On behalf of the convenors of the 2024 RMLA Conference, it’s my pleasure to reflect and report on what was an incredible few days in New Plymouth / Ngā Motu last week. This year’s conference saw the best and brightest resource management minds from across Aotearoa gathered together to engage in important conversations about our Interwoven Futures, because wherever we’re going, we’re all going there together.  

Congratulations to all our Annual Award Winners from Friday evening. A lively event at TSB Showplace and a true celebration of excellence in the field of resource management!

New data from the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment (MBIE) shows that between April and June this year, extra coal and gas were needed to generate enough power for New Zealand homes and businesses.

A major refresh of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board has been announced.

A draft list of minerals deemed essential to New Zealand’s economy and strengthening its mineral resilience has been released for consultation.

The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai, has been monitoring the progress of 29 council and two government drinking water suppliers as they’ve developed funded plans to implement critical drinking water treatment barriers by December 2025.

The first quarterly reports on progress towards the nine Government Targets have been published. Target 9 is to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.

The Coastal Wetland Blue Carbon Policy Research in Aotearoa report was commissioned to look at the barriers and opportunities for enabling blue carbon projects in New Zealand to participate in blue carbon markets.

The Government has announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations.

The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has made a submission to the Ministry for Regulation on its agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s first priority product stewardship scheme for end-of-life tyres is now fully operational.