MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

27 May 2008

Engineers look to future at 21st INGENIUM conference

Camels, Cadillacs, soil nail launchers and a Papatuanuku channel hardly sound like discussion fodder for an engineering conference. But these topics are among the many examples of engineering innovation for public infrastructure to be presented at the 21st INGENIUM conference in Gisborne this June. INGENIUM is the brand name for the Association of Local Government Engineering New Zealand.

From Camels to Cadillacs is the title of a session on Dubai’s infrastructural growth challenges. Soil nail launchers use high-pressure compressed air to fire six metre long nails into the ground to help in the construction and repair of steep slopes around roads. A Papatuanuku channel of earth and rock helps satisfy cultural concerns about human waste entering waterways.

Conference convenor Neil Cook says that with 21sts traditionally a coming of age, the conference is a chance for the industry to consider what the future holds for engineers, asset managers and their communities.

Several hundred engineers and asset managers from New Zealand, Australia and the United States are expected for the three-day conference from 5 to 7 June. The 25 sessions being presented range from envisaging future urban environments, innovative waste water planning, and changing times in civil engineering training.

The conference theme of First Light, Inspiring Innovation recognises Gisborne’s status as the first in the world to see the light of the new day.

“We’ll be discussing important issues such as where the next generation of engineers will come from, and the urban design revolution aimed at making our towns and cities more sustainable,” Mr Cook said. “And we’ll provide a forum for showcasing innovation and inspiration in our traditional technical disciplines of roading, water supply and wastewater treatment.”

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