Message from Chair LOC
Dear Colleagues,
It is our honor and privilege to invite you to the 26 th Congress of the Asia Pacific Division of the International Association for Hydro Environment Engineering and Research, to be held in Wellington, New Zealand. I am sure, it’s not only we the LOC, but also the summer Wellington weather, which is generally very pleasant, mild and calm with mild temperatures will lend a warm greeting to you.
It is the first time this Congress is being held in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, a beautiful, charming, vibrant and compact hub known for its intense culture, government and creative industries.
In an era of rapid global change, lessons from the past, the situation at present and the forecast for the future will play a lead role in Water Engineering Research. This conference therefore will provide a forum for high quality scientific papers, presentations and discussion.
Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and enchanted holiday islands. Wellington is indeed an amazing city, where the air is crisp, and the colors are spectacular, on a beautiful day there is no other place other than Wellington.
We invite you to join us for this important event and look forward to welcoming you in Wellington, New Zealand.
Dr Gregory Shahane De Costa,
Chairman,
Local Organizing Committee IAHR APD 2028
Message from President IAHR APD
Dear Colleagues,
We are very pleased to invite you to the 26th Congress of the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research – Asia and Pacific Division (IAHR-APD) which will be held in Wellington, New Zealand, in 21-25 February 2028. The Congress provides a stimulating opportunity to bring together scientists, engineers, practitioners, policymakers, companies, and young professionals to meet, share and discuss recent advances and experiences in hydro-environmental science and engineering.
The theme of the congress is ‘Water in Motion: Climate, Science, Engineering and Policy for a Resilient Future’. The congress highlights the crucial role of integrated water management and climate resilience to increase the capacity of social, economic and ecosystems for mitigating and adapting the escalating impacts of climate change from various points of view. Especially, for improving climate resilience, we need to evaluate the alteration of current climate-related risks and to better cope with the risks by increasing the capacities of defence, recovery and adaptation. We further need to develop climate-resilient infrastructures, soft countermeasures on flood forecasting and early warning systems, ecosystem restoration together with positively increasing biodiversity, integration of water resource management, active community participation, and effective strategies.
The 26th IAHR-APD Congress will serve as a platform to share research and insights on climate resilience, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Jointly hosted by Open Polytechnic NZ & Victoria Univ. of Wellington and engagement with NZ Hydrological Society, NZ Society on Large Dams, Coastal Soc., and Meteorological Soc., the congress aims to foster collaboration and inspire future research.
Sincerely,
Norio Tanaka
Chair, IAHR APD
Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
255 Shimo-okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
Message from President IAHR APD,
Welcome to IAHR Asia Pacific Division (APD) Congress, welcome to New Zealand!
On behalf of the International Association for Hydro-environment Engineering and Research (IAHR), I am delighted to invite you to participate in the 26th IAHR Asia Pacific Division Congress to be held in Wellington from February 21 st to 25 th , 2028. Since 1973, the biennial IAHR APD Congresses have brought together leading experts to help address the pressing water environment engineering challenges in the Asian Pacific region. The event provides researchers, engineers, and decision makers the opportunity to share recent advances and experiences, identify emerging technology trends, and engage in lively debates.
Following the last IAHR APD Congress held in 2026 in Incheon, Korea, the main theme of the 26 th IAHRAPD Congress will be “Water in Motion: Climate, Science, Engineering and Policy for a Resilient Future.” Today, more than ever water engineering stands out as a necessary field to re-shape our society and build a better future, a resilient future. IAHR is guiding the hydro-environment community on this journey and to do so we understand water engineering from a holistic point of view. IAHR is the only global water association focused on the entire water cycle, from mountains to coasts and that’s why we aim to be the global hub of knowledge and innovation for holistic water engineering. IAHR stimulates and promotes research and its application by sharing new research paradigms and networks, setting industry standards, informing best water management practices, and nurturing young professionals. IAHR regional congresses are strongly connected to the local actors deeply involved in the water sector. The events offer the best platforms for sharing needs and innovative solutions. The Sustainable Development Goals are entering a critical lap toward their 2030 deadline. Most of the defined objectives for the hydro-environments and water will be not achieved mainly due to a lack of sufficient investment in efficient and resilient solutions. More than never the IAHR community must be mobilized to tackle those challenges.
On behalf of IAHR, I look forward to your participation at APD 2028 in Wellington!
Prof. Philippe Gourbesville, President IAHR
Venue
The Congress venue Victoria University Pipitea campus, located in central Wellington, is adjacent to the main railway station and bus terminal. Wellington’s city centre is only a 15-minute drive from Wellington Airport.
A few steps from the Congress Venue one could meander along Wellington’s waterfront, perfect for a stroll with views across the harbour. Wellington is home to a mix of creative energy and a vibrant arts scene and is a walkable central city with no shortage of things to do or see. Our Māori culture sparks international interest in how it shapes our values and knowledge.
While there are many direct international flights to and from Wellington airport, predominantly Auckland airport and Christchurch airport would be the major international link, connecting Wellington with numerous daily flights. The venue is also well served with abundance of accommodation all within walking distance.
Foodies, soak up the atmosphere and treat your tastebuds. Wellington’s dining scene is second to none, thanks to incredible local produce from the ocean and land. Wellington produces world-class wine and craft beer. It’s packed with cafés and restaurants celebrating all cuisines from the world.
