The law is in a state of flux so gain some expert insight into the implications of the current state of affairs of both the RMA and Fast Track applications. With quick bite sized lunch time catch-ups gain practical insights into fast-track consenting, upcoming reforms to the Resource Management framework and anticipated changes to the National Direction package. Designed for practitioners at all levels unpack what these changes mean in practice and how they will impact planning, development and environmental management across New Zealand.
Early Bird Discount ends 19 Dec 2025
Description
Attend the full series and earn 3 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: Guidance On Applications
Tuesday, 24 February 2026
1.30pm to 2.30pm Fast-Track Update: Guidance on How Applications Have Been Progressed or Decline and Implications of the 2025 Amendment Act
- Brief introduction to the FTAA
- The practical side of the process: step 1 referral applications and step 2 substantive applications
- New legal issues arising and how panels and the court have dealt with them
- Looking forward: nature and number of projects looking to use the process; appeals
Presented by Madeleine Wright, Barrister, Mills Lane Chambers and Alex Devine, Senior Associate, Ellis Gould
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
Learning Objective:
- Gain updated guidance on Fast-track Applications
Presenters
Alex Devine, Senior Associate, Ellis GouldAlex works with private and public sector clients on a wide range of environmental law, planning, and local government matters. She has particular expertise in resource consent applications, designations, private plan changes, district plan and policy development, and environmental due diligence for commercial transactions. Alex provides strategic advice on resource management processes and complex projects across New Zealand. She regularly represents clients in local authority hearings and alternative dispute resolution forums, and has litigation experience at all levels of the Court system. Alex is currently working on a number of fast-track projects, advising clients at various stages of the fast-track consenting process.
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.
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A Brave New World: Reflections on Reform of the Resource Management System
Monday, 2 March 2026
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
1.30pm to 2.30pm A Brave New World: Reflections on Reform of the Resource Management System
- An update on the current state of the Bills to reform the resource management system
- Discuss the practical implications of the Bills, including the key impacts on resource management theory and practice
Presented by Mike Doesburg, Partner, Wynn Williams; Recognised in Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024-2025, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024 ‘Next Generation Partner’, Doyle’s Guide ‘Rising Star’ in Planning and Environment Law
Learning Objective:
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the reform of the Resource Management System
Presenters
Mike Doesburg, Partner, Wynn WilliamsMike is a resource management and environmental law specialist who advises private developers, infrastructure providers and local authorities. Mike has experience advising on obtaining and implementing resource consents for large and complex subdivision proposals. Mike also regularly acts for clients on complex planning matters, including appearing before council panels, the Environment Court and High Court. Mike has been identified by Legal 500 as a Next Generation Partner in projects and resource management. Mike is the Chair of the Resource Management Law Association Auckland Branch Committee and Co-Convener of the Auckland District Law Society Environmental and Resource Management Committee.
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Update on the Changes to National Direction under the RMA and under the new RM Replacement Act
Monday, 9 March 2026
1.30pm to 2.30pm Update on the Changes to National Direction under the RMA and under the new RM Replacement Acts
- Step through new and amended National Policy Statements and National Standards under the RMA
- Update on the role and timing of National Direction under the two RM Replacement Acts
Presented by Sarah Shaw, Barrister, Gambling Commissioner, Accredited RMA Hearings Commissioner, Chair of the Auckland Housing Intensification and Resilience Panel, Kate Sheppard Chambers
Learning Objective:
- Stay up to date on the changes to the national direction under the new Resource Management Replacement Act
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
Presenters
Sarah Shaw, Barrister, Kate Sheppard Chambers
Sarah has more than 25 years’ experience in resource management law, public law and governance. Prior to becoming a Barrister in 2017, she spent ten years at Northland law firm Thomson Wilson Law and several years in the UK in the Public Law team at Transport for London. Sarah is an accredited RMA Hearings Commissioner and is currently the Deputy Chair of the Auckland intensification Independent Hearing Panel. She was appointed to the Gambling Commission in February 2022. Sarah has chaired the Northland branch of the Resource Management Law Association since 2019.
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