Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future: The Salmon Lectures Officially Launched
On Thursday evening, a remarkable moment in Aotearoa New Zealand’s environmental and legal history was celebrated with the launch of The Salmon Lectures: Law, Policy and the Environment — a 500+ page compendium capturing 24 years of the esteemed Salmon Lecture series.
Hosted at Bell Gully’s Auckland office, the event drew a diverse and distinguished audience: academics, legal professionals, policy advisors, environmental planners, students, and long-time practitioners gathered in a spirit of reflection, recognition, and reconnection. With the book literally “hot off the press” that morning, the evening had a sense of immediacy and pride — a fitting tribute to a series that has shaped environmental discourse in Aotearoa for more than two decades.
A Celebration of Ideas and Legacy
The evening featured three keynote addresses from figures central to the story of the Salmon Lectures. First, the Hon Peter Salmon KC — whose career and commitment to environmental law inspired the creation of the lecture series — offered gracious and generous reflections on the development of the book and its contributors over time.
In his remarks, he acknowledged the address given by Barbara Mead, the book’s editor, saying:
“A very thoughtful and excellent speech. Indeed one of the best if not the best I have heard about the RMA.”
Barbara Mead’s speech drew on her unique perspective as both a legal practitioner and editor of this current body of work. She described the experience of revisiting each lecture in preparation for the publication, and what struck her most was not the historical value alone, but the relevance of the insights today.
“The issues addressed in these lectures — from climate change and environmental policy to governance and sustainability — continue to resonate with the challenges we face today,” she said. “This collection serves as a powerful reminder that the foundational principles we’ve discussed over the years are not only still valid, but crucial as we navigate the complex issues of the present. It’s not just history — it’s a roadmap for the future.”
Looking Forward While Looking Back
Judge Laurie Newhook, former Principal Environment Judge and longtime supporter of the Salmon Lecture series, also addressed the audience with his hallmark mix of gravitas and good humour. He reflected on the evolution of environmental adjudication in New Zealand and internationally, and the enduring need for evidence-based, principled leadership in navigating complex environmental issues.
Also included in the book is a foreword by Chief Environment Court Judge David Kirkpatrick, who places the lectures in the broader context of the Resource Management Act and the ongoing reform process. His foreword opens the book with clarity and purpose, setting the tone for the compendium’s significance as both a scholarly and practical contribution.
From Insight to Action
With over 500 pages of collected wisdom, The Salmon Lectures is more than a tribute to the past — it’s a living resource. It charts the progression of legal and policy debates, captures the spirit of public service and scholarship, and offers critical reflection that is still “bang on point,” as Mead put it.
The book is now available to purchase in two formats:
A limited-edition print copy, produced with care and quality for those who value a tangible piece of legal heritage.
A PDF edition, offering instant access to this significant collection.
Early demand has been strong, with sales beginning even before the speeches concluded on launch night. Members of the legal, planning, academic, and policy communities - indeed anyone whose work touches on the area of resource management - are encouraged to secure their copies promptly — particularly if seeking a print edition (stock is limited).
