Lisa Bazalo

Jul 23, 2024 | lexology.com | Lisa Bazalo

New Zealand has achieved record levels of renewable energy generation and consumption in recent years, with 80-85% of electricity being generated from renewable energy sources according to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority. While certainly cause for celebration, statistics like this are only sustainable in favourable weather conditions for our existing infrastructure ie ample rainfall and wind.

May 24, 2024 | lexology.com | Lisa Bazalo |Sarah McEwan |Vanessa Evitt |David Allen |Natasha Wilson

The Government has taken its first step towards implementing new climate-adaptation legislation, by announcing that the Finance and Expenditure Committee will undertake an inquiry into how New Zealand should adapt and respond to the effects of climate change. Earlier this month, and in a display of political unity, Parliament passed a unanimous motion establishing the inquiry, which is intended to support the development of policy and legislation to address climate adaptation (see here).

May 24, 2024 | lexology.com | David Allen |David Randal |Jennifer Caldwell |Thaddeus Ryan |Vanessa Evitt |Cedric Carranceja | +11 more

As previously signalled (refer to RMA reforms continue at pace), the Government has introduced the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill to provide some 'quick win' reforms to the Resource Management Act (RMA). The intention is to help deliver its wider policy outcomes on reducing regulation on the primary sector, to in turn improve the primary sector's profitability and boost export earnings.

Apr 23, 2024 | lexology.com | David Allen |David Randal |Jennifer Caldwell |Vanessa Evitt |Thaddeus Ryan |Cedric Carranceja | +11 more

With the submission period for the Fast-track Approvals Bill only just having closed, and fresh from announcing the Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years (joining aquaculture), the Government has now provided its intentions for its anticipated May 2024 round of RMA reforms - Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill.

Apr 22, 2024 | lexology.com | Anna Rosa Parker |David Broadmore |Jennifer Caldwell |Julia Gabrielle |Jack Parker |Lisa Bazalo | +2 more

On Earth Day, it's timely to reflect on hot legal topics relating to climate change and sustainability. Environmental matters unsurprisingly continue to be at the forefront of issues that businesses and public sector entities need to grapple with. The summaries below highlight some of the key issues and developments that experts across our teams are seeing in this area. Resource management reformThe Government recently introduced the Fast-track Approvals Bill.