Fast Track and RMA Reform Series in Focus

Gain high-level insights into the evolving landscape of reform of environmental and planning law through the Fast track and RMA reforms in this two-part advanced webinar series, chaired by a sitting judge of the Environment Court of New Zealand. With expert oversight and authoritative commentary, this program offers a rare opportunity to engage with the RMA reform process at a strategic level. Stay ahead of sweeping changes to New Zealand’s environmental law framework with this two-part advanced webinar series. Designed for legal professionals, planners, and environmental advisors, this program delivers timely analysis of key developments in the Resource Management Act (RMA) reform process. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay at the forefront of environmental law reform in New Zealand.

Description

Attend and earn 2 CPD hours


If you register for the full series as a live online product after the date of an individual session, you will be sent the recording for the sessions that have passed. Alternatively, you can register for individual sessions by following the links below.

Fast Track Update: Overview of How Applications Have Been Progressed or Declined

Monday, 6 October 2025

Explore how fast-track consenting applications are being handled in practice under the Fast Track reforms. Understand the key factors influencing decisions to approve or decline and assess the practical lessons emerging from recent cases. Learn to interpret recent outcomes, assess approval criteria, and identify key risk factors for applicants.

1.00pm to 2.00pm Fast Track Update: Guidance on How Applications Have Been Progressed or Declined

Presented by Madeleine Wright, Barrister, Mills Lane Chambers and Alex Devine, Senior Associate, Ellis Gould

Learning Objective:
  • Receive guidance on how Fast Track applications have been progressed or declined to date
Description

Attend and earn 1 CPD hour

Chair:

His Hon Judge Hassan, Environment Court of New Zealand

Presenters

His Hon Judge Hassan, Environment Court of New Zealand
Judge Hassan was born in Invercargill. He was appointed to the Environment Court and District Court in 2013 and is based in Christchurch. Shortly after his appointment, he served as Deputy Chair of the Independent Hearings Panel for the post-earthquakes’ Christchurch Replacement District Plan. Over recent years, his Environment Court roster has been largely in the Queenstown, Central Otago, Mackenzie, Nelson and Marlborough areas. Judge Hassan has significant law reform and other public sector experience. Initially, that was as in-house solicitor for the Ministry of Works and Development in Dunedin. Following a move to the Ministry for the Environment in Wellington, he worked on the Resource Management Law Reform, under both Labour and National administrations, in policy and instructing solicitor roles. He was legal adviser to the Randerson Review Group and principal instructing solicitor to Parliamentary Counsel on the enactment of the Resource Management Act 1991. Judge Hassan was a partner at law firm Chapman Tripp for approximately 17 years, specialising in resource management and environmental law. His clients included infrastructure providers, the Crown and government agencies, property developers, large and SME industries, local government and community groups. He was part of a Ministerial advisory panel on RMA reforms and was appointed by the Local Government and Environment Select Committee to audit the drafting of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2009. Judge Hassan was an original co-author of Brookers Resource Management.

Madeleine Wright, Barrister, Mills Lane Chambers
Madeleine is a barrister specialising in environmental and resource management law. She is an experienced litigator, appearing in courts of all levels. She has a diverse practice, assisting developers, industry, farmers, government, community groups, and environmental NGOs. She is frequently involved with matters in which indigenous biodiversity features. Madeleine is well-acquainted with fast-track processes, having provided advice on the various fast-track bills, and to applicants, those providing feedback on fast-track projects.

Alex Devine, Senior Associate, Ellis Gould
Alex works with private and public sector clients on a wide range of environmental law, planning and local government related issues. She has particular experience in plan and policy development, consenting, judicial review proceedings and environmental due diligence, and provides strategic advice on resource management processes and high profile projects nationwide. She regularly represents clients in local authority hearings and in alternative dispute resolution processes, and has experience at all levels of the Court system.

