Patrick Durney
MSc, PGDip Eng Geol, BSc
Patrick Durney is a hydrogeologist and modelling scientist with extensive experience in groundwater science and environmental research. He holds a BSc in geology, a Postgraduate Diploma in engineering geology, and a MSc in water resource management from the University of Canterbury.
He is a Research Scientist in our Environmental Research Group, where his work spans statistical and machine-learning modelling, unsaturated flow and transport, integrated water resource modelling, and groundwater mounding from artificial recharge. He has contributed to major programmes, including Braided Rivers, Critical Pathways, NIWA’s Future Coasts Aotearoa, and the Lincoln Agritech-led Emerging Climatic Pressures.
Previously, Patrick held roles as Computational Hydrogeologist at Komanawa Solutions, Senior Groundwater Scientist at DHI Water and Environment, and Environment Canterbury, where he specialised in Canterbury plains hydrogeology and helped shape groundwater allocation limits.
An active member of the New Zealand Hydrological Society and the International Association of Hydrogeologists since 2010, Patrick has presented widely at conferences and authored numerous technical reports. His career highlights include leading work on the Hinds managed aquifer recharge trial, environmental policy development, and large-scale groundwater replenishment schemes.
Patrick brings a blend of technical expertise, applied experience, and a strong commitment to sustainable water management, using science to inform policy and balance development with ecological resilience.
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
