Presenters

Helen Andrews, Director, The Environmental Lawyers
Helen Andrews is a Director at The Environmental Lawyers and has specialised in Resource Management and Environment Law for over 20 years. Prior to establishing The Environmental Lawyers in July 2022, she worked in the resource management teams of two top-tier New Zealand law firms and two boutique environmental law firms. Helen has significant experience advising on and consenting major projects across several industries. These have ranged from energy, infrastructure and retailing developments to oil and gas exploration and minerals prospecting. Helen has been involved with a number of the Boards of Inquiry established under the RMA for the processing of projects of national significance. This has included representing the applicant before the Turitea Board, providing facilitation services to the New Zealand King Salmon and Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth Boards, acting as legal advisor to the MacKays and Basin Bridge Boards and representing a submitter before the East-West Link Board. Most recently, Helen has been involved in the consenting of several large-scale urban developments in both Auckland and Waikato. She has a keen interest in RMA reform and has co-authored three substantive articles on this topic for the Resource Management Journal.

Melanie Baker-Jones, Climate Advisor & Project Manager, Te Whakahaere
Melanie Baker-Jones, is a Climate Consultant committed to driving collaborative initiatives that empower individuals and businesses towards a climate-positive and sustainable future. With a foundation degree in Sociology and a background in IT, Melanie's early career has been shaped by problem-solving and a keen understanding of the collective wisdom gained from diverse and shared experiences. Having been admitted as a solicitor and with experience working with both corporates and SMEs, Melanie brings a unique perspective to the table. Her journey of knowledge acquisition includes not only her early career degree but also a law degree and a subsequent PhD. This doctoral research delved into the intersections of regulatory systems, legal liability, resilience, disaster management, and social media, supported in part by the prestigious Bushfire and Natural Hazard Co-operative Research Centre (CRC). This academic journey reinforced the importance of translating research findings into actionable strategies, underlining Melanie's dedication to fostering collaboration and enhancing collective capabilities. Melanie's passion for knowledge dissemination is reinforced through her role as a co-lecturer in climate change law at the University of Auckland. Continuously expanding her horizons, she is currently focused on deepening her understanding of te ao Māori and its relevance to risk perception, while also honing her proficiency in te reo. Drawing on her diverse background and expertise, Melanie continues to focus her efforts on the climate sector. Through collaborative ventures, she endeavours to integrate various strands of knowledge and experience, ultimately driving tangible outcomes for communities and future generations. Join Melanie on her journey as she navigates the intricacies of climate action, charting a course towards a sustainable future for all.