5th Young Geotechnical Professionals Conference

Welcome to the Fifth Australia – New Zealand Young Geotechnical Professionals Conference, Rotorua, NZ, 2002. Following on from previous successful conferences held in Sydney (1994), Auckland (1996), Melbourne (1998) and Perth (2000), this biannual event is a joint initiative of the Australian Geomechanics Society and the New Zealand Geotechnical Society.

The conference aims to provide a forum where the professional development of delegates is promoted through the sharing of experiences and ideas and meeting and networking with other young and more senior professionals and peers. The establishment of communication and understanding amongst the younger professionals is of benefit not only to those immediately involved, but also to the geotechnical community as a whole. An important by-product of the conference is the opportunity for all attendees to mix in a social atmosphere, further promoting the interaction of all involved.

Past conferences have noted the necessity for younger engineers to become more involved within the community, with particular reference to society matters. They have also highlighted the important role both research and practical applications have to the profession.

As with all previous YGP conferences, support of the geotechnical community is very important to ensure a successful end result. We would like to thank all companies and individuals that have assisted with the preparation of this conference. In particular, past and present committee members: Tony Davies, Phil Chapman, Peter Bosselmann, Jaime Bevin and Cherie Lee; who have contributed considerable time and effort in the past 14 months. Thanks also to all those involved in paper reviews on behalf of the delegates. Thanks to Contact Energy for their assistance in organising the site visit of the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. Val Lee and Debbie Fellows of the AGS and NZGS have also been of great assistance in organising this event.

Keynote presenters and Senior mentors: Dr Warwick Prebble, Mr Max Ervin, Mr Garry Mostyn, Mr Guy Grocott, Mr Grant Murray, Prof. Mick Pender; without your valuable input the conference would lack much of what makes it such a success. The assistance of Dr Prebble in organising the field trip and volunteering to act as ‘tour guide’ was much appreciated and we look forward to a top-notch afternoon.

I wish all delegates an enjoyable and beneficial conference. Enjoy yourselves and make the most of the opportunity to meet those outside your normal circle of influence. I encourage you all to participate fully, in both the conference sessions and the social occasions. The organising committee members look forward to meeting you all, and joining you in an enjoyable and informative three days.

Andrew Linton
Chairman – Organising Committee