You are invited to attend the inaugural SymPOOsium by Beyond the Pipes on Monday 26 July 2021, 9am-12:30pm (lunch from 12:30pm)

Wellington’s sewerage and wastewater infrastructure is in disrepair. Pipes are bursting and leaking, contaminants are entering our natural environment, and for decades we've been landfilling the 'sludge' that comes out of wastewater treatment plants across the region.

Urgent upgrades and maintenance are undoubtedly needed, but a brave and bold re-imagining is also in order.

Through two facilitated panel discussions, this ‘symPOOsium’ will take a close look at Wellington’s current wastewater and sanitation system, consider whether we need to invest in alternative approaches to managing human waste and wastewater, and if so, how and where to start.

Panellists will explore a wide range of questions, including:

- How can we ensure sustainability and resilience in our approach to wastewater and sanitation for a growing population in a city prone to earthquakes?

- How can we adequately manage the ecological and public health risks of wastewater and sanitation systems?

- What type of system could best uphold tikanga [cultural] values, mātauranga [education] Māori, and best practices from previous generations?

- How can we safely break free from the current 'sludge-to-landfill' situation?

The full list of speakers are yet to be confirmed. Confirmed speakers to date:

- Martin Payne, Independent Water Engineer

- Michelle Laurenson, Your Bay Your Say

- Te Kawa Robb, Para Kore

- Dr. Maria Gutierrez-Gines, Lead Scientist Biowaste Team, ESR

- Matt Brenin, Green Earth

- Cr. David Lee, Greater Wellington Regional Council

Facilitators:

Liam Prince, The Rubbish Trip

Grant Symons, Transition HQ

Keep up to date on further speakers, as and when confirmed, by following the Facebook page for this event.

Waste-free morning tea and lunch will be provided by Sweet Release.

This event is brought to you by Beyond the Pipes - a consortium of experts committed to facilitating conversation, research and exploration of better wastewater and sanitation systems. The event has been kindly supported by Greater Wellington Regional Council and Clare Foundation.