RMLA Mooting Competition 2025: Celebrating Emerging Talent

The grand final of the RMLA Mooting Competition was held last week in Blenheim during the annual conference. Presided over by Judge Sheena Tepania and Sally Gepp KC, the moot focused on a locally significant issue — the proposed extension of the Pukaka Quarry and the interpretation of “functional need.”

Following a closely fought contest between co-finalists Laura McLaughan and Georgina Anderson Brooks (Anderson Lloyd), we were delighted to announce Cory Lipinski and Jemma Hollis (Holland Beckett) as this year’s winners. The announcement was made during the RMLA Annual Awards celebrations.

This year also marked the inaugural presentation of the Principal Environment Court Judge RJ Bollard Memorial Trophy to the winning team. Incorporating the trophy into the Annual Awards honours not only the skill and effort of the finalists, but also underscores RMLA’s commitment to supporting the professional development of the next generation of resource management lawyers.

The mooting competition offers early-career RMA lawyers a standout opportunity to gain practical hearing experience in a supportive, collegial environment. Participants sharpen their advocacy skills, learn to present persuasive arguments, and practice responding to questions from the bench. This is the second year the competition has returned after a long hiatus. This year’s competition involved eight teams (16 individuals) from around the motu.

RMLA warmly thanks Quentin Davies, Sarah Pearson, and Kim Lawson of the Conference Organising Committee, along with the Marlborough District Council, for their support in hosting the final — including the unique opportunity of a site visit to the quarry itself. We also extend our gratitude to all judges and registrars across the rounds whose time, expertise, and encouragement made the competition possible.

Finally, a very special thank you to Wynn Williams for their generous and ongoing sponsorship support.