The 2026 Stormwater Conference brought together councils, engineers, consultants, contractors, and industry leaders from across New Zealand and Australia to tackle one of the sector’s biggest challenges: how we build more resilient communities in the face of increasing climate and infrastructure pressure. 

This year, the Watersmart team was proud to contribute not only through our exhibition presence, but also through two technical presentations that explored practical, real-world approaches to stormwater resilience, flood mitigation, and distributed water management. 

Our exhibition stand showcased Watersmart’s broader stormwater ecosystem, including flood mitigation, detention and retention systems, permeable infrastructure, water reuse, and resilience-focused solutions designed to support both public infrastructure and private developments. The conversations throughout the event reinforced a growing industry shift toward integrated, multi-layered stormwater responses rather than relying solely on traditional pipe networks. 

Reimagining Kerb Infrastructure Through Permeable Design 

Klaudia presented findings from the City of Merri-bek permeable kerb and channel trial, developed in collaboration with the University of Melbourne and Porous Lane. 

The presentation explored how conventional kerb and channel systems rapidly collect and concentrate runoff into underground infrastructure, increasing downstream pressure, disconnecting water from urban vegetation, and contributing to flooding risk. 

The permeable kerb and channel approach rethinks this model entirely. Instead of treating stormwater as waste to remove as quickly as possible, the system allows water to spread, slow down, infiltrate locally, and support surrounding soil and vegetation systems. 

Field study results from the Merri-bek trial showed: 

• Up to 81% runoff retention across monitored rainfall events 

• Significant peak flow reduction 

• Improved soil moisture and urban tree support 

• Strong performance despite low-permeability clay soils 

• Reduced clogging risk through distributed inflow design 

• Greater flexibility and impact resistance compared with traditional concrete kerbing 

The presentation also highlighted the role of recycled tyre materials within the system and the growing importance of designing infrastructure that works with natural water processes rather than against them. 

As councils continue looking for scalable low-impact stormwater solutions, interest is now growing around potential New Zealand pilot projects. 

Flood Resilience Beyond Infrastructure Alone 

A second presentation delivered by Julian and Elliot focused on the consenting pathway, design methodology, installation process, and testing regime behind the flood barrier systems installed in central Auckland last year. 

The presentation explored how the barriers were engineered and sized to respond to site-specific flood risk, alongside the practical realities of installation, commissioning, and long-term resilience planning. 

Importantly, the discussion extended beyond physical infrastructure alone. 

Part of the presentation focused on Watersmart’s ongoing collaboration with the insurance and finance sectors over the past 14 months, helping educate stakeholders on resilience solutions that support flood prevention, recovery, and long-term community protection. 

Key themes included: 

• Shifting focus from reactive claims toward prevention and asset protection 

• Supporting post-flood recovery through investment in resilience infrastructure 

• Educating communities around practical flood mitigation solutions 

• Encouraging sustainability and resilience lending pathways 

• Creating stronger collaboration between the stormwater, insurance, and finance sectors 

One of the strongest messages throughout the session was that stormwater resilience cannot sit within a single industry alone. Preventing flood impacts requires alignment between infrastructure, policy, finance, insurance, and community education. 

Continuing the Industry Conversation 

For Watersmart, events like the Stormwater Conference are not simply about showcasing products. They are an opportunity to contribute to the wider industry conversation around resilience, sustainability, and the future of water infrastructure. 

As climate pressures continue to increase, the industry is being challenged to think differently about how stormwater is managed, how communities are protected, and how infrastructure can work more effectively with natural systems. 

Being able to contribute practical project experience, technical research, and cross-sector collaboration discussions is an important part of helping move that conversation forward. 

Read more about how Auckland Transport used prous lane to create resilient and future proofing footpaths for the Eastern Busway Project.

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Building a Home for Sustainable Innovation

Our new Water Innovation Hub was designed to be much more than a showroom. We wanted it to feel like the home of innovation in Aotearoa, a place where people can see what the future of sustainable construction looks like. That meant showcasing not only our own water solutions, but also the work of other leaders in recycled, low carbon, and circular building products.

Celebrating the grand opening of our Watersmart Innovation Hub

Te Whare Pora, a significant cultural and community space, required a landscape design that expressed sustainability, honoured local heritage, and created a warm, accessible environment for all visitors.  

Early discussions between the designer and Mana Whenua highlighted a preference for natural, non-traditional surfacing materials; something that would complement the whenua and minimise environmental impact. This direction created an opportunity to introduce Porous Lane, a permeable pavement made from up to 60% recycled tyres, as a naturally visual, durable, and low-impact alternative. 

New Zealand’s First Porous Lane Parking Bay – Te Atatū
Watersmart has completed New Zealand’s first Porous Lane parking bay in Te Atatū — a milestone in sustainable stormwater design. Installed on a steep residential site, the 55m² Porous Lane Traffic Mix in Grey provides a strong, low-maintenance, and highly permeable surface that blends seamlessly with the existing driveway. The result: improved drainage, reduced runoff, and performance exceeding international permeability standards.

Watersmart has delivered New Zealand’s first Porous Lane footpath at the Jack’s Landing subdivision for Golden Homes Hamilton. In partnership with Siteworks Limited, 207m² of this innovative permeable pavement was installed, recycling thousands of tyres while easing pressure on stormwater systems.

Developed by the University of Melbourne and introduced to New Zealand by Watersmart in May 2025, Porous Lane is a durable, sustainable alternative to traditional concrete. The success at Jack’s Landing marks a major milestone for greener urban infrastructure in Aotearoa.

Watersmart Wins Prestigious National Innovation Award for Stormwater Solution Porous Lane

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