In this article, Dr Severinsen looks at some inspiring recent international approaches to resource management and environmental law reform.

New and returning appointments to two conservation bodies, promoting conservation investment on private and Māori land.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment recently spoke at the QEII National Trust conference.

The Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament.

What if rivers, forests, and ecosystems had the same right to be heard as people? In his 2025 Salmon Lecture, retired Environment Court Judge Laurie Newhook makes a powerful case for giving nature a voice in our legal system. Drawing on international biodiversity frameworks, the Whanganui River personhood model, and his own decades on the bench, Judge Newhook explores how access to justice for the environment could reshape New Zealand’s future.

The public is being encouraged to have their say on protections in place to preserve the nationally important Kaikōura coastal and marine area.

RMLA congratulates Bal Matheson and Alan Webb on their appointments as King’s Counsel in 2025.

Both are highly respected leaders in the field of resource management law, recognised for their expertise and long-standing contributions to the profession.

The Government has announced proposed legislative changes aimed at making the earthquake-prone building (EPB) system more risk-based and proportionate, by focusing on higher seismic risk areas and high-risk buildings.

In recent weeks the Environment Court has been fortunate to welcome new Commissioner appointments. Find out more…

The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill has been passed in Parliament.

Discussion between the PCE and the Minister centred on aspects of the Government’s proposed RMA reforms, including the importance of managing at catchment scale and the centrality of better information.

The latest Energy Quarterly data release from MBIE shows a combination of record geothermal electricity generation and reduced energy demand in the April to June 2025 quarter kept overall renewable generation high.