Marking the Journey

Survey and Spatial New Zealand 135^th Annual Conference

Holding the annual Survey and Spatial New Zealand conference at the University of Otago was always going to mean good attendance and this proved to be true with the 135^th conference. Held in Dunedin, South Island in early September, the conference, along with the 60th anniversary of the University of Otago School of Surveying was a strong drawcard for members, especially those who attended the survey school as students.

Over 350 delegates enjoyed taking part in the three-day event that offered over 70 presentations covering a very diverse range of topics. These went from technical papers on infrastructure, hydrography, surveying, technology to protect heritage buildings, GIS, GNSS, LIDAR, UAVs and point clouds to name a few, to presentations covering emergency management, subdivision governance, diversity, statutory and Landonline reforms.

Following the Mihi Whakatau, the traditional Māori welcome, the conference was opened by various dignitaries including the Minister for Toitū Te Whenua, Land Information New Zealand the Hon. Damien O'Connor. Key plenary sessions included an update on NZ activities by Toitū Te Whenua’s Surveyor-General, Anselm Haanen.

The theme of 'Marking the Journey, Hāpaia’ encapsulates the journey of surveying and spatial professionals throughout their careers - the journey of a project through to completion, the journey of data from capture to deliverables, and the professional development journey and of course, coming full circle back to the university School of Surveying which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary.

A powerful presentation within this theme, was the presentation describing New Zealand’s biggest infrastructure project following the Kaikoura earthquake in 2016. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the northeast coast of the South Island resulting in landslides, tsunamis, and areas of huge ground uplift across the complex fault rupture. The destruction severed key transport links including the Main North Railway Line and the State Highway 1 coastal road that connected Kaikoura with Picton at the top of the South Island. This is a major piece of infrastructure supporting the journeys of freight, tourists and information around the country, all essential to keep the country working. The presentation describes the incredible journey of those involved in the project which was carried out over the course of the 3.5 years and the valuable lessons learnt that can be shared.

Another thought-provoking presentation, reflecting the diversity of topics, raised the issue of protecting historical survey features such as trig beacons from developing technologies, changing priorities and cultural considerations - a topic that is close to the hearts of many surveyors.

Pictured above: Glenn Stone - Managing Director of long term Diamond Partner - GSI Insurance Partners Ltd

The Awards Dinner is always a highlight of each conference. A black-tie event, it provides the perfect vehicle for honouring the impressive achievements of members throughout the year. Each year the Awards Dinner is generously sponsored by long-term partner GSI Insurance Partners Ltd led by Glenn Stone. This year excellence in both individual and project awards were celebrated with Neale Faulkner, long-term member and Chair of the NZ Cadastral Survey Licensing Board, being the well-deserved recipient of the McRae Supreme Award. Other awards were presented for the Bogle Young Professional of the Year, the Cadastral Survey Award, Professional Project Excellence Award, Professional Stream Awards and the Consulting Surveyors of NZ Leadership Award. We also welcomed two new Fellows to the institute – Dr Kat Salm and Jayne Perrin both received this honour.

It was fitting that a book detailing the history of one of New Zealand’s most prolific and well-respected surveyors, Archie Bogle was featured at the university campus. Recently published, the book titled "The Measure of the Man” was able to be purchased by delegates on site. This book celebrating the life of New Zealand’s most exceptional surveyor, was supported by the Kairūri Community Trust and is proving to be very popular amongst S+SNZ members.

The School of Surveying, celebrating 60 years, held several events before, during and after the conference. This included a well-attended 60th Anniversary Dinner with past and present staff and students in attendance and entertainment provided by speeches from various deans of the school.

A series of workshops were offered by the school giving people the opportunity to attend sessions on 12d software updates, help with Landonline capture and cadastral boundary definition, Hydrographic presentations, the new S+SNZ certification framework, ending with a Q&A session on cadastral licensing.

The Survey School Tour proved popular with past students and recent graduates. The opened its doors and welcomed everyone to have a look around their new premises. For more recent graduates this was a chance to see what had changed. However, for many senior members it was a chance to see the premises for the first time.

The finale for the Survey School was current staff members, Richard Hemi and Emily Tidey providing an interesting and light-hearted journey back through 60 years of fun and learning at the school including many photos and some costumes.

S+SNZ is very grateful to all its sponsors and supporters -their continued support is critical to the success of the conference. This year we thank our Premier Commercial partners GSI Insurance Partners, 84 Recruitment, Global Survey and Allterra and the conference sponsors, Landpro, 12d Model, Quickmap, PIX4D, Position Partners, Buildmax, Ferntech, Synergy Positioning, Toitū Te Whenua, Land Information New Zealand, GNS Science Te Pū Ao, Otago University and Abtrac.

Feedback on the conference has been extremely positive and congratulations goes to all involved and we are now looking forward to next year’s event in Napier city in the Hawkes Bay wine country.

Further details and information on the Survey and Spatial New Zealand conference can be found at www.surveyspatialnzconference.org.