2019 Awards Report

RMLA Awards Report 2019

RMLA Regional Award

The purpose of this award is to give recognition to an individual who has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the feel of resource management in any particular year.

This year, there were two applications; one for Mr Paul Cooney submitted from the Bay of Plenty RMA Branch, and the other for Mr Bush-King submitted from the Nelson/Marlborough RMLA Branch. Both applications related to very experienced practitioners, both who have contributed significantly in their areas of expertise, for their regions and nationally and for this reason, we awarded them both the Regional Award.

RMLA Publication Award

This award is made for publications which make a significant contribution to the advancement of best resource management practice. They can be an academic, technical or other industry journals at the discretion of the subcommittee. The criteria include:

1. Whether the publication has clearly demonstrated exceptional research and/or teaching performance;

2. Whether the publication or project made a major contribution to the profession of resource management;

3. Whether the publication demonstrates best current knowledge or practice;

4. Whether the publication makes significant contribution to the wider understanding of resource management, including an understanding by the general public; and

5. Whether it employs innovative techniques and methods of merit.

This year, the award went to the Reform of the Resource Management System: The Next Generation co-authored by Dr Greg Severinsen and Ms Raewyn Peart.

RMLA Projects Award

This award is occasionally made for projects which make a significant contribution to the development of best practice in the implementation of the RMA’s purpose and principles.

The criteria include:

1. Whether the project complied with all relevant provisions of the RMA;

2. Whether the supporting documentation complied with Schedule 4 of the RMA;

3. Whether the project demonstrated appropriate consultation practice, both with iwi and the community;

4. Whether the project demonstrates fairness between activities;

5. Whether the project has all the relevant mitigation mechanisms applied;

6. Was the supporting documentation suitable for its target audience;

7. Was best practice and current knowledge applied to effects; and

8. Were any innovative techniques and methods of merit used.

Because of the breadth and comprehensive nature of the Lyttleton Port Recovery Project, and because of unique issues that it raised in response to the Christchurch earthquakes, that this project received the award.

RMLA Outstanding Person Award

This is an award that can be given annually for outstanding contributions to the law, theory and practice of resource management.

The criteria include:

1. That the person should be nationally recognised for their activities and contribution;

2. It is not for long service, but is for a contribution that results in further development and understanding of the law, theory and practice in resource management;

3. The award can be to a person in any of the relevant legal sectors; and

4. The nominee must be an RMA member.

This year’s Outstanding Person Award went to Mr Richard Brabant.