About this Event
Join us for the next event in Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University’s Excellence Series, where we showcase outstanding scholarship and real-world research shaping a more sustainable future for Aotearoa New Zealand. This series brings together leading thinkers and practitioners whose work is influencing policy, practice, and public debate, both nationally and internationally.
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) was world leading planning legislation and, despite crippling amendments, arguably still is. A child of neoliberalism it prioritised rights and the market in the planning of land use. Why, then, have both Labour and National-led coalition governments sought to replace it? How and why has it failed? And will the new regime be better?
Dr Hamish Rennie, Associate Professor of Environmental Management and Planning has spent 35 years implementing and researching the RMA. In this presentation he reflects on critical moments in the life of the RMA, the failure of science, inequities and incompetence in practice, the rural/urban divide and the lack of political fortitude. He argues that we, the people, failed the test the RMA posed and we, and our environment, will be worse off as a result.
Be part of this timely and thought-provoking discussion, and contribute to the conversation about the future of environmental governance in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Wednesday 1st April 2026
4.00pm-5.30pm
Inaka, Waimarie Building, Lincoln University & virtual livestream
Timings
4.00 pm - Networking and drinks
4.15 pm - Welcome & introduction from LU Vice-Chancellor
4.20 pm - Presentation from Speaker
4.50 pm - Summary
5.00 pm - Networking and questions over drinks and nibbles
5.30pm - Event Ends
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Lincoln University, 85084 Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln, New Zealand
NZD 0.00
