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.
Anti-harassment and discrimination Policy: for anyone attending an RMLA hosted (or co-hosted) event, please be aware of our policy - read here.
Law, Technology & Government Conference
We’re pleased to share a third-party event that may be of interest to Members working in AI, technology, regulation, and public sector law.
The inaugural Law, Technology and Government Conference will be held at the University of Auckland from 15–17 April 2026 and brings together international legal scholars, judges, and practitioners to examine the governance and regulation of artificial intelligence, along with wider issues at the intersection of law, technology, and government.
This conference is likely to be particularly relevant for those interested in emerging legal risks, regulatory developments, and practical responses to rapid technological change. Further information, including the programme and registration details, is available on the event website.
Fast Track in Practice - Auckland
Join us for an engaging and interactive Q&A session with three panel members with significant Fast Track experience:
Daniel Minhinnick, Partner at Russell McVeagh: Daniel has chaired several Fast Track panels and has also acted on the applicant side on a range of projects.
Helen Atkins, Commissioner/ Barrister at Atkins Law: Helen is an Associate Panel Convenor and has also chaired several Fast Track panels.
Dr Phil Mitchell, Partner at Mitchell Daysh: Phil brings extensive fast-track experience, both as a panel chair and from the applicant side in the area of planning and resource management.
This is the second session in an interactive professional development series run by RMLA. The first session, held in October last year, traversed the "good" and the "bad" practices for council level hearings.
Following on from the success of that session, this Fast Track session is intended to provide you with valuable and candid insights from those who are deeply involved in the Fast Track process in terms of both decision making and applicant roles. Whether you are a lawyer, planner or expert, we encourage you to come geared with questions for this "conversational style" session.
To encourage open and frank discussion, the Chatham House Rule will apply. In addition to questions from the floor, attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance for the panel’s consideration by emailing us by Friday 17 April 2026.
Spaces for this in person only session are limited — register now to secure your place.
Regional Spatial Plan Panel Event
The Bay of Plenty Branch of the RMLA invites you to attend a Regional Spatial Plan (RSP) panel event.
Once the Planning Bill receives Royal assent, the RSP needs to be notified within 15 months. With such a tight timeframe the region needs to start preparing as early as possible.
The panel will include officers from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Rotorua Lakes Council. It will also include a development industry perspective.
The panel will discuss the Planning Bill requirements, expected similarities and differences from current plans, lessons learnt during previous spatial planning processes, the process through which the RSP will be developed and related Government reforms impacting growth funding and financing.
Welcome drinks and networking commencing at 5 pm
Tickets: $40.00 for members ($50.00 for non-members)
All are welcome.
Fast Track Approvals Act – Lessons Learnt So Far
Please join the RMLA Canterbury/Westland Branch for a practical session with three presenters with recent Fast Track experience:
Philip Maw, Barrister: Philip has recently chaired a Fast Track panel.
Sarah Scott, Partner at Simpson Grierson: Sarah has been involved in several projects across the country for applicants and also acted for a number of territorial authorities and regional councils in respect of their roles in the fast track process.
Jeremy Philips, Director and Senior Planner at Novo Group: Jeremy has recent experience with several fast track applications.
This Fast Track session is intended to provide you with valuable insights from those who are actively involved in the Fast Track process in terms of both decision making, and applicant and council roles.
Whether you are a lawyer, planner, or expert, we encourage you to come geared with questions for this practical and insightful session.
Welcome drinks and networking commencing at 5 pm
Tickets: $40.00 for members ($50.00 for non-members)
EDS - Climate Change & Business Conference 2026 - Hold the Date
The 2026 EDS Climate Change & Business Conference will take place on Monday, 7 & Tuesday, 8 September 2026 at Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.
Watch the conference website for more details. Make sure you are on the database to receive updates.
New Zealand Climate Litigation Conference
More than 3,000 climate litigation cases have been filed worldwide, as civil society, communities and other claimants turn to the courts to drive climate action and accountability. A new legal architecture of climate responsibility is emerging, raising novel risks and questions across almost every area of legal practice.
