Plenary Speakers

Sian France

Sian France is a Technical Director in Hydrogeology at Beca, with more than 20 years of experience in hydrogeology. Sian has worked on a varying range of projects where the understanding of interactions between ground, groundwater and man-made structures is fundamental to good design, construction and environmental outcomes. Sian is passionate about the pragmatic use of analysis and modelling to help project teams understand the ground conditions and support decision making. 

Sian was the site hydrogeologist for the Waterview Connection tunnels, more recently she has provided groundwater support for the Central Interceptor project, has led the development of groundwater supplies in the Bay of Plenty region, provided expert evidence to support clients through mediation of construction disputes, and is currently the Investigation Lead for the Waitematā Harbour Connections investment case for assessment of a second harbour crossing. 

Dan Hikuroa

Dan Hikuroa (Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato-Tainui, Ngaati Whanaunga, Pākehā) is a father, surfer and gardener. He is Associate Professor in Māori Studies, University of Auckland, UNESCO New Zealand Commissioner for Culture and world expert on weaving indigenous knowledge and science to realise the dreams and solve the challenges of the communities he works with. Formerly on the AGU Council, he is still a member of Ngā Aru Whetū, Te Pūtahi o Pūtaiao and Te Ao Mārama, Research Centres at Waipapa Taumata Rau - University of Auckland.

Simon Upton

Simon Upton was sworn in as Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment for a five-year term on 16 October 2017.

Mr Upton is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and a Rhodes Scholar, with degrees in English literature, music and law from the University of Auckland, and an MLitt in political philosophy from Oxford University. He was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council in 1999.

A Member of Parliament between 1981 and 2000, Mr Upton held a variety of ministerial portfolios including environment, research, biosecurity, health and state services between 1990 and 1999. 

After leaving Parliament, Mr Upton moved to Paris to chair the Round Table on Sustainable Development at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2005, he returned to New Zealand to pursue a number of private sector roles while continuing to chair the Round Table. 

In April 2010 he returned to the OECD full time as Environmental Director, a post he held for seven years until returning to take up the role of Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.