2020 Awards Report

RMLA Technical Documentation Award

The purpose of this award is to recognise technical documentation which makes a significant contribution to the development of the practice of resource management and/or exhibits innovation and excellence in the technical approach used.

The award this year went to the MfE National Climate Change Risk Assessment for New Zealand.

RMLA Publication Award

This award is occasionally 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’s award went to the NZDF Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) and Landscape Guidelines.

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.

The Project award went to The Kaituna River re-diversion and Maketu Estuary Enhancement Project.

RMLA Principal Judge R J Bollard Lifetime Commemorative Award

This is an award to recognise an individual’s outstanding services to the RMLA profession over the course of a lifetime or career. It is not an annual award but is expected to be presented to exceptional individuals.

This award went to the Honourable Anthony Penrose Randerson QC.