CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Conference Topics/Themes:

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• Freshwater in a Time of Change
  Change is happening fast — through climate impacts, new technologies, and evolving policy and community expectations. This theme is about navigating that change. How do we stay resilient? How do we make decisions when the future is uncertain? We’ll explore what we can learn from both the past and the present — bringing together bodies of knowledge to established practice, and new ideas — to help shape the future of freshwater.
   

• Integrated Catchment Management — Connecting the Whole System
  ICM is about joining the dots — between land, water, people, and ecosystems. This theme explores how we can work in more connected ways, grounded in te mana o te wai and te mana o te taiao, and recognising the role of mana whenua as kaitiaki.
  Across both rural and urban landscapes, we’ll look at how integrated approaches can drive real change for freshwater
   

• He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata — It is the People
  At the heart of freshwater work are people!This theme shines a light on the role of people play in restoring and protecting our waterways. Looking back on what’s worked (and what hasn’t), we’ll share lessons and insights to help shape what comes next.
   

• Many Knowledge Systems — One Wai
  There is no single way of understanding water­- different knowledge systems offer different ways of seeing and understanding water. This theme explores how different bodies of knowledge can work side by side, bringing together strengths from both.
  Guided by te mana o te wai, we’ll look at how this combined approach can lead to better decisions and healthier waterways
   

• Disruptive Technologies and AI
  Technology is moving fast — and it’s reshaping how we work with freshwater.From AI and eDNA to real-time sensors and visual tools, this theme explores what’s possible and what’s next. It also tackles the bigger questions around data sovereignty, ethics, and Māori data governance.How do we use these tools well? And how do we make sure they support better outcomes for our waterways and communities?
   

• Intergenerational Futures (Mō ngā uri whakatipu)
  This theme is about looking ahead — to the future of our freshwater and the generations who will inherit it. The decisions we make today shape the world future generations will inherit.
  This theme puts youth and future generations at the centre, guided by whakapapa and kaitiakitanga.We’ll explore how thinking for the long term can support healthy waterways — not just now, but for mokopuna and generations to come.
   

• Partnership — Working Well Together
  Strong partnerships are at the heart of meaningful freshwater outcomes.
  This theme focuses on what it takes to build and sustain healthy relationships — grounded in trust, respect, and shared purpose. It explores how partners work together in practice: listening, learning, and navigating challenges over time.
  By showcasing real examples, we’ll highlight how effective partnerships can lead to better outcomes for te taiao, our waterways, and the communities connected to them.

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Sub Theme/Topics:

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• Algae and harmful blooms

• Aquatic biogeochemistry and ecosystem processes

• Catchment management for better water quality

• Emerging techniques in freshwater science

• Enhancing freshwater ecosystem's resilience to change

• Environmental flows

• Food webs and environment restoration

• Human health and freshwater management

• Indigenous perspectives on freshwater management

• Invasive species - detection, surveillance and management

• Long term and large scale data management

• Managing freshwater environments in a changing climate

• Modelling to inform decision-making

• Monitoring the health of freshwater

• Policy and practice

• Population and community ecology

• Protecting freshwater environments in the face of changing policy and regulations

• Remote sensing application in freshwater management

• Science communication

• Threatened species conservation

• Urban freshwater systems

• Wetland protection and preservation 

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