We’re kicking off the year with the first State of the Land Vibe Event for 2026, held as part of Return to Campus Week — a celebration of new beginnings, reconnection, and discovery at Lincoln University. Return to Campus Week brings our community back together with a full line-up of activities, including the launch of new research initiatives, poster displays in the Waimarie foyer, and a series of inspiring talks and networking sessions to set the tone for the year ahead.
Freshwater is the lifeblood of New Zealand’s landscapes, communities, and primary industries — yet increasing pressure from climate change, land-use intensification, and competing demands is reshaping how water is managed across the country. From irrigation and urban supply to environmental flows and catchment health, decisions about water are becoming more complex, contested, and consequential.
At the forefront of understanding these challenges is Aqualinc, a New Zealand–based consultancy specialising in water resources, hydrology, and integrated catchment management. In this Vibe session, Dr. Andrew Dark, Technical Director at Aqualinc, will share insights from his work at the science–policy interface, exploring how robust data, modelling, and systems thinking can support better freshwater decision-making. He’ll discuss emerging trends in water management, the role of innovation and evidence in navigating uncertainty, and what a resilient, water-secure future could look like for Aotearoa.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the state of our freshwater, the choices shaping its future, and how science-led insight can help balance environmental, cultural, and economic values in a changing climate.
Thursday 19th February 2026
4.00pm-5.30pm
Inaka, Waimarie Building