Purpose

Named after Pikopiko-i-whiti — the scared waters surrounding Hawaiki, the ancestral homeland of Māori — this award honours a young kaitiaki and their outstanding mahi within te taiao. Just as pikopiko, the tender unfurling fern shoot, symbolises new beginnings, growth, and resilience, this accolade recognises a young environmental practitioner whose work embodies environmental stewardship and a deep commitment to the land, waters, and peoples of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Scope

The Pikopiko-i-Whiti – RMLA Emerging Practitioner recipient shall be made at the discretion of the Awards Panel.

Eligibility

• Nominations for the Pikopiko-i-Whiti- RMLA Emerging Practitioner Award are open to any young environmental practitioner (up to 5 years’ PQE) who is practicing in a field related to the environment.

• Submissions must be led or contributed to by appropriately qualified and recognised professionals within their respective fields.

• The nominee does not need to be a current member of the RMLA

• If a nominee is part of a team being considered for a separate team award (e.g. Projects or Technical Documentation), any affiliations with a current National Committee member—such as being employed by the same firm, company, or related entity—must be declared in the nomination. In such cases, the affected Committee member must not participate in discussions or decisions related to that award category.

• Nominees must not be serving members of a Regional Committee (for Regional Awards) or the National Committee (all Awards) at the time of nomination.

• Individuals are eligible only after a two-year stand-down period following any such committee membership. In exceptional cases, where the Awards Panel considers that a nominee has made a particularly timely or significant contribution, and where more than two-thirds of the relevant Committee supports the nomination, the two-year stand-down period may be waived.

• Nominations may be considered for only one year beyond the year in which they were first submitted. After two years, nominations will lapse and must be resubmitted to be reconsidered

Assessment Criteria

The Pikopiko-i-Whiti – RMLA Emerging Practitioner recipient will be the person the Awards Panel considers reflects more than one of the following, in Aotearoa, New Zealand:

• Is committed to promoting and enhancing the mana of the environment.

• Is innovative and capable of making an outstanding contribution to the environmental profession in the course of their career.

• Is committed to continuing to support their colleagues in the environmental profession, considering mental, physical, cultural and spiritual wellbeing.

Purpose

The Technical Documentation Award recognises excellence and innovation in technical documentation that has the potential to significantly advance the practice, understanding, and/or implementation of resource management in Aotearoa New Zealand. It celebrates work that is technically robust, clearly communicated, and demonstrates leadership or innovation in the field.

Scope

The Technical Documentation Award may be awarded for a broad range of documentation that contributes to resource management and environmental planning law, policy and/or practice. Examples of eligible documentation include (but are not limited to):

• District and regional plans

• Iwi or hapū management plans

• Technical guidance, methods, or environmental standards

• Plain English tools to support public understanding of the RMA

• Strategy documents with environmental or planning relevance

• Environmental management tools (e.g., GIS-based platforms)

• Assessments of Environmental Effects (AEEs)

• Climate change adaptation or mitigation frameworks

Submissions may include documentation that is publicly available or, if necessary, can be shared in confidence with the judging panel. Both digital and printed formats are accepted; however, documents designed for electronic use are encouraged to be submitted in digital form.

Eligibility

• Nominations for the Technical Documentation Award are open to individuals, teams, organisations, or agencies whose work demonstrates professional excellence in resource management.

• Submissions must be led or contributed to by appropriately qualified and recognised professionals within their respective fields.

• For individual awards the nominee must be a current member of the RMLA (apart from Pikopiko-i-Whiti- RMLA Emerging Practitioner Award).

• For group awards, to reflect the Association’s commitment to professional engagement, it is expected that at least half of the contributors are current members of the RMLA.

• If a nominee is part of a team being considered for a separate team award (e.g. Projects or Technical Documentation), any affiliations with a current National Committee member—such as being employed by the same firm, company, or related entity—must be declared in the nomination. In such cases, the affected Committee member must not participate in discussions or decisions related to that award category.

• Nominees must not be serving members of a Regional Committee (for Regional Awards) or the National Committee (all Awards) at the time of nomination.

• Individuals are eligible only after a two-year stand-down period following any such committee membership. In exceptional cases, where the Awards Panel considers that a nominee has made a particularly timely or significant contribution, and where more than two-thirds of the relevant Committee supports the nomination, the two-year stand-down period may be waived.

