effects were destructive, the earthquakes have also presented opportunities to rebuild better, taking into account changes in communities and accommodating future challenges. This special topic invited papers on the changes to natural systems, and the science, engineering, policy and community responses to these major events.

Session Chair: Dr Tom Shand, University of Auckland | Tonkin + Taylor Ltd.

Session Keynote: Manea Sweeney, Pou Ārahi: Director, Engagement and Environments, Tonkin + Taylor Ltd. Moving Mountains to reconnect communities – Lessons from the Kaikoura Earthquake Transport Infrastructure Recovery