Mr Neru is recognised as an expert in the assessment of water and wastewater systems, including system optimisation and risk analysis, disaster/emergency preparedness, and response and recovery.

Mr Neru comes to Kembla from City Care Christchurch, New Zealand, where he was the company’s Water and Wastewater Manager. In this role he oversaw all operations and maintenance activities relating to Christchurch City Council’s networks. In this role, Mr Neru was also responsible for all of City Care’s water and wastewater activities in response to the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

He is also the Implementation Engineer and Technical Advisor for the WHO/SOPAC Pacific Water Programme, and is a member of the Pacific Humanitarian Team. As part of the Pacific Humanitarian Team, Mr Neru has been on the front line response crew in a number of disasters, including the 2009 Samoa tsunami, 2009 cholera outbreak in Papua New Guinea, the 2007 Oro flood emergency in Papua New Guinea and the devastating 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

When asked about the most challenging situation he has faced, Mr Neru said “Without a doubt, being responsible for the water and sanitation relief effort in Aceh Province, Indonesia, after the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. This experience changed my life.

Article continues below…

“This disaster had every challenge you could think of, including the actual conditions and state of the country created by the earthquake and tsunami; the fact that it was a war zone; the logistical restrictions based on the topography and lack of resources; the local and national politics; the sheer number of international players; and the scale of deaths within the province, which exceeded 200,000.”

When asked how he manages in times of such extreme crisis, Mr Neru said “I believe you need to have a suite of tools and techniques, because every situation is different. I believe excellent communication skills are vital in all situations; you have to observe and listen so as to quickly get an understanding of the issues faced or experienced. Understanding these issues will enable you to effectively and constructively participate in the development of solutions.”

When asked what his greatest achievement outside of work has been, Mr Neru said “Being part of the set up and Founding Executive Officer of the Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG). And, on a personal level, my greatest achievement is my family.”

Mr Neru’s background and experience in the water industry spans more than 17 years, in a number of roles for a diverse range of clients within a number of different countries. During this time his career has enabled him the opportunity to meet and work with excellent mentors, both locally and internationally, who have assisted him in developing his technical skills and, importantly, his approach to leadership.

In addition to being the Executive Officer of the Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand, Mr Neru is also an active member of the Water Environment Federation, Water New Zealand, the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia and the International Water Association.

Founder and Managing Director of Kembla Watertech Chris Meredith said “Dave Neru will bring to Kembla his highly developed technical and leadership skills as well as his diversity of work experiences and contacts, particularly in the water industry. I am looking forward to his contribution.”