Join leaders in domestic and international climate litigation for a one-day hybrid conference on 27 March 2026 to discuss and debate the most interesting and important issues in climate litigation. The programme will feature senior judges, academics, leading practitioners, and scientists from New Zealand and around the world. Topics will range from developments in public law and private law, to the significance of recent international judgments on climate change and discussion on the appropriate role of the Court in adjudicating climate-related issues.
This conference will be of interest to lawyers, company directors, sustainability professionals, students, and others working on or interested in climate change issues. It will count towards CPD for attendees.
You can find the conference programme here
NZPI Annual Conference - Registration Now Open!
NZPIC26 will mark the return to the head of the fish of Māui -Hoki mai ki te Ūpoko-o-te-ika-a-Māui, with planners coming together in Te Whanganui-a-Tara I Wellington. This location is significant not just because of the political home of Aotearoa / NZ, its close proximity to Te Wai Pounamu (South Island), its stunning and dynamic taiao, but also because of the people of Wellington and the connection to Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Atiawa and Taranaki Whānui.
It’s election year and Ministers and MPs from both sides of the house will be there to take your questions. The Ministry for the Environment will also be there, taking this significant opportunity to come face to face with practitioners from across the country, in the very place where a new planning system is being developed.
We have 10 keynote speakers lined up to share their wisdom and experience. They include Sally Smith, the Deputy Executive Director of the Property Council of South Australia, who personally oversaw the overhaul of South Australia’s planning system. Chuck Marohn, founder of Strong Towns and previous speaker at the Infrastructure NZ Conference in Wellington last year, will unpack why our communities are stuck in a cycle of decline and what it will take to break free. We have two panel discussions planned; our Political Debate Panel tackling all the heavy issues (including RM and LG reform) and a critical Panel Discussion with the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake on "Navigating Risk, Trust, and Science Communication in Planning".
Conference also brings 6 breakout streams where we have the space to get into the practical detail, while the field trips are your chance to see what’s happening in the Wellington Region and the influence of planning in practice. As always there’ll also be important networking opportunities across our social events.
Getting the best out of community consultation - mitigating downstream risks to projects
In recent years, community engagement has shifted beyond procedural compliance with statutory consultation. It is emerging as a strategic area of expertise that, when done well, builds public trust and local buy-in – helping to reduce downstream risks to project implementation. It can foster a more authentic understanding of a project’s social impact across communities.
Key Submission Points on new RM Bills (see new webinar date below)
RMLA’s high level submission points on the reform.
RM REFORM PHASE 3 - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT BILL WEBINAR
As the introduction of the Natural Environment Bill approaches, RMLA and NZPI are planning to hold a joint webinar to ensure our members are well positioned to understand and navigate the new system as quickly as possible after the proposed legislation lands. This is targeted 90-minute webinar, running from 12.00pm–1.30pm (70-minute presentation + 20-minute Q&A):
Focus: A first-look session outlining the major components of the Natural Environment Bill and what to expect during the early stages of engagement. Further details to be provided shortly.
Hold the date or register now:
RM REFORM PHASE 3 - PLANNING BILL WEBINAR
As the introduction of the Planning Bill approaches, RMLA and NZPI are planning to hold a joint webinar to ensure our members are well positioned to understand and navigate the new system as quickly as possible after the proposed legislation lands. This is targeted 90-minute webinar, running from 12.00pm–1.30pm (70-minute presentation + 20-minute Q&A):
Focus: An initial briefing on the Planning Bill to help members understand the structure, intent, and key levers proposed. Further information to be provided shortly.
Hold the date or register now:
Central Otago - Combined Christmas Function
Prizes for best dressed Christmas accessory / outfit!
Bay of Plenty: Joint yRMLA/NZPI - Emergency Planners Event
Young RMLA Bay of Plenty (joint with the Bay of Plenty Emerging Planners) is hosting an end-of-year networking event in December.
