Davis Ogilvie was proud to sponsor the 2025 WasteMINZ Conference, held 9–12 June at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. This year’s theme, Ko māia, ko angitu – Fortune favours the bold, challenged attendees to consider how bold thinking, collaboration and risk-taking can drive meaningful change in the waste and contaminated land sectors.
Representing Davis Ogilvie at the event were Gareth Oddy (Technical Director Environmental Science) and Charlotte Stephen-Brownie (Senior Engineering Geologist), who joined industry leaders and regulators to explore how we can better advocate for our sector and become agents of change.
One of the standout sessions was the Risk Assessment Workshop, which offered practical strategies for influencing change. Dr Jackie Wright’s keynote reminded us that “the dose makes the poison” – a powerful prompt to reconsider how we assess contaminants. Her message encouraged professionals to move beyond conservative Tier 1 assessments and focus on real-world risks to human health and the environment.
The workshop culminated in a collaborative exercise where attendees tackled complex contaminated land scenarios. Among the innovative solutions presented later in the conference was the reuse of asbestos-contaminated crushed concrete beneath foundation elements – a sustainable approach that reduces landfill waste and carbon emissions.
Reflecting on the event, Gareth Oddy noted, “It’s always enjoyable attending and catching up with the industry, sharing our learnings over the past year. It’s great to show our support again through sponsorship.”
The conference reinforced the sector’s strength in collaboration. Over recent years, WasteMINZ and ALGA members have developed key guidance documents addressing pressing issues such as waste tyres, asbestos in soil, coal tar in roads, and disposal to land. The Ministry for the Environment has also updated the HAIL guidance and refreshed contaminated land management guidelines No.1 and No.5.
Yet, despite this progress, the industry finds itself in a holding pattern, awaiting the replacement of the Resource Management Act (RMA). The need for action is growing more urgent.
The sector continues to grapple with several persistent challenges:
Encouragingly, WasteMINZ and ALGA have outlined plans to address these issues in the coming years, signalling a proactive approach to shaping the future of contaminated land management.
Davis Ogilvie is excited to continue supporting the sector and looks forward to the joint WasteMINZ and ALGA gathering in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, in 2026. As the industry navigates change, we remain committed to bold thinking, collaboration, and sustainable solutions.
If you have any questions about the conference or have a complex site and are looking for innovative solutions, then please contact Gareth Oddy.
