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.

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.

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.