We’ll be serving some nibbles at two locations within the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua Lakes District Council and Tauranga Cooney Lees Morgan, as we connect, share insights, and celebrate the year that’s been. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow planners, discuss fast-track consenting, and look ahead to what’s next in the planning space.
We are very fortunate to have emerging presenters representing different aspects of the fast-track consent process:
Shawn Gardner - Intermediate Planner - Enspire
Shawn is an intermediate planner with about five years of professional planning experience in both New Zealand and the United States. With a bachelor's degree in environmental science and a master's degree in planning, Shawn has worked in a broad range of planning-related fields. Shawn has worked as a consultant planner for the Department of Conservation, supporting the fast-track process and as part of the project team that supports clients for both listed and referral applications within the fast-track regime. As significant changes emerge in the regulatory planning space within New Zealand, there are new opportunities for planners to engage with these new spaces in ways that add value and advance our shared needs. Shawn is excited to share their experience with the Fast-track process and engage with other Emerging Planners in our role in New Zealand's planning system as it adapts and changes.
Te Hau Gardiner - Solicitor - Cooney Lees Morgan
Te Hau specialises in resource management and environmental law, advising clients on planning and consenting processes, particularly from a local government perspective, under legislative frameworks including the Resource Management Act, Public Works Act, and the Local Government Act. He will bring a legal lens to the discussion on how fast-track consenting is tracking, the opportunities and challenges it presents, and what this could mean for councils and planners moving forward.
🔹When: 3 December, 5:00 pm
🔹 Rotorua Location: Rotorua Lakes District Council
Register here for the Rotorua event
🔹Tauranga Location: Cooney Lees Morgan
Register here for the Tauranga event
🔹 Why: Networking, knowledge, and festive vibes
Let’s wrap up 2025 with great conversations and even better connections!
NOTE: Registration is via the NZPI website. If you don’t have an existing account with them, first click on LOGIN and then create a GUEST ACCOUNT before proceeding to CHECK OUT.
Bay of Plenty Christmas Party
Get a head start on the festive season! REGISTRATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Taranaki Council Round-Up
We will be joined by representatives from Taranaki Regional Council, New Plymouth District Council, Stratford District Council and South Taranaki District Council who will each offer their take on hot topics and current issues in the consenting and planning space across the region.
RMA and the Direction of Reform with Hon. Chris Bishop
The Young RMLA Wellington invites you to hear Hon Chris Bishop MP to speak on RMA reform. The event will shine light on Mr Bishop’s thinking on issues with the RMA and the direction of reform. With the much-anticipated replacement for the RMA soon to be announced, this event is not one to miss.
Prompt Like a Pro: Practical AI Techniques for Professionals
Prompt Like A Pro: Practical AI Techniques for Professionals is a high-energy, hands-on workshop where you’ll practice live with ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity while learning the PILLARS framework for reliably great prompts.
Dunedin Christmas Party
The Ultimate Quiz Night Christmas Party
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
YRMLA Canterbury - End of Year Lawn Bowls
Canterbury-Westland Emerging Planners and yRMLA are joining forces to celebrate the year that’s been! Come along for an afternoon of lawn bowls, great company, and plenty of laughs as we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to another exciting year.
This is a free event, proudly sponsored by Barker & Associates and supported by RMLA. We’ll provide the food and cover the cost of bowls, all you need to do is turn up and have fun!
It’s a relaxed and social way to connect, celebrate the relationships we’ve built, and continue strengthening the ties between new-in-career resource management practitioners after what has been a great year in our region.
Spaces are limited, so make sure to register and secure your spot. We can’t wait to see you there!
Ready to register?
If you have any questions about this event, please email Maisie Fisher, maisief@barker.co.nz or Shanae Richardson, shanae.richardson@simpsongrierson.com
yRMLA Hearings 101
Drawing on their respective expertise in law, acoustics and planning, our speakers will walk through the hearings process, share practical tips, and answer your questions.
