Events

EDS’s latest report exploring the fundamental questions for ‘phase 3’ resource management law reform is being launched in Auckland on Monday 1 September, and Wellington on Wednesday 3 September.

This report is intended to inform the government’s efforts to replace the RMA with two new laws: a Planning Act and a Natural Environment Act. It follows previous policy work on resource management reform which can be viewed on our website here.

The report, authored by Dr Greg Severinsen and informed by international comparators, critiques seven key shifts envisaged for a future system, and offers workable solutions.

• A narrower scope
• Splitting the RMA into statutes for planning and environment
• A new framework for regulatory takings
• A new set of purposes and principles
• A framework for environmental limits
• Statutory spatial planning
• A more standardised system.

Auckland Report Launch

The Auckland launch will include a presentation by Dr Greg Severinsen, followed by a panel discussion with:

• Simon Court, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for RMA Reform
• Liz Moncrieff, Lead Advocacy Officer, New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI)
• John Duguid, General Manager, Planning and Resource Consents, Auckland Council
• Alan McDonald, Head of Advocacy & Strategy, Employers & Manufacturers Association (EMA).

Date: Monday 1 September 2025

Venue: Bell Gully, Deloitte Centre, 1 Queen Street, Auckland 1010

Time: 5.00pm – 7.30pm (presentation starts 5.30pm sharp, drinks & nibbles provided)

Cost: There is no charge to attend but registration is essential

RSVP: Please secure your place by COB Wednesday 27 August

Register for the Auckland launch here.

Wellington Report Launch

The Wellington launch will include a presentation by Dr Greg Severinsen, commentary from Hon Rachel Brooking, Labour Spokesperson for the Environment & RMA Reform, followed by Q&A.

Date: Wednesday 3 September 2025

Venue: Bell Gully, Level 4/40 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Pipitea, Wellington

Time: 5.00pm – 7.30pm (presentation starts 5.30pm sharp, drinks & nibbles provided)

Cost: There is no charge to attend but registration is essential

RSVP: Please secure your place by COB Friday 29 August

Register for the Wellington launch here.

Thanks go to Forest and Bird and the Borrin Foundation for supporting this work.

Our thanks to Bell Gully for their support of these launch events. 

The 2025 conference theme is Ambition. Accountability. Action.

The theme provides a platform for discussion about the most effective interventions business leaders are taking at speed and scale, often in close collaboration with governments, across these three pillars.

Most importantly, it reflects the critical role of business in securing our ambitions for the future. With a focus on the ‘how’ – this year’s sessions will showcase examples of cutting-edge action here in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.