Celebrating Excellence: A Look Back at RMLA Award Winners

As nominations open for the 2025 RMLA Awards, we take a moment to reflect on the exceptional individuals, projects, and publications recognised over the past five years. This retrospective showcases the incredible diversity and depth of achievement in the field of resource management — and we hope it inspires you to submit a nomination.

• Publications Award: Recognises publications that significantly advance RM knowledge or practice.

  2024: Design Recommendations for a Climate Adaptation Act – Raewyn Peart
  A forward-thinking report offering a clear, well-researched legislative framework to support climate change adaptation at both local and national levels.

  2023: Te Tangi a te Manu: Aotearoa New Zealand Landscape Assessment Guidelines – Gavin Lister & Rachel de Lambert
  A landmark document providing a consistent methodology for landscape assessment. Developed voluntarily, the Guidelines are widely recognised as a taonga.

  2021: Conserving Nature: Conservation Reform Issues Paper – Deidre Koolen-Bourke & Raewyn Peart
  Honoured for its comprehensive, practical guidance on conservation reform in Aotearoa.

  2020: NZDF Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and Landscape Guidelines – NZ Defence Force
  Awarded for innovative, practical application of CPTED principles in military environments, with relevance for civilian planning too. 

• Project Award: Celebrates innovative projects contributing to RM practice or law.

  2024 (Joint Winners)

  • Sandy Point Domain Masterplan – Boffa Miskell & Invercargill City Council
    A visionary 50-year strategy for recreation, climate resilience, and biodiversity enhancement in Invercargill.

  • Titanium Park Private Plan Change 20 – Harrison Grierson, Monocle & ChanceryGreen
    Showcased how strategic growth can coexist with biodiversity protection, placing the long-tail bat (pekapeka) at the heart of decision-making.

  • Highly Commended: Waikawa Integrated Catchment Management Plan - Boffa Miskell & the Ministry for the Environment
    Applauded for its community-led development and creative use of ArcGIS StoryMap as an environmental communication tool.

  2023:  Te Tupu Ngātahi: Supporting Growth Alliance - Te Tupu Ngātahi (Supporting Growth) Alliance (Auckland Transport, Waka Kotahi, AECOM, Beca, Bell Gully and Buddle Findlay) 
  New Zealand’s largest integrated planning programme, protecting future transport corridors across Auckland.

  2022:  Milford Sound Piopiotahi Masterplan - Boffa Miskell and Stantec
  A masterplan blending infrastructure, conservation, and tourism management in a world-class destination.

  2021:  Waikato R2R Project - Watercare: Te Taniwha oo Waikato and Beca
  Delivered under pressure to solve Auckland's water shortage. A benchmark in collaboration and urgent planning.

  2020: Kaituna River Re-diversion and Maketu Estuary Enhancement - Bay of Plenty Regional Council, WSP and Cooney Lees Morgan
  An example of successful environmental restoration through iwi-led, community-informed collaboration.

• Technical Documentation Award

  2024: Plan Change 33 – Landscape Qualifying Matters – Tauranga City Council & partners
  Commended for using advanced modelling and GIS to guide residential intensification while protecting landscape values.

  2023: Waikato Regional Seascape Study - Auckland Council & Boffa Miskell
  The first of its kind in New Zealand, bringing clarity to marine and coastal landscape evaluation.

  2021: Ecological Connectivity Strategies – Auckland Council & Boffa Miskell
  Celebrated for its wide scope, digital accessibility, and incorporation of cultural values.

  2020: National Climate Change Risk Assessment – Ministry for the Environment
  Honoured for its accessible and practical summary of climate risks, designed to inform national and local planning decisions.

• Outstanding Person Award: For nationally recognised leadership and impact in RM.

  2023: Raewyn Peart - Recognised for sustained influence on environmental law, policy development, and thought leadership over several decades.

  2022: Rachel de Lambert - Awarded for mentoring future professionals and for her pivotal role in authoring Te Tangi a te Manu.

  2021: Caroline Miller - Honoured for academic contributions to planning theory and governance, and long-standing service to the profession.

• Regional Award: Recognises a significant local contribution to RM in a specific region.

  2022: Phillip Martelli, Bay of Plenty - Honoured for decades of work in regional planning, SmartGrowth leadership, and mentoring.

  2021: Melissa McGrath & Robert Burgoyne, Whangarei District Council - Awarded for their leadership in delivering complex Urban and Services Plan changes.

• Principal Judge R J Bollard Lifetime Commemorative Award: A special honour for lifetime contribution to the profession.

  2021: Judge Laurie Newhook - Honoured for a lifetime of contribution to the Environment Court and for his active leadership in fast-track and water reform initiatives.

  2020: Hon Anthony Randerson KC - Celebrated for his legal leadership and policy influence, including heading the Resource Management Review Panel.

Nominations Now Open

Inspired by these outstanding contributions? Now it’s your turn. Nominations for the 2025 RMLA Awards are now open. Whether it’s a pioneering project, a game-changing publication, or a person whose work deserves recognition — help us honour excellence in resource management. Click below to access nomination criteria and submission details.