Dr Greg Severinsen receives 2026 RMLA Publications Award
The Resource Management Law Association is pleased to announce Dr Greg Severinsen of the Environmental Defence Society (EDS) as the recipient of the 2026 RMLA Publications Award for Replacing the Resource Management Act: Risks and Solutions.
The RMLA Publications Award recognises publications that make a significant contribution to the advancement of best resource management practice. In assessing publications, RMLA considers their contribution to resource management law, theory or practice; the quality and rigour of the research or scholarship; clarity of communication; relevance and usefulness to the resource management community; innovation; and professional standard.
Published by EDS in September 2025, Replacing the Resource Management Act: Risks and Solutions is the culmination of a multi-year research project examining the future of New Zealand's resource management system.
The 170-page publication explores seven core issues in resource management reform, including the scope of the system, regulatory takings, legislative design, purpose and principles, environmental limits, spatial planning and standardisation. Drawing on domestic and international research, it identifies risks and opportunities in the proposed reforms and provides practical recommendations for policymakers.
Leading the conversation on resource management reform
Reflecting on receiving the award, Greg said:
“It’s a real honour to receive this recognition from the RMLA for our most recent work on resource management reform. EDS has been involved in replacing the RMA for over a decade now, and our mission has been to make sure that any new system not only protects our treasured natural world but is also understood and workable to New Zealanders.
“RM reform has been turbulent for many years now. With this publication, we tried to proactively lead the conversation, asking the big picture questions and laying out the evidence. We looked at what other countries are doing overseas to learn from what has and hasn’t worked in practice. Ultimately, we sought to encourage consensus on the fundamentals – like the need to recognise strong environmental limits and have more strategic planning – rather than flip flopping between governments based on short-term priorities.”
The international perspective is an important feature of the work. The research drew on approaches in Ireland, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Australia and involved engagement with experts and institutions both in New Zealand and overseas.
Rigorous, relevant and useful
RMLA's assessors considered the publication to be thoroughly researched, professionally presented and highly relevant to the resource management community. They noted the quality of its research and analysis, clarity of communication, usefulness at an early stage of the reform process and the value of its systems-based approach. It was also recognised for its timing, layout, topic coverage, readability and utility.
Since publication, the work has been presented to and discussed with a wide range of people involved in resource management reform. The award entry records that it has been circulated among policymakers, local government, environmental organisations, practitioners and other stakeholders, and that its findings have been presented to the Ministry for the Environment and through public webinars and industry conferences.
For Greg, seeing the work being used as the reform process has progressed has been particularly significant:
“It’s great to hear about the book being used by officials and lawmakers in government and select committee. No matter what the new system looks like, we’re confident it will continue to have relevance as our laws evolve – whether that’s through amendments, how it’s implemented in national direction and plans, or how the public engages in decision-making. We’re grateful to the RMLA for recognising our contribution at what is a really pivotal point in time for the resource management community.”
The publication was authored by Greg, with the work supported by Forest & Bird and the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation. It also involved an expert advisory group, input from a senior Māori planner, peer review, subject-matter experts and interviews with stakeholders in New Zealand and overseas.
RMLA congratulates Dr Greg Severinsen and EDS on receiving the 2026 Publications Award and recognises their contribution to informed discussion at a significant point in the evolution of New Zealand's resource management system.
