The premier event for environmental professionals nationwide
In a rapidly evolving world where environmental, social, economic and political challenges intersect, collaboration has emerged as a key driver of positive change. If we are to shape a more resilient, equitable and sustainable future, the need to work together has never been more important. Our theme "Interwoven Futures: Harnessing Collaborative Energy," seeks to delve into the ways in which practitioners, stakeholders, tangata whenua, and the wider community can work together to co-create solutions to address pressing environmental challenges, promote social justice, and foster economic resilience. Taranaki is at the forefront of New Zealand’s renewable energy transition and is well placed to demonstrate the transformative power of collaboration.
Keynote Speakers and Thought Leaders
Renowned experts and thought leaders will share their insights and experiences on collaborative resource management. From Iwi leaders advocating for cultural resilience to entrepreneurs driving clean tech innovation, our speakers will inspire and challenge us to think differently about our interwoven futures.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
The conference will also provide ample opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. Workshop sessions will delve into case studies, best practices, and emerging trends that showcase collaborative initiatives. Social functions will also provide an opportunity for attendees to foster the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie beyond the conference venue and to immerse themselves in the region’s vibrant art and culinary scene.
Experience Taranaki
Beyond the conference sessions, we invite you to explore the magic of the Taranaki region. Fieldtrips will allow attendees to explore Taranaki Maunga, hang ten on Surf Highway 45, meander along New Plymouth’s award winning coastal walkway, delight in the world-renowned botanical wonder that is Pukekura Park, engage with sites of historical and cultural significance, and indulge their culinary senses in the vibrant New Plymouth CBD, home to an array of eateries, coffee houses, breweries, and distilleries.
We hope you will join us at this critical juncture for resource management in Aotearoa to explore how collaborative threads can be weaved together to realise powerful possibilities and to form the fabric of positive change.
We look forward to welcoming you to Taranaki, a region like no other.
Lauren Wallace, Cam Twigley and Damian Ellerton
Co-convenors | RMLA Conference 2024
Snapshot of programme
If you haven’t seen our programme lineup, here’s a summary:
Day one
Opening dress: Hon. Christopher Bishop, Minister for RMA Reform
Keynote presentation: Dr Stefan Hajkowicz, Chief Research Consultant, CSIRO
Presentation: Environmental defenders: Past environmental controversies and insights for the future
Panels on (1) Mounga and awa settlements; (2) Future Energy; and (3) The Beauty of Collaboration
Workshops including (1) Biodiversity; (2) Case Law Update; (3) Changing the Game with Public/Private Partnerships; (4) Exploring Phase 3 of RM Reforms; (5) Innovation and cultural integration in plan making; (6) Spatial Planning - In or Out? Plus a popular Wellbeing session
Day two
Keynote presentation
Panels on (1) Freshwater: the good, the bad and reform; and (2) Our food system: weaving systemic solutions together
Field shops including (1) e-bike tour, (2) journey up Taranaki Mounga, (3) Hikoi with Hapu, (4) Oil & Gas, (5) a visit to Green School, (6) Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass
Annual Awards Dinner (be inspired and see photos from last year).
If you haven’t yet viewed the full conference programme, we encourage you to do so. Don’t miss out as spaces are filling up. Register while early bird prices are still open.
