Patrick Durney
MSc, PGDip Eng Geol, BSc
Patrick Durney is a Research Scientist in our Environmental Research Group, based at Lincoln. With a robust background in hydrogeology and modelling, their work focuses on statistical and machine learning applications, unsaturated flow and transport modelling, integrated water resource management, and groundwater mounding from artificial recharge. They hold a BSc in geology, a Postgraduate Diploma in engineering geology, and a Master’s in water resource management from the University of Canterbury.
Previously, Patrick served as a Computational Hydrogeologist at Komanawa Solutions Ltd, Senior Groundwater Scientist at DHI Water and Environment, and at Environment Canterbury (Canterbury Regional Council). At Environment Canterbury they specialised in the hydrogeology of the Canterbury Plains and shaped regional water management strategies, including setting groundwater allocation limits. Their contributions to major projects include the Braided Rivers Programme, Critical Pathways Programme, NIWA’s Future Coasts Aotearoa, and Lincoln Agritech’s Emerging Climatic Pressures.
An active member of the New Zealand Hydrological Society, Patrick has delivered numerous presentations at national conferences and authored technical reports and research papers.
Research Areas:
- Statistical modelling and machine learning in hydrology
- Unsaturated flow and transport modelling
- Integrated water resource modelling
- Groundwater mounding and artificial recharge
- Sustainable water management and policy development.
Patrick combines technical expertise with a passion for sustainable water resource management, using scientific insights to inform environmental policy and balance development with ecological sustainability.
Publications
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Transmission losses and groundwater recharge from ephemeral rivers in the Canterbury Plains (New Zealand): Historical reconstruction and environmental implications, Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, June 2025
Di Ciacca A, Knight LG, Brand M, Durney P, Wilson S, Wöhling T
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2025.102317
Multi-Purpose Data Worth Assessment of a Surface Water-Groundwater and Nitrogen Transport Model, NGWA, May 2025
Durney P, Di Ciacca A, Wilson S, Wöhling T
https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.13490
Model simplification to simulate groundwater recharge from a perched gravel-bed river, Journal of Hydrology, November 2024
Di Ciacca A, Wilson S, Durney P, Stecca G, Wöhling T
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2024.132016
Impact of river management on groundwater recharge from braided rivers, EGU General Assembly 2024
Wilson S, Measures R, Hoyle J, Stecca G, Durney P, Di Ciacca A, Wöhling T
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6843
Groundwater recharge from ephemeral rivers of the Canterbury Plains (New-Zealand): historical reconstruction using satellite imagery and environmental implications, EGU General Assembly 2024
Di Ciacca A, Brand M, Knight LG, Durney P
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-4767
