IAH (NZ Chapter) Technical Meeting – Christchurch

Members and non-members welcome to this free event!

5:00 pm networking, 5:45 pm technical talk
Thursday 3rd September 2026

WSP, 12 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch

(Please arrive before 5:30 pm for WSP staff to let you in.)

Please RSVP to Lisa Scott by 31 August for catering purposes.

Presenter: Eric van Nieuwkerk

Technical Principal – Hydrogeology (WSP)

Balancing community benefits from building new roads with environmental outcomes for streams and wetlands

Profile: Eric has an MSc in Hydrogeology and has more than 25 years’ experience as a Hydrogeologist working in interdisciplinary teams, and has been responsible for a wide range of groundwater and environmental science projects including dewatering / depressurisation projects for construction, infrastructure, tunnelling and mining. Eric’s work involves supporting drainage systems design, aquifer testing, undertake water supply option studies, contaminant risk assessments and 2D / 3D numerical groundwater and solute transport modelling. Eric has extensive international experience in water resource investigations and civil engineering projects in both urban and rural areas, working for transport agencies, mining clients, industrial clients, municipalities, utility companies and regional authorities.

Abstract: This presentation will describe how new roads can change groundwater levels and flows in the wider area and consequently impact surface water baseflows. We will dive deeper into the ways to assess impacts through field investigations and comprehensive modelling for large roading projects, and how better understanding the groundwater system can help identify environmental offsetting opportunities.