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Christchurch Branch Event – Trusting the Numbers: Laboratory QA/QC – What Clients, Consultants, and Regulators Need to Know

This Christchurch ALGA branch event brings together three laboratory representatives to present a practical discussion on laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) and how environmental data is generated, assessed, and reported.

The session will focus on the laboratory perspective of QA/QC for soil, groundwater, and surface water analyses, providing insight into how results are produced and what common qualifiers, flags, detection limits, recoveries, duplicates, and uncertainties actually mean in practice. Presenters will explain how laboratories apply QA/QC controls, how potential issues are identified, and what information can (and cannot) be inferred from standard laboratory reports.

Speakers will also discuss typical challenges associated with contaminated land samples, including matrix effects, sampling and preservation issues, and how improved communication between consultants and laboratories can help avoid misunderstandings or unnecessary re sampling. Common misconceptions seen by laboratories will be addressed, along with an overview of alternative analytical approaches that may be available for specific contaminants or project objectives.

Rather than promoting QA/QC as a checklist exercise, the session aims to improve shared understanding at the lab–consultant interface, helping attendees better interpret laboratory outputs, ask more informed questions, and use environmental data more effectively. This event will be of interest to consultants, regulators, and practitioners who regularly rely on laboratory data and want greater clarity around its strengths, limitations, and appropriate use.

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Your ticket includes a complimentary drink and a selection of appetisers. Please note that this is not a formal dinner event.

BYO! To minimise our use of plastic, we encourage delegates to bring their own reusable water bottles and coffee cups.

Due to the venue’s security measures, make sure you arrive on time.

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Speakers

Radford C

Craig Radford

Key Account Manager
Hill Laboratories

Craig is a Senior Key Account Manager at Hill Labs.  Craig works with a diverse client base across the South Island and enjoys seeing where laboratory results are used in the “real world”.

Prior to working for Hills Labs, Craig was an analytical chemist working across a variation of industries and laboratories including trace metals analysis, vertebrate pesticides, drinking & wastewater and has over 20 years’ experience in analytical chemistry and laboratory operations.

Gabriela Carvalhaes

Gabriela Carvalhaes

Manager of Food and Water Testing
Eurofins NZ Laboratory Services

Gabriela is the Manager of Food and Water Testing at Eurofins Wellington, bringing over two decades of international laboratory experience across environmental, food, and water testing. Originally from Brazil, Gabriela has held senior leadership roles spanning laboratory operations, quality management, and business development across South America before relocating to New Zealand.

Her background includes directing environmental and ecotoxicology laboratories, implementing ISO 17025 systems, and working closely with environmental consultants and agencies on contaminated land and water programs. Gabriela has a strong interest in the connection between analytical results and real-world environmental outcomes.

Prianshu Chawla

Prianshu Chawla

Business Development Officer
ALS

Prianshu Chawla works in environmental laboratory services, supporting consultants and project teams through analytical testing, data interpretation, and technical communication.

He has experience across both technical and client-facing role, with a focus on environmental chemistry, water quality, and communicating analytical concepts in a practical way for consultants.

Thank you to our Venue Partner:

Event Details

Start Date: June 3, 2026

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