About

Environmental & Resource Management Law for Non-Lawyers is an in depth, two day seminar designed to give you a practical understanding of the essentials of environmental legislation in New Zealand. It provides you an insight into what are the environmental issues faced in New Zealand, and the regulatory framework designed to ensure environmental protection.

This intensive 2-day master class will combine tutorial sessions and case studies with interactive learning exercises. All attendees will be provided with a workbook and a certificate of completion.

New Skills You Will Gain

• Gain an understanding of environmental issues in New Zealand
• Learn about legal protections that exist for the environment
• Understand what your obligations are under environmental legislation in New Zealand
• Understand recent changes to the Resource Management Act 1991

Outline

Integrated Environmental Risk Management
• Responsibilities under the law
• Personal vs organisational liability?
• Environmental management systems
• Procedural checks
• Prioritising risk

Environmental Policy and Law
• RMA overview
• Significant legislative and policy developments
• Demonstrating recent policy developments
• Legislative hierarchy – from regional plans to bylaws
• Existing use rights
• Reverse sensitivity
• Designations
• How to keep up to date with legislative and policy developments?

CASE STUDY: Working with district and regional plans

Enforcement / Prosecution
• What to do when it all goes wrong

WORKSHOP SESSION: Prosecution scenario

Resource Consent Traps and Pitfalls (Part I)
• Applications
• AEEs
• Timing / Priority
• Consultation
• Iwi issues
• Alternative dispute resolution
• Discovery and legal privilege

WORKSHOP SESSION: Pre-application discussions with interested parties

Climate Change
• Climate legislation
• Emissions trading
• Procurement and asset management

Resource Consent Traps and Pitfalls (Part II)
• Hearing procedure
• Drafting and presenting evidence at hearing
• Cross examination
• Appeals
• Ministerial call-in and direct referral

Compliance and Risk Management
• Record keeping
• Due diligence
• Managing consultants and third parties
• Internal reporting and action plans
• Compliance with other legislation such as HSNO
• Environmental audits

CASE STUDY: Risk assessment and management scenario

Managing a Budget
• Maximising an environmental budget
• Tips for instructing external lawyers
• Instructing consultants
• Cost of environmental actions


Facilitators

Chris Simmons, Senior Associate, Chancery Green

Chris has been actively involved in resource consent applications and appeals on a range of development projects. He currently works as a Senior Associate for Chancery Green focusing on environmental law and strategy He has made numerous appearances at Council hearings, Environment Court and the High Court in relation to resource consent applications and district plan provisions.

Chris advises on specialist environmental aspects of real estate and compulsory acquisition of land.

Helen Andrews, Senior Associate, Chancery Green

Helen has advised on the consenting and designating of major projects across many industries. She has also acted on numerous district and regional plan matters as part of her current position with Chancery Green. Other experience includes undertaking due diligence investigations for complex acquisition and divestment transactions, and advising clients on environmental aspects of Overseas Investment Act compliance. She regularly represents clients before local authorities, the Environment Court and High Court and Court-assisted mediations.

In-house Training