Using the RMA to get really good outcomes

Wednesday, 29 March 2006, 8:36 am
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

Saving the Coast - Using the RMA to get really good outcomes

EDS is organising a series of free public workshops to promote awareness around coastal and landscape issues.

These workshops will be of interest to anyone with an interest in our coast including district and regional councillors, Community Board members, environmental activists, RMA practitioners, ENGO representatives and anyone concerned about the future of New Zealand's coastal areas. This is a practical session and we will hear from RM professionals, local government and community groups.

The intention of the workshop is to assist in building the capacity of both affected community groups and individuals, and councils (including staff, councillors and community board members) so that they can participate more effectively in an informed and responsible manner in decisions about the environment.

Programme and Speakers

Raewyn Peart will present an overview of the guides and talk about translating the principles in them into clear and effective action. She will canvass best practice in lakeside and landscape management and relate the content to the local context. Raewyn is qualified in law and economics and has had international experience in resource management and environmental policy. She is currently writing a book on coastal development for EDS.

Gary Taylor, Chairman of EDS, will present an overview of EDS, how it can assist local community groups to participate more constructively in decision-making processes, and provide some insights into effective conservation advocacy, including how to run a case. He will provide an update on the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill. Gary has had more than 30 years experience working as an environmental advocate and policy analyst. He has worked as a Ministerial Advisor and has held directorships on a range of public service entities.

Stephen Brown will present an illustrated talk about current thinking in landscape conservation from the perspective of a practising landscape architect. Stephen Brown is one of New Zealand's leading landscape architects. He regularly gives expert evidence in the Environment Court and is in practice in his own right in association with Kingett Mitchell.

We also have representatives from the local and regional councils speaking at each workshop, and there will be presentations by community group members also.

Timetable of Workshops

Far North and Bay of Islands

Workshop Saving the Far North Coast
Using the RMA to get really good outcomes
Venue Wharepuke Subtropical Gardens, 190 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri
Date/Time Saturday 1 April 2006, 10.00am - 12.00pm
Coromandel Peninsula

Workshop Saving the Coromandel Coast

Using the RMA to get really good outcomes

Venue Aotearoa Lodge Conference Room, 70 Racecourse Road, Whitianga
Date/Time Saturday 8 April 2006, 4.00pm - 6.00pm
Taupo Region

Workshop Saving the Lakeside and Landscape

Using the RMA to get really good outcomes

Venue Acacia Bay Community Hall, Wakeman Road, Acacia Bay
Date/Time Tuesday 2 May 2006, 4.00pm - 6.00pm

We would encourage anyone with an interest to attend, and to let anyone else who may be interested know the details. It is important that we know the numbers of those attending so please register your interest with the Environmental Defence Society - eds.org.nz.

© Scoop Media

Environmental Defence Society

EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.

Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.

EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.

EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.

EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.

Contact Environmental Defence Society

• Website - www.eds.org.nz
• Email - manager@eds.org.nz
• Phone - + 64 9 302 2972
• Link - EDS National Conference
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