Gain practical guidance on what’s coming into force and the implications of key 2026 amendments to the NES-CF and the NES-MA. Unpack the amendments with the help of a leading voice. Examine the changes to the law, the practice, procedure and processes. Don’t miss out.
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
12.00pm to 1.00pm New National Direction Package – Commercial Forestry and Aquamarine Regulation
- Unpack the key 2026 amendments to the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry) Regulations 2017 (NES-CF) including:
- When there can be more stringent RMA plan rules than the NES-CF
- The new risk-based approach for managing slash
- Removal of duplicative requirements including for replanting plans
- Changes to the documents incorporated by reference such as the erosion susceptibility classifications
- Examine the key 2026 amendments to the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards For Marine Aquaculture) Regulations 2020 (NES-MA) including:
- Expanded situations in which the NES-MA will apply
- New activity status pathways for aquaculture-related research or trials in new locations, changes to or cancellation of monitoring conditions, and additional structure types
- Adjustments to finfish species-change provisions
- Gain practical guidance on what’s coming into force and the implications of key 2026 amendments to the NES-CF and the NES-MA.
Presented by Diana Hartley, Partner, DLA Piper; Doyle’s Guide Leading Environment & Resource Management Lawyer 2026, Leading Partner in Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2025.
Chair:
Waldo Randal, Senior Associate, DLA Piper
Learning Objectives:
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Consider the implications of the 2026 amendments to the NES-CF and NES-MA for resource management and consenting practice.
Presenters
Diana Hartley, Partner, DLA PiperDiana Hartley specialises in resource management, environmental, local government and public law. She acts for government entities, including local authorities and council-controlled organisations, as well as corporates and developers. Diana has particular expertise in resource management and local government strategic advice, regional and district plan development and interpretation, and the consenting of large projects. She also provides advice on environmental due diligence for commercial transactions and contaminated land liabilities. She appears before the Environment Court and High Court on district plan, resource consent and designation appeals, judicial review and declaration proceedings, and before Boards of Inquiry. Diana also regularly attends court-assisted mediation on behalf of clients. Her extensive resource management experience includes advising in relation to urban growth and intensification matters, infrastructure projects, the rural environment, subdivision and heritage matters.
Waldo Randal, Senior Associate, DLA Piper
Waldo Randal has broad legal experience with a focus on natural resources and the environment. Waldo has experience advising both central and local government clients across a range of subject areas including resource management, public works, building and other regulatory issues. He regularly appears at council hearings, and in various matters before the Environment Court and High Court, and also has experience in alternative dispute resolution processes. Waldo has acted for local and central government clients in judicial review proceedings, complex civil proceedings, and in other regulatory litigation.
