Celebrating the 2026 RMLA Award recipients
RMLA is delighted to announce the recipients of its 2026 Annual Awards, presented at its Conference Gala Dinner in the Bay of Islands.
The awards recognise excellence, leadership, scholarship and innovation across the resource management profession in Aotearoa New Zealand — from emerging practitioners and postgraduate research through to projects, publications and people making an enduring contribution to the profession.
Outstanding Person Award — Professor Ceri Warnock
The 2026 Outstanding Person Award was presented to Professor Ceri Warnock.
The Outstanding Person Award recognises outstanding contributions to the advancement of resource management law, theory or practice in New Zealand, including nationally recognised impact, professional excellence and leadership.
Professor Warnock has made a significant and enduring contribution through teaching, research, writing, mentoring and public sector work. Particular weight was placed on her influence across generations of resource management practitioners, together with their nationally and internationally recognised scholarship and thought leadership in environmental adjudication and resource management law.
Project Award — Dunedin Waste Futures
The 2026 Project Award was presented to Dunedin City Council and Boffa Miskell, working with GHD, Anderson Lloyd, Aukaha Mana Taiao, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Pattle Delamore Partners and Avisure.
Dunedin Waste Futures was considered an outstanding example of integrated environmental planning and implementation. Its whole-of-system approach brings together landfill closure, resource recovery, recycling, ecological restoration, hazardous waste management and community outcomes, with potential to influence waste management planning nationally.
Technical Documentation Award — GD05
The 2026 Technical Documentation Award was presented to Auckland Council, in partnership with Leersnyder Associates Ltd and SouthernSkies Environmental Ltd, for the Erosion and Sediment Control Guidance Document (GD05).
GD05 was assessed as a comprehensive update of Auckland’s cornerstone guidance and a national benchmark for earthworks sediment management. Assessors noted its strong technical foundation, evidence-based review, sector participation, practical usability and potential to support improved practice across the country.
Publications Award — Dr Greg Severinsen
The 2026 Publications Award was presented to Dr Greg Severinsen for Replacing the RMA – Risks and Solutions.
This winning publication examines major reform themes at a significant point in New Zealand’s resource management reform process. Assessors considered it thoroughly researched, professionally presented, clear and highly relevant, with strong timing, readability and utility for the resource management community.
Scholarship Award — Charlie Sleigh
The 2026 RMLA Scholarship was awarded to Charlie Sleigh.
Charlie is undertaking a Masters of Law by research at the University of Auckland. His proposed thesis examines environmental limits under the proposed Natural Environment Bill, a current and significant issue in resource management law. Assessors noted the strength of their academic record, legal practice experience, detailed research proposal and strong alignment with RMLA’s objectives.
RMLA Mooting Competition — Anna Coomber and Andrew Franklet
Congratulations also to Anna Coomber and Andrew Franklet, winners of the 2026 RMLA Mooting Competition.
The mooting competition offers early-career resource management lawyers the 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.
Judges Lauren Semple and Sally Gepp KC commended this year’s recipients for their excellent advocacy in a challenging fact pattern; and for their clear and logical argument advanced in a precise and well articulated manner.
Congratulations to our 2026 recipients
Behind each of these awards are people contributing their expertise, research, leadership and ideas to resource management practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 recipients, and to the colleagues, collaborators and organisations behind their achievements.
We look forward to sharing more about the people and work recognised through this year’s awards over the coming weeks.