 

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New Dual Act Approach Replacing the RMA and Changes to the National Direction Package

Monday, 13 October 2025

Unpack the major structural shift from the RMA to the new dual-Act framework. Understand how the dual acts will interact, and what the updated National Direction package signals for planning, compliance, and legal practice.

Chair:

His Hon Judge Hassan, Environment Court of New Zealand

Description

Attend and earn 1 CPD hour

1.00pm to 2.00pm New Dual Act Approach Replacement Replacing the RMA and Changes to the National Direction Package

Presented by Sarah Shaw, Barrister, Kate Sheppard Chambers

Learning Objective:
  • Receive guidance on how Fast Track applications have been progressed or declined to date 
  • Examine the new dual act approach replacing the RMA and changes to the national direction package

Presenters

His Hon Judge Hassan, Environment Court of New Zealand
Judge Hassan was born in Invercargill. He was appointed to the Environment Court and District Court in 2013 and is based in Christchurch. Shortly after his appointment, he served as Deputy Chair of the Independent Hearings Panel for the post-earthquakes’ Christchurch Replacement District Plan. Over recent years, his Environment Court roster has been largely in the Queenstown, Central Otago, Mackenzie, Nelson and Marlborough areas. Judge Hassan has significant law reform and other public sector experience. Initially, that was as in-house solicitor for the Ministry of Works and Development in Dunedin. Following a move to the Ministry for the Environment in Wellington, he worked on the Resource Management Law Reform, under both Labour and National administrations, in policy and instructing solicitor roles. He was legal adviser to the Randerson Review Group and principal instructing solicitor to Parliamentary Counsel on the enactment of the Resource Management Act 1991. Judge Hassan was a partner at law firm Chapman Tripp for approximately 17 years, specialising in resource management and environmental law. His clients included infrastructure providers, the Crown and government agencies, property developers, large and SME industries, local government and community groups. He was part of a Ministerial advisory panel on RMA reforms and was appointed by the Local Government and Environment Select Committee to audit the drafting of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2009. Judge Hassan was an original co-author of Brookers Resource Management.

Sarah Shaw, Barrister, Kate Sheppard Chambers
Sarah has more than twenty years’ experience in public law and governance, environmental law and resource management, and local government. She has a particular specialism in the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011. A skilled advocate and formidable negotiator, Sarah also has considerable expertise in regulatory drafting and statutory interpretation. Sarah has extensive experience in RMA district and regional plan development on both sides of the table – both as sole counsel for council, and representing hapu and environmental and community interests – across council hearings, mediation and the Courts. She has an impressive track record of successfully and efficiently mediating solutions resulting in significant time and cost savings for her clients. Sarah also advises and acts on resource consent appeals and declaration proceedings. Sarah builds enduring collaborative relationships and has worked extensively with expert witnesses across a number of technical disciplines. Sarah has also previously been engaged as an expert witness with specialist knowledge of the implementation of the RMA. During her five years in the United Kingdom Sarah was a Senior Associate in the Public Law Team at Transport for London and primary legal adviser to the Public Carriage Office (London taxis). She advised on the development and legislative implementation of the Congestion Charge and the London Low Emission Zone. Sarah has an extensive pro bono and low bono practice, acting for hapu and environmental groups. Prior to moving to the Independent Bar in 2017, Sarah worked for nearly ten years at leading Northland law firm Thomson Wilson Law. Based in Northland, Sarah accepts instructions nationwide and travels regularly. Sarah is an accredited RMA Hearings Commissioner and was appointed a Gambling Commissioner in February 2022. She is approved to accept direct instructions without an instructing solicitor.

 

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WEB2510NZA01

Fast Track and RMA Reform Series in Focus

CHOOSE YOUR SESSION AND
DELIVERY MODE BELOW

All Sessions
Monday, 06 October 2025,
Monday, 13 October 2025
to New Zealand
CPD Hours 2
$255.00
Online 20250703

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On Demand 20250703

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