Events Calendar
Some of our events are free to Members and/or are Member-only events. Where events are open to non-Members, Members will receive discounted ticket prices. Members also received the option for register early for our premium events that are likely to be over-subscribed.
CPD: Many RMLA seminars/webinars will qualify for CPD and if so, this will be noted on the registration material. Individuals are then solely responsible for completing their own CPD plan and record. For legal practitioners seeking CPD, a useful template for this can be found on the NZLS website.
Going for Housing Growth: the rundown - Hold the Date
This lunchtime webinar will provide a run-down of the proposals being consulted on as part of the Going for Housing Growth package.
These are changes being considered as part of the reform of the RMA and would be incorporated into the new system.
You will hear the perspectives of NZPI, RMLA and Papa Pounamu.
The presenters will explain what is proposed and what it might mean for practice, and there will be plenty of time for questions.
Hold the date for now as registration details are imminent.
RMLA Fast-track Consenting Roadshow 2025
RMLA is pleased to announce a four-city national roadshow (plus a livestream option) focused on operating well under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.
This event series will bring together key voices involved in the new consenting regime to reflect on what’s working well, what could be improved, and what might deter future applications.
This is an opportunity for practitioners, applicants, and stakeholders to come together and build collective understanding around the evolving fast-track system. The roadshow will include practical insights, draft guidance notes, and interactive discussion to help lift capability across the sector.
Speakers:
Jane Borthwick, Panel Convenor under the Fast-track Approvals Act,
Laurie Newhook, Panel Convenor under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 sharing lessons from previous fast-track applications,
Suz Kuru, Senior Solicitor, Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
Dates, locations & registration:
Auckland - Wednesday 23 July - Simpson Grierson, 88 Shortland Street, Auckland. Register here
Wellington - Thursday 24 July - Chapman Tripp, Level 6, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Register here
Christchurch - Wednesday 30 July - Cavell Leitch, Level 3, BNZ Centre,111 Cashel Mall, Christchurch. Register here
Queenstown - Thursday 31 July - Todd & Walker, Level 2 Craigs Investment Partners House, 5 Mile Centre, 36 Grant Road, Queenstown. Register here
Livestream – Thursday 31July Register here
Please note: the arrival time for each roadshow is 5.15pm for 6.00pm start with a finish time of 7.30pm.
Hearn Memorial Lecture
Environmental justice: Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei | For us and our children after us.
This year’s Hearn Memorial Lecture will be held in Christchurch, and will look ahead to what environmental justice might look like say, in 2040.
Environment Court Judge Hassan will explore some of the ways in which our approach to environmental planning might be better underpinned, so as to better manage conflicts and disengagement e.g. by more effective use of science, applying good practice and ethics, and engaging in relationship building.
Register below for the Christchurch event.
Salmon Lecture: Access to Justice for the Natural Environment
The RMLA is honoured to host former Chief Environment Court Judge Laurie Newhook as this year’s guest lecturer.
The topic of Judge Newhook’s lecture is Access to Justice for the Natural Environment. This lecture will consider:
Should there be access to justice for the natural environment?
If so, how can this be achieved?
Challenges in legal or adjudicatory frameworks.
Hold the date for now as registration and other details will be available shortly.
BoP Quiz Night: NZPI/RMLA/NZILA/NZ Transportation Group
You are invited to the annual Quiz Night on Wednesday 20th August at the Tauranga Bowling Club in the Domain!
This fun event is hosted by NZPI, RMLA, NZILA, and NZ Transportation Group, with nibbles and curry provided to get you through the night. Two drinks will be available within your ticket cost, and additional drinks will be available for purchase from the bar.
Please register individually and encourage your colleagues or friends to form teams of 6-8 people. If you don't have a team, you can be added to a team on the night.
Note: seats are limited and make sure you arrive in time for a 5pm start.
National Direction proposed changes - NZPI - RMLA webinars
As you’ll be aware, three packages of proposed changes to National Direction under the Resource Management Act are now open for feedback. A fourth package is imminent.
RMLA is working alongside the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) to support members to understand and respond to these proposals.
Our approach draws on the strengths of both organisations.
Upcoming events
We will be running a series of joint NZPI–RMLA webinars, as well as one in-person panel event.
First webinar – Overview of all four packages
Date: Tuesday 17 June 2025
Details and registration: NZPI and RMLA will provide a summary of the key changes and explain the consultation process. In total there are 26 different proposals for national direction, including new instruments and changes to existing instruments, across the three topics of infrastructure and development, primary sector, and freshwater.
RMLA members can register below. We will circulate webinar access information to registered members, on Monday 16 June.
Subsequent webinars
A series of follow-up webinars will provide targeted analysis of each of the four packages. These will be delivered jointly with RMLA and NZPI. Details will be communicated in coming days/week.
In-person event – Focus on the Freshwater package
We are planning a live, in-person panel session on the Freshwater package, which will also be livestreamed and recorded. Again, venue and details to follow.
Member resources
We are currently preparing:
a summary of each National Direction package,
a comparison with existing national direction instruments,
a high-level critique,
an indication of where RMLA may focus its feedback
These will be shared with members in due course.
Next steps
For now, we encourage all members to register for the first NZPI–RMLA webinar on Tuesday 17 June.
Further information and links to resources will be provided via Newsbriefs and direct member emails.
Māori Law Panel – Live & On Demand
He waka eke noa – We're all in this together.
RMLA invites you to an evening of insight and kōrero as we host a distinguished panel exploring current developments in Māori law.
Our panellists – Maia Wikaira (Tumuaki (Director), Whāia Legal), Jamie Ferguson (Barrister, Kōkiri Chambers), and Paul Beverley (Partner, Buddle Findlay) – will bring their unique perspectives and expertise to this timely conversation. While the discussion will broadly focus on recent Māori law developments, the content and direction of the kōrero will be led by our speakers.
This event is an opportunity to connect with others in the profession and engage with evolving thinking in this important area.
Not in Wellington Pōneke ?
The panel will be recorded and made available on demand for members who are unable to attend in person.
Please RSVP now to secure your place (and to receive a link to the recording if you're attending remotely).
We look forward to seeing you there.
Arrival from 5.00pm | Panel begins at 5.30pm
Drinks and nibbles provided
Nāku iti nei, nā
RMLA Wellington Pōneke
Bay of Plenty: Council Hotseat 2025
The Bay of Plenty RMLA Branch is pleased to present the BOP “Council Hotseat 2025” event.
We’ll be joined by senior representatives from Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tauranga City Council, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, each offering their take on the hot topics and current issues in the consenting and planning space across the region.
With ongoing RMA reform, fast-track consenting in the spotlight, and the usual mix of plan changes, compliance issues, and consent processing, there’s plenty to unpack. Expect updates on trends in consenting, council approaches to common issues, and what’s top of mind for each council right now.
This is a great opportunity to hear directly from the councils, ask questions, and discuss how we, as practitioners, can do our bit to keep the planning wheels turning.
We are encouraging full and frank discussion and questions so will be employing Chatham House rules, which also means we will not be streaming or recording the event.
Cost: Member ticket $25.00, Standard ticket $35.00 (drinks and nibbles provided)
RSVP: by Wednesday 28 May 2025
EDS - 2025 Environmental Symposium & Conference
The Environmental Defence Society’s 2025 environmental summit will reframe the narrative.
Young RMLA Wellington - Networking Event
Kick off your evening with Young RMLA Wellington!
Whether you’re just getting started or building your career in resource management, join us for a relaxed networking event on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. It’s a great chance to connect with other emerging RMA professionals from across the Wellington region.
Enjoy some casual chats, meet new faces, and wind down with nibbles and drinks, generously provided by Simpson Grierson.
This event is free and open to both RMLA members and non-members — so feel free to bring a friend or colleague.
👉 RSVP below to secure your spot. Don’t forget to let us know if you have any dietary requirements.
We’d love to see you there!
Auckland: Funding and finance tools reform breakfast
Funding and finance tools reform breakfast
Looking for emerging lawyers eager to sharpen their advocacy skills…
Get Ready for the 2025 Young RMLA Mooting Competition
Off the back of last year’s highly successful moot, the RMLA is calling for resource management lawyers in their first five years of practice to compete in our annual Young RMLA mooting competition. This is an opportunity for young lawyers to get “real world” experience arguing in a court setting about matters that they may come across in practice as resource management lawyers.
The competition will be open to eight teams of two from across the motu (limited to one team per firm) and will involve three rounds of competition. Teams can be made up of lawyers from different firms. The first and second rounds will be hosted in person or online (subject to competitors’ locations). The final will be in Blenheim as part of the RMLA conference. A special thank you to sponsor, Wynn Williams for contributing $500 to help each finalist with their travel expenses. All rounds will also be livestreamed with the final having a live audience in attendance.
What do you need to know?
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Each Moot will involve the following:
After formal introduction to the bench each team will have 40 minutes to present their case. The time may be divided between senior and junior counsel 20/20, or 25/15, or 15/25. The division of time must be specified before you begin your oral submissions.
A warning will be issued with 2 minutes to go and when the allocated time for each team member is up. There will be no extensions of time.
There will be a 5-minute right of reply.
Each team must submit a two page written outline of their submissions. These will briefly contain:
An outline of the team’s submissions.
Major argument(s) to be raised.
Cases to be referred to.
Allocations of speaking time.
Teams must file, and serve on the opposing team, the two-page written outline two days in advance. A copy must also be provided to the Court.
If parties wish to present full written submissions they must, prior to the commencement of the moot, provide one copy for the opposing team and three copies to the Court. Where moots are occurring online, these should be provided by 5:00pm on the day before the moot.
Counsel are not required to provide copies of cases cited in their submissions to either judges or the opposing team.
Each team may only make reference to a maximum of five cases.
Counsel are expected to wear formal attire (i.e. suits and dress jackets).
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The winning team will be awarded the Judge Bollard Memorial Trophy, a copy of The Salmon Lectures, and free entry to the RMLA conference in 2026.
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"An amazing opportunity to practice real-world advocacy in a supportive setting."
"Great experience in presenting submissions and receiving constructive feedback."
"Helped me feel more prepared for court appearances!"
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Note these dates are subject to change:
Round 1: 3 July 2025
Semifinal: 7 August 2025
Final: 11 September 2025
Problems will be released at least four weeks prior to each moot
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Participants must have less than 5 years post-admission experience.
Participants must be full financial RMLA members at the time of application, and throughout the duration of the competition.
Only one team per firm will be allowed. Teams can be made up of lawyers from different firms.
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There will be a registration fee of $100 per team member payable. Teams should also note that they will be expected to travel to Blenheim for the final.
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3 hours of CPD is available.
Next steps
Please register your interest before midday 4 April 2025.
Name and contact details
Date of admission
Employer name
Work location
We will be reviewing all expressions of interest the week commencing 7 April and will be in touch with you shortly thereafter.
Photos: 2024 mooting competition winners Alexander Sinclair and Olivia Sinnema of Cooper Rapley Lawyers with Judge Kirkpatrick and Janette Campbell at the Environment Court Auckland.
Thank you to Wynn Williams for making this competition possible.
Honouring a Legacy: Celebrating The Salmon Lectures
Honouring a Legacy: Celebrating The Salmon Lectures
Nelson Networking + Big Bike Night
The Nelson/Marlborough branch of the RMLA invite you to join them for drinks and nibbles at the Free House Pub followed by a viewing of the Big Bike Film Night, the best cycling short files from around the world, showing at the Suter.
Drinks start from 5pm with the movie commencing at 7pm. If attending the movie, the cost is as per below but RMLA will be shouting drinks and nibbles at the Free House Pub beforehand.
Adults $24
Under 17-year-olds $18.50, and
Under 12-year-olds $13.50.
Please RSVP directly to Matt Pemberton below asap and before Friday 21 March if you would like a ticket. (20 tickets pre-purchased, FIFS).
Feel free to share this invite with friends and colleagues that might be interested in coming along to this exciting film fest!
NZPI - 2025 Annual Conference
Weather the Change
The NZPI conference is the premiere event for planners and environmental professionals across Aotearoa New Zealand and 2025 promises to deliver another exceptional event. Our 2025 conference will be in Waihōpai Invercargill and our southernmost city is ready to play host in just five weeks.
NZPIC25 will be about how as a profession we weather the change ahead. We’ll be delving deep into what planning looks like and what the tailwinds are to take us further. With the Conference based in a community built from rural origins and a city at the doorstep of our magnificent conservation estate, one of our streams will focus on creating resilient natural and rural environments. Heritage is another feature of Invercargill, a city that has recently transformed its heart while maintaining its built heritage.
At NZPIC25 we’ll be talking about reimagining and enhancing our regional built environments. The Conference will look at our place in a new digital era and being resilient through RM reform, which we expect will be high on the Government's agenda when our conference takes place next month.
Keynote speakers and thought leaders: Renowned experts and thought leaders will share their insights and experiences. From Environment Court Judge John Hassan to Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford, this year we have something for everyone.
Networking and collaboration opportunities: The conference will also provide ample opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration between planners and their colleagues working in aligned legal and compliance sectors. The Field Trips we have planned are informative and relevant and our social functions will provide an opportunity for attendees to come face to face and form important connections.
RMLA Wellington - Expert Panel Discussion on RMA Reform - are you ready?
Big Changes Ahead: Are You Ready for RMA Reform? Wellingtonians are invited to join us for an insightful discussion as these experts unpack the implications of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill. Our panel brings together seasoned professionals with deep expertise in resource management planning, consenting, and policy development.
Meet the Panellists
Lindsay Daysh - Lindsay is the Director of Incite Wellington and has over 35 years’ experience in all aspects of resource management planning particularly strategic and RMA planning for the infrastructure sector. He has been involved in multi-disciplinary projects and has strong and wide-ranging general planning experience in policy development. As an experienced independent hearing commissioner with chair accreditation, Lindsay also has extensive experience on a range of consent applications and plan matters. He is also a presenter of the Making Good Decisions programme.
Stewart McKenzie – Stewart is principal of McKenzie Planning Partnerships and is a professionally accredited planner with 25-years’ experience in a vast range of planning and related fields. His skills and expertise extend across RMA, transport, infrastructure, energy and three waters planning and policy development, environmental assessment, property development, urban planning, people leadership and programme management and delivery. Before establishing his planning practice, he led the policy planning team at Porirua City Council in the successful development of a new district plan. Most recently he has been supporting the Wellington and Palmerston North City Councils with their district plan processes, along with private sector clients with major urban development projects.
Michelle Conland – Michelle is a Lead Consenting Advisor at Greater Wellington Regional Council, with approximately 25 years’ experience working for and with various regional, city and district councils in resource management consenting and policy, with a particular focus on regional resource planning. She has been an expert planning witness for various resource consent and regional plan hearings, including the recent ‘Plimmerton Farms’ application processed by the EPA under the Covid-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020, and RiverLink which was directly referred to the Environment Court.
The event will be held at Bell Gully Wellington (Bell Gully Building, Level 4, 40 Lady Elizabeth Lane) and includes a panel discussion along with drinks and nibbles.
All welcome. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at $30 for RMLA members and $40 for non-members. CPD available: 1 hour.
Wellington RMLA/NZPI Member Event - Welcome Back to 2025
Here's to 2025!
RMLA and NZPI together invite you to attend welcome back drinks to celebrate the start of an exciting 2025.
Let's come together for an evening of great company, networking, and a chance to catch up with colleagues and friends. This is the perfect opportunity to kick off the year on a high note. Mark your calendars and don't miss out on what promises to be a delightful evening!
Tickets cost $20 per person, which will be put towards a bar tab (along with a contribution from RMLA/NZPI) and some nibbles. Event only open to RMLA/NZPI members.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Queenstown/Central Otago Christmas Celebration with NZPI, NZILA and UDF
It’s that time of the year again. Please join us to for drinks, nibbles and lawn bowls to celebrate to end of 2024!
This is a joint event with our friends from NZPI, NZILA and UDF.
We hope to see you there.
Nelson Christmas Event
It’s that time of year of again, so come and join us for drinks and nibbles in celebration of the end of 2024! This is a joint RMLA and NZPI event.
Please RSVP for catering purposes.
We look forward to celebrating with you soon.
Judicial Retirement Celebration: Judge Brian Dwyer
In conjunction with NZPI, RMLA are pleased to extend an invitation to its members for a special occasion in honour of Judge Brian Dwyer, who is shortly retiring after a distinguished career of service to the judiciary.
To mark this important milestone and to celebrate Judge Dwyer’s numerous contributions to the Environment Court and the legal profession, a Judicial Retirement Celebration is being held.
We would be delighted to have you join us for this special event. Your presence would contribute to making this occasion a fitting tribute to Judge Dwyer’s dedication and achievements.
For catering purposes, we kindly request that you RSVP by 5 November.
We look forward to sharing this momentous evening with you.
Canterbury Council Round-Up 2024
RMLA Canterbury-Westland are again holding a Council Round-up for 2024.
Representatives from Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council, Waimakariri District Council, Ashburton District Council and Hurunui District Council will appear to speak with members.
As always, with all that goes on in the region and has been going on in Wellington, there’s bound to be something of interest to all members. From the latest tranche of RMA reforms, to the latest on intensification implementation, plan changes and plan reviews. Not to mention updates on approaches to interpretation and consenting. Each council representative will, again, be able to enlighten attendees on their cause(s) de’ jour and matters of interest, and how we, as professionals can do our bit to keep the planning wheels turning.
As in previous years we’re encouraging full and frank discussion and questions by employing Chatham House rules, which also means we will not be streaming or recording the event.
Drinks & Nibbles provided.
NB: For the purpose of receiving a CPD point, please keep a copy of your registration / order confirmation.
See you at the 2024 Round-up!
Ngā mihi | Kind regards,
On behalf of the Canterbury-Westland Branch Committee
Nelson Case Law Update
Please join us to hear about recent significant cases and discuss their impact on regional planning issues. Session led by Chris Thomsen, partner at Fletcher Vautier Moore.
Registrations open to all.
Drinks & nibbles provided.
