RMLA Awards Report 2007

The RMLA Awards were presented at the conference dinner at the Mission Vineyard, Napier on Friday 5th October 2007. Nominations for the awards were received from Urbanism Plus and Kapiti Coast District Council for a design guide in relation to subdivision; a resource consent application for the V8 Supercars event in Hamilton prepared by Bloxam Burnett Olliver and Hamilton City Council; a notice of requirement and assessment of environmental effects for the Newmarket Viaduct Improvement Project prepared by Transit New Zealand and Beca Carter Hollings and Ferner Ltd; the Muddy Waters Programme prepared by the Greater Wellington Regional Council; and the 'One Plan' prepared by the Horizon's Regional Council.

Following consideration and evaluation of each of the nominations received, the awards panel applied the assessment criteria set out in the RMLA Guidelines and made two awards as follows:

• The Documentation Award for 2006 went to the Subdivision Guideline, prepared by Urbanism Plus and the Kapiti Coast District Council.

This document had a number of commendable qualities. It was written in very clear, simple language, it proposed simple common sense solutions, adopted best practice in terms of urban design, and perhaps most importantly it was extremely well thought out and accessible as a document. It gave a clear and transparent message as to the Council's thinking in respect of subdivision consent applications and will be a very useful tool for those having anything to do with subdivision in the Kapiti Coast District.

• The Outstanding Project Award for 2007 went to the Hamilton City Council and Bloxam Burnett Olliver application for the V8 Supercars.

First and foremost this project showed that the RMA is capable of delivering a positive consent outcome for even challenging and complex projects within a reasonable timeframe, while still adhering to the requirements of the Act in relation to public participation. In addition the documents accompanying the application were thorough and innovative. The consent strategy implements adaptive management principles whereby the first event will be used as a pilot with a review and response mechanism in the event that proposed traffic mitigation and attendance figures do not progress as anticipated. In doing this and in discussing the major task of putting in place the infrastructure required for such an event the documents are clearly expressed and logically set out.

Finally the Awards Committee also awarded:

• A special award to Karol Helmink for her outstanding contribution to the Resource Management Law Association.

Karol is the only person who has been involved with the administration of the RMLA and the National Committee since the Association’s inception 15 years ago. Without Karol's contribution to the Association, it would not have the status and respect that the organisation has. Without Karol the Association would not function as effectively and efficiently as it currently does. The Awards Committee therefore had the greatest pleasure awarding Karol for her special and extraordinary service to the Association over the last 15 years.