We asked Āpōpō Congress 2024 Committee Chair, Nicola Chisnall, five quick questions about the Congress and what she is looking forward to the most this year.
Nicola Chisnall is Asset Manager Three Waters at the Ara Poutama Aoteroa, Department of Corrections. Nicola has been working in and around local government in the three waters area for over 20 years, with the last 18 in asset management.
She was appointed to the Āpōpō Board in June 2019, and is the chair of the Āpōpō Congress 2024 Committee.
Here’s what she’s got to say about the upcoming Āpōpō Congress 2024:
Q1: First, a bit about you – How long have you been involved in Congress and in your current role as Chair of the organising committee?
I have been attending IPWEA NZ conferences for quite a few years now, I had the pleasure of being part of the organising committee the last time the conference was in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and enjoyed the experience. This time I have the honour of the being the Chair of the first ever Āpōpō Congress and working with an awesome organising committee.
Q2: What is the focus of Congress this year and why is it important?
The focus for this Congress is Te anga whakamua tahi – moving forward together. The Congress presentations will explore the hard issues we hear about in the media each day while also considering te ao māori principles of Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga and Rangatiratanga. To be successful we need to work together.
Q3: Why do you think people should attend Congress?
Making connections, learning and working together is important for Aotearoa going forward. This Congress provides the opportunity to catch up with people you haven’t seen for a while or meet new people while also learning from others through the presentations but also the discussion. For the first time we have introduced a specific learning breakout session where attendees will be able to gain a Digital Pin credential. To top off all of this we have some very interesting keynote speakers across a range of different topics.
Q4: What benefits/outtakes do you see attendees leaving with this year?
Learning from others and building connections with those who are facing the same challenges from multiple different infrastructure classes as well as gaining learning credential (digital pin)!
Q5: What are some presentations/activities etc you are personally looking forward to?
I always enjoy the emerging professionals’ presentations and I am looking forward to hearing Sir John Kirwan speak. I am also excited to just be part of the first ever Āpōpō Congress.
Thank, Nicola!
If you’re interested in joining us at the Congress, you can resister here.