Recognising Te Ao Māori & sustainable best practice in the water industry

Beca proudly awarded Troy Brockbank as the Beca Young Water Professional of the Year 2018, at the prestigious Water New Zealand Conference Gala Dinner last night.

Troy, a Design Manager with Stormwater360 New Zealand, was recognised for his passionate application of mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge) and kaitiakitanga (stewardship) in his work developing sustainable stormwater design solutions and promotion of waterway protection and restoration.

"As an individual who identifies strongly as both a water professional and Māori, I have taken up this wero to further contribute to our industry and am determined to integrate Te Ao Māori into mainstream water management," says Troy, who is also environment and 3-waters Technical Advisor for Te Rarawa Iwi.

"Winning this award is a massive personal achievement for me, but more importantly, it also helps to elevate the importance of cultural integration into industry best practice. It reinforces that all of us who work in this industry, not just those of us of Māori lineage, are kaitiaki of water and Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural environment, and so all have a responsibility to be its guardian."

Clive Rundle, Chairman of the Judging Panel, and Beca General Manager – Water, was highly impressed with Troy’s accomplishments, and the calibre of all the award nominations.

"The award ceremony was especially moving,” says Clive. "Troy’s whānau travelled from the Far North to be with him to honour this great achievement, joining him on stage and acknowledging the moment with a waiata.  It was the highlight of the evening."

Established in 2009, the Beca Young Water Professional of the Year award is aimed at acknowledging and rewarding an exceptional water professional under the age of 35, for their significant contribution and achievement in the water industry and general community.  It recognises that the water industry encompasses a wide field of disciplines including, but not limited to, research, policy development, law, education, engineering, consulting, construction and community initiatives.

Watch Troy's inspirational acceptance speech by clicking on the image below -