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.
Kick off 2026 by joining the Wellington branches of the RMLA and NZPI for an insightful session on community engagement with specialists in this area from Boffa Miskell and DLA Piper:
Dr Anne Cunningham, Engagement Specialist at Boffa Miskell, with 30 years of experience in the research, design and delivery of public participation processes and practices in the context of urban and rural planning, landscape architecture and public place/ landscape governance.
MC for the event will be Hamish Wesney, Planner/Partner at Boffa Miskell, who works across resource management and planning policy and regulatory processes. He brings practical understanding of the Resource Management Act 1991 frameworks and its application to policy, development proposals, and other planning assessments.
Emma Manohar, Special Counsel at DLA Piper, specialising in resource management, major project consenting and environmental policy.
This talk will examine current thinking, grounded in research and practice, on how to cultivate constructive relationships with communities. The presenters will discuss the strategies, tools, and techniques essential for preventing and diffusing disruption, managing misinformation and disinformation, and working with diverse and dissenting perspectives.
The talk will also discuss the new RMA replacement legislation and whether the proposed Planning Act and the Natural Environment Act will change how consultation is done going forward.
Join us to reflect on how to best champion meaningful engagement and to explore the value of approaches such as values-led messaging, deliberative forums, and social impact assessments.
This seminar is invaluable for anyone working on projects where community support is key to the success of a consenting process.
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Hosted by Boffa Miskell at their Wellington offices
Networking and light refreshments from 4.45pm
Seminar starts 5.15pm
All welcome. Tickets $25 for NZPI/RMLA members and $30 for non-members. CPD available: 1 hour.