Making Your Case Count: Insights from Experienced Commissioners
Whether you are an expert witness, planner, lawyer, council officer, or fellow commissioner, this event offers an opportunity to up-skill and hear directly from some of the best decision-makers.
Canterbury/Westland - Council Round-up 2025
RMLA Canterbury/Westland are again holding a Council Round-up for 2025.
Representatives from Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council, Waimakariri District Council and Ashburton District Council (at least) will speak with members.
With all that is going on within the region and our districts, there’s bound to be something of interest to all members. From the impending RMA reforms through to Fast Track applications, it feels like there has never been a better time to hear from our councils on what they are up to. 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 year’s 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 and nibbles will be provided. For catering purposes, please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.
Please register as seating is limited.
Finally, please remember to sign the register on the day to receive 1 CPD point.
See you at the 2025 Round-up!
AI Insights for lawyers, planners, landscape architects, engineers and acousticians
Whether you’re yet to start your AI journey or are further along, this webinar will provide practical insights into how AI systems can enhance your work. It is multi-disciplinary and relevant to lawyers, planners, landscape architects, engineers and acousticians.
We will cover what you need to think about in identifying, testing and evaluating AI systems that might suit your work; practical tasks/skills of general application; discuss prompting principles and effective prompting techniques to help you achieve tasks; and cover trust, security and professional obligations.
Presenter: Pauline Courtney
Pauline is an experienced civil litigator who has appeared as counsel before Courts at all levels in a broad range of areas and is a commercial mediator (Fellow AMINZ). She has provided significant advice and presentations on issues related to the use of Artificial Intelligence systems and automated decision-making.
Pauline is a member of the New Zealand Bar Association Technology Committee. In that capacity, she has tested and evaluated five AI systems available in New Zealand, applying them to more than 40 skills and tasks relevant to various roles. Since 2022, Pauline has practised through Kate Sheppard Chambers (a virtual chambers); after more than 20 years with Crown Law, including as a Senior Crown Counsel.
Cost: $15 for members and $30 for non-members.
When: Tuesday 7 October 2025
Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Where: Online - Zoom (Link will be emailed at least one day prior to webinar)
Tāmaki Makaurau yRMLA x NZPI Young Planners Quiz Night
Do you have it all planned out? Do you think you know the lore/law? Or are you just keen on a night of friendly competition and delicious cocktails and mocktails?
Come along and bring your friends to the Tāmaki Makaurau YRMLA & NZPI Emerging Planners Quiz at Norma Taps on Tuesday, 30 September at 6:30pm.
This is an opportunity to network, enjoy, and perhaps prove your trivia superiority.
Please register by September 23 to confirm your spot. The event is free of charge and guests are welcome.
EDS - Climate Change & Business Conference 2025
The 2025 conference theme is Ambition. Accountability. Action.
The theme provides a platform for discussion about the most effective interventions business leaders are taking at speed and scale, often in close collaboration with governments, across these three pillars.
Most importantly, it reflects the critical role of business in securing our ambitions for the future. With a focus on the ‘how’ – this year’s sessions will showcase examples of cutting-edge action here in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
Mid-Year Social - Canterbury-Westland Young RMLA
Attention Young RMLA Members (and those who have interested new-in-career team members)!
Join us for a fun evening of networking, laughter, and a little friendly competition at Serve Social ping pong!
Enjoy free entry and tasty nibbles on us – just bring some cash for the bar.
It’s the perfect chance to connect with fellow new-in-career resource management practitioners, unwind after work, and show off your ping pong skills!
RSVP below and don’t miss out on a great time!
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.
Climate Action and System Change through Advocacy
The Wellington Branch of the Resource Management Law Association and Wellington Women Lawyers Association invite you to this lunchtime seminar:
Climate Action and System Change through Advocacy.
The seminar will be presented by:
Jessica Palairet, Executive Director of Lawyers for Climate Action NZ
Jenny Cooper KC, Co-founder and President of Lawyers for Climate Action NZ
Kindly hosted by: Simpson Grierson
BYO lunch, tea and coffee provided
There is no cost to attend, but please register below: