Member Update from Mike Doesburg - Chair RMLA Auckland
Mike notes that April marks progress toward key planning reforms and the upcoming RMLA Conference. Renewable energy remains a priority, with multiple projects advancing through Fast-track despite consenting challenges. A new monthly RMLA newsletter and upcoming events will provide further insights.
Tēnā koutou RMLA colleagues,
Welcome to April 2026! With the passage of another month, we are all another step closer to the passage of the Planning and Natural Environment Bills, as well as this year’s Annual RMLA Conference “True North – Te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata”. This year’s Conference Committee (a joint venture between the Northland and Auckland Regional Committees) are working hard to bring you another exciting and enlightening conference, hosted at the Bay of Islands / Te Pēwhairangi. Registrations open in May, so keep your eyes peeled for more details.
With current geopolitics and the uncertainty around fuel supply, one can’t help but reflect on New Zealand’s energy needs. As a country, we have a target that 50% of total energy consumption will come from renewable sources by 2035 and net zero carbon emissions by 2050. There is no doubt that we need renewable energy projects, but such projects can still be difficult to consent – the weighing of localised adverse effects vs. regional and national benefits presents an ongoing challenge. Perhaps this is why there are 30 renewable energy projects currently in the Fast-track consenting process, including one approved and six in progress (including with two draft decisions to grant consent for the Southland Wind Farm and Waitaha Hydro Scheme).
On the topic of Fast-track, our recent monthly newsletter advised of an upcoming article from Dr Doug Fairgray on economic assessment under that regime – a thorny issue given how economic considerations sit at the heart of decision-making in the Fast-track. This new monthly newsletter is designed to keep members further informed, connected and engaged by bringing together key upcoming activity, recent RMLA content and wider sector developments in one clear, regular touchpoint. The Auckland Branch Committee is also hosting a Fast-track session as part of its ongoing “Best Practice” series – if you’re based in Auckland, get your tickets now as it is close to selling out!
The balance of this week’s news brief provides a range of other interesting and useful content, including the latest from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment on water quality, steps taken by MfE to develop a centralised New Zealand Flood Map, an update on Auckland’s PC120 and the release of the documents that support Cabinet’s decision to extend the term of resource consents in light of coming reform.
Wherever you are across the motu, we wish you a happy start to April and hope you can recharge the batteries over the Easter weekend for the busy year ahead.
Ngā mihi,
Mike
Chair, Auckland Branch Committee
Member update from Lauren Wallace, RMLA President
RMLA’s National Committee has been taking a close look at what the organisation needs to stay relevant, credible and valuable in a rapidly changing sector. At a recent strategy planning session, the focus was on refining our vision, values and priorities to ensure we are well positioned for the future. Read more about the direction emerging from that discussion and what it could mean for members and the wider resource management community.
Last week, the national committee came together for a strategy session on RMLA’s longer-term direction, facilitated by Jen Pelvin. With the legislation that underpinned the RMLA’s creation now on its way out, and a new resource management system on the horizon, it felt like an opportune time to step back and ask: what has RMLA stood for and achieved over the past three decades, and what do we want its next chapter to look like?
A key part of the discussion focused on who we are as an organisation and what should guide us into the future. We spent time thinking about RMLA’s values and vision, and whether they reflect the organisation we are today and the role we want to play under the new system. There was strong support for values rooted in integrity, professionalism, inclusivity, credibility, and integrated thinking, alongside a shared view that RMLA’s purpose should transcend any single piece of legislation. In other words, while the legal framework may change, our commitment to promoting excellence in resource management law, policy, and practice remains constant. We felt our current vision - to foster a community of professionals united in their commitment to shaping a sustainable future for our environment and resources” – continues to provide useful guidance, but that it could benefit from some refinement.
We also identified our strategic priorities for the year ahead. These include strengthening our marketing and communications strategy, optimising our website and online presence, and finding new ways to elevate RMLA’s profile, influence, and overall value to members. Our annual conference, events, and webinars were highlighted as strengths and we intend to build on these, while also continuing to nurture a broad, connected professional community across disciplines, regions, and career stages.
So watch this space as we move into the implementation phase. And, as always, if you have thoughts on RMLA's future direction or how we can better serve the resource management sector, please reach out to me or any member of the national committee.
I’d also like to thank Chief Environment Court Judge David Kirkpatrick for taking the time to come and meet with the national committee after our strategy session. It was great to get an update from him on both the Environment Court and the current work being undertaken in relation to the proposed new Planning Tribunal. Judge Kirkpatrick shared a simple but important way members can assist the Court: when filing documents, please bookmark and internally link sections. This small step makes documents much easier to navigate and saves the Court significant time.
Finally, for those with school kids, a reminder that term 1 ends next week. I have no idea how that has rolled around so quickly, but all the very best for the school holiday juggle!
Lauren Wallace, RMLA President
