Dave Neru is an accomplished water industry professional with 30 years of management and leadership experience spanning private commercial, non-government, and government organizations. He is recognized as an expert in water operations and maintenance, trenchless technology, wastewater system assessment, and disaster emergency response. Currently serving as Country Manager at Veolia New Zealand, Dave has held senior leadership positions including Chief Operating Officer at HydroTech Limited and Chief Operations Officer at Kembla Watertech in Australia. He was instrumental in founding the Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand, serving as its Executive Officer, and remains an active member of international water industry associations. Dave has demonstrated exceptional commitment to humanitarian work, responding to major disasters as Water and Sanitation Coordinator, including the 2011 Christchurch Earthquakes, 2009 Samoa Tsunami, 2009 Papua New Guinea Cholera Outbreak, and the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami in Aceh Province. His efforts in Aceh earned him the New Zealand Special Service Medal in 2005. He also received the New Zealand Operator of the Year award in 2005 from Water NZ. His expertise encompasses commercial and finance management, business risk planning, human resources management, safety and environmental management, emergency response coordination, and technical advice on water and sanitation procedures. Dave studies have included a Bachelor of Commerce Studies in Management and multiple diplomas in water and wastewater treatment. He has worked extensively throughout the Pacific region on development and disaster preparedness programmes, collaborating with the World Health Organization and various UN agencies to improve community health and sustainability.