• Nominations may be considered for only one year beyond the year in which they were first submitted. After two years, nominations will lapse and must be resubmitted to be reconsidered

• The RMLA strongly encourages diversity within teams, including a range of professional disciplines, cultural perspectives—particularly the inclusion of mātauranga Māori—and gender representation.

Assessment Criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on the following criteria:

1. Contribution to Resource Management Practice

• Demonstrates a significant and measurable contribution to the advancement of environmental planning, policy, or resource management theory or application.

• Where applicable, reflects strong integration of te ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, or engagement with iwi and hapū.

2. Technical and Legal Robustness

• Demonstrates alignment with relevant legislation, including the Resource Management Act (RMA) and associated regulations.

• Where applicable, includes a clear and well-reasoned Section 32 analysis.

• Ensures logical internal consistency (e.g. alignment of issues, objectives, policies, and methods).

3. Innovation and Best Practice

• Applies contemporary best practices or emerging knowledge.

• Introduces new or creative approaches that improve environmental outcomes or public understanding.

• Demonstrates leadership in technical approach or use of tools.

4. Clarity and Usability

• Written in clear, plain English, with minimal jargon.

• Follows a logical structure and supports ease of navigation.

• Clearly expresses key concepts, objectives, rules, and outcomes for end users (e.g., public, practitioners, iwi).

5. Presentation Quality

• Consistent use of terminology, layout, and formatting.

• Use of diagrams, maps, and visuals to enhance comprehension.

• Designed with accessibility in mind (e.g., screen readability, digital usability).

Purpose

The RMLA Publications Award recognises outstanding publications that make a significant contribution to the advancement of resource management law, theory, policy and practice in New Zealand. The Award encourages excellence in research, analysis, and communication within the profession.

Scope

The Award may be conferred for publications across a range of formats, including but not limited to academic textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, theses, dissertations, technical papers, and high-quality industry publications. Commemorative and general-interest books that provide substantial insight into resource management issues may also be considered.

The Award is made at the sole discretion of the Awards Panel, which may choose to confer more than one award or none in any given year.

Eligibility

• Nominations for the Publication Award are open to appropriately qualified or recognised professionals within their field.

• Submissions must be led or contributed to by appropriately qualified and recognised professionals within their respective fields.

• To reflect the Association’s commitment to professional engagement, it is expected that at least half of the contributors are current members of the RMLA.

• Any affiliations with a current National Committee member—such as being employed by the same firm, company, or related entity—must be declared in the nomination. In such cases, the affected Committee member must not participate in discussions or decisions related to that award category.

• Nominees must not be serving members of a Regional Committee (for Regional Awards) or the National Committee (all Awards) at the time of nomination.

• Nominations may be considered for only one year beyond the year in which they were first submitted. After two years, nominations will lapse and must be resubmitted to be reconsidered

• The RMLA strongly encourages diversity within teams, including a range of professional disciplines, cultural perspectives—particularly the inclusion of mātauranga Māori—and gender representation. 

Assessment Criteria

Publications will be assessed against the following criteria:

1.       Exceptional research, analysis, or teaching performance: A publication should demonstrate originality, rigour, and excellence in research, analysis, or the communication of complex ideas, setting a benchmark for scholarship or professional practice in resource management.

2.       Major contribution to the advancement or promotion of the field: A publication must provide a substantive contribution to the development of resource management law, theory, or practice, with demonstrated relevance to current or future challenges in the profession.

3.       Application of best current knowledge, methodology, or practice: A publication should reflect and apply contemporary knowledge, best-practice approaches, or innovative methodologies in a manner that advances professional understanding or practice.

4.       High standard of clarity, coherence, and professional presentation.   A publication should be clearly structured, well-argued, and professionally presented to ensure accessibility and impact within the resource management community.

 Award Process

The Awards Panel will review all nominations and make the final decision on award recipients. The Awards Panel reserves the right to seek external expert advice in assessing nominations. Awardees will be announced at the RMLA’s annual conference.

Purpose

The RMLA Project Award recognises projects which make a significant contribution to the development of best practice in the field of resource management or the implementation of resource management legislation.

Scope

The Project Award may be awarded for projects that demonstrate excellence in resource management law, policy and / or practice.  It may be conferred on projects of any size or scale. 

 Eligibility

• Nominations for the Project award are open to individuals, teams, organisations, or agencies.

• Submissions must be led or contributed to by appropriately qualified and recognised professionals within their respective fields.

• For individuals, the nominee must be a current member of the RMLA (apart from Pikopiko-i-Whiti- RMLA Emerging Practitioner Award).

• For groups, to reflect the Association’s commitment to professional engagement, it is expected that at least half of the contributors are current members of the RMLA.

• If a nominee is part of a team being considered for a separate team award (e.g. Projects or Technical Documentation), any affiliations with a current National Committee member—such as being employed by the same firm, company, or related entity—must be declared in the nomination. In such cases, the affected Committee member must not participate in discussions or decisions related to that award category.

• Nominees must not be serving members of a Regional Committee (for Regional Awards) or the National Committee (all Awards) at the time of nomination.

• Individuals are eligible only after a two-year stand-down period following any such committee membership. In exceptional cases, where the Awards Panel considers that a nominee has made a particularly timely or significant contribution, and where more than two-thirds of the relevant Committee supports the nomination, the two-year stand-down period may be waived.

• Nominations may be considered for only one year beyond the year in which they were first submitted. After two years, nominations will lapse and must be resubmitted to be reconsidered

• The RMLA strongly encourages diversity within teams, including a range of professional disciplines, cultural perspectives—particularly the inclusion of mātauranga Māori—and gender representation. 

Assessment Criteria

Projects will be assessed against the following criteria (as relevant to the project recognising not all criteria will apply to all projects):

1.      Demonstrates that the project has made a significant contribution to the advancement of best practice in the field of resource management or the implementation of resource management legislation.

2.      Addresses existing or new issues in an innovative way.

3.      Responds to new or novel circumstances arising (for example climate change, infrastructure and/or housing requirements).

4.      Demonstrates compliance with relevant legislation and associated regulations.

5.      Demonstrates best practice in terms of consultation with tangata whenua and the community, including clear and jargon-free presentation of material.

6.      Embraces innovative techniques and methods of merit.

Purpose

The Outstanding Person Award recognises outstanding contributions to the advancement of resource management law, theory, or practice in New Zealand. It acknowledges individuals who have made a nationally recognised impact within the field and whose work exemplifies professional excellence and leadership across one or more sectors.

Scope

The Award is open to individual members of the RMLA working in any field related to resource management. Eligible sectors include central or local government, the judiciary, private practice, industry, research, and public engagement. The award is not based on length of service, but on the significance and influence of the individual’s contribution.

Only one recipient may be selected in any given year, and the award shall not be made if no suitable nominee is identified. A recipient may receive the award only once.

 Eligibility

• Nominations for the Outstanding Person Award are open to any individual.

• Submissions must be led or contributed to by appropriately qualified and recognised professionals within their respective fields.

• The nominee must be a current member of the RMLA.

• Nominees must not be serving members of a Regional Committee (for Regional Awards) or the National Committee (all Awards) at the time of nomination.

• Individuals are eligible only after a two-year stand-down period following any such committee membership. In exceptional cases, where the Awards Panel considers that a nominee has made a particularly timely or significant contribution, and where more than two-thirds of the relevant Committee supports the nomination, the two-year stand-down period may be waived.

• Nominations may be considered for only one year beyond the year in which they were first submitted. After two years, nominations will lapse and must be resubmitted to be reconsidered. 

 Assessment Criteria

Nominees will be assessed against the following criteria:

1. Outstanding Contribution: The nominee must have made a demonstrable and exceptional contribution to the development or understanding of resource management law, theory, or best practice in New Zealand.

2.  National Recognition: The nominee should be widely recognised within the profession for the impact of their work and for advancing the resource management field.

3.  Sector Influence and Relevance: Contributions may have been made in any relevant sector, such as government, the judiciary, industry, academia, private consultancy, or the public realm.

4.  Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion: The nominee’s work or influence should support the principles of inclusion, equity, and diversity within the profession and its broader context.

Purpose

The Regional Award recognises an individual(s) who has made (or if more than one person, those who have worked collaboratively) a significant contribution to the growth and development of the field of resource management at a local or regional level within a given year. The Award reflects the values and objectives of the RMLA and acknowledges leadership, service, or initiative that enhances regional resource management practice or discourse.

Scope

Each RMLA Regional Committee may annually nominate an individual (or those who have worked collaboratively) for consideration. The nominee’s contribution may include (but is not limited to):

• Advancing local understanding or practice of resource management.

• Promoting best practice, innovation, or informed debate.

• Actively supporting and representing the work of a Regional Committe. 

One to two Regional Awards may be conferred in any given year, at the discretion of the Awards Panel .

Eligibility

• Nominations for the Regional Award are open to any individual(s) residing in the region of the relevant nominating Regional Committee. 

• Submissions must be led or contributed to by appropriately qualified and recognised professionals within their respective fields.

• The nominee(s) must be a current member of the RMLA.

•  Nominees must not be serving members of a Regional Committee at the time of nomination.

• Individuals are eligible only after a two-year stand-down period following any such committee membership. In exceptional cases, where the Awards Panel considers that a nominee has made a particularly timely or significant contribution, and where more than two-thirds of the relevant Committee supports the nomination, the two-year stand-down period may be waived.

• Nominations may be considered for only one year beyond the year in which they were first submitted. After two years, nominations will lapse and must be resubmitted to be reconsidered.

Assessment Criteria - nominations will be evaluated based on:

1. Significance of Regional Contribution:

• The nominee demonstrated positive impact within the local or regional context,

• played a key role in shaping or influencing a resource management outcome, policy, or initiative in the region;

• their contribution addressed a pressing local or regional challenge (e.g., climate adaptation, biodiversity, cultural values, housing pressures),

• their work has had a lasting or widely recognised impact at the regional level (e.g., media coverage, local authority endorsement, community support).

2. Alignment with RMLA Objectives

• The nominee’s contribution supports and advances the purpose and values of the RMLA,

• promotes awareness or understanding of environmental law, policy, or planning in an accessible or innovative way,

• helped bridging gaps between different sectors (e.g. iwi, councils, developers, academics, legal professionals,

3. Promotion of Debate or Best Practice

1. The nominee has an active role in encouraging professional discussion, public engagement, or innovation,

2. introduced new methods, tools, or frameworks that improve regional resource management outcomes,

3. encouraged diverse voices in debate or decision-making processes,

their work led to improved public participation or strengthened understanding of regulatory or planning frameworks.

4. Support of Regional Committee Activities

• The nominee has an involvement in, or advocacy for, local RMLA events or initiatives,

• Has contributed to the success of regional RMLA events in an outstanding way (e.g., seminars, field trips, networking),

• advocated for RMLA participation or membership in their field or organisation with great impact,

• their presence contributed prominently to the visibility, professionalism, or reputation of the RMLA in the region.

Purpose

The Principal Judge R J Bollard Lifetime Commemorative Award recognises an individual’s outstanding services to the resource management profession over the course of the individual’s lifetime/career. This is an award that would only be expected to be given out to exceptional individuals and on occasion, rather than in any particular year.

Scope

The Lifetime Commemorative Award is to be made for outstanding lifetime contributions only. Only one person may receive this award in any year, and a recipient may receive the honour only once.

Eligibility

• Nominations for the Principal Judge R Bollard Lifetime Commemorative Award are open to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the resource management profession over the course of the individual’s lifetime/career.

• Submissions must be led or contributed to by appropriately qualified and recognised professionals within their respective fields.

• The nominee must be a current member of the RMLA.

• Nominees must not be serving members of a Regional Committee (for Regional Awards) or the National Committee (all Awards) at the time of nomination.

• Individuals are eligible only after a two-year stand-down period following any such committee membership. In exceptional cases, where the Awards Panel considers that a nominee has made a particularly timely or significant contribution, and where more than two-thirds of the relevant Committee supports the nomination, the two-year stand-down period may be waived.

• Nominations may be considered for only one year beyond the year in which they were first submitted. After two years, nominations will lapse and must be resubmitted to be reconsidered

 Criteria

Nominees will be assessed against the following criteria:

1. The person should be nationally and/or internationally recognised for their expertise in, and contribution, to the theory and practice of resource management in New Zealand over a prolonged period (in most cases, the recipient’s lifetime career).

2. The person may still be practising or may be retired but generally if the latter the award would be made within 2 years of the retirement rather than many years after retirement.

3. The person may have been a recipient of the Outstanding Person Award, although this is not a prerequisite.

4. The award could be made to a person within any one or more of the relevant sectors, including government, the judiciary, industry, private practice, tangata whenua or the general public.

5. Meritorious nominees for this award not selected in a given year may be held over for consideration by the Awards Panel for the next year but not held over for any further years. The names of these nominations will be conveyed to the following years’ Awards Panel for future